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Version 49 · Public Law · Dec 20, 2022
Disaster Assistance for Rural Communities Act
This bill authorizes the Small Business Administration (SBA) to declare a disaster in rural areas where significant damage has been incurred for the purpose of providing certain assistance.
A rural area is a county or political subdivision designated as such by the Census Bureau. Significant damage means uninsured losses of not less than 40% of the fair replacement value or pre-disaster fair market value of the damaged property (whichever is less).
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
For a rural area where the President has declared a major disaster, the SBA may declare a disaster for the purpose of providing economic injury disaster loans if (1) the state or tribal government wherein the rural area is located requests the declaration; and (2) any home, small business, private nonprofit organization, or small agricultural cooperative has incurred significant damage.
The Government Accountability Office must report on (1) any unique challenges to communities in rural areas compared to communities in urbanized areas when seeking economic injury disaster assistance, and (2) any legislative recommendations for improving access to disaster assistance for communities in rural areas.
People & committees
Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID] · R–ID
Legislative record
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Became Public Law No: 117-249.
Became Public Law No: 117-249.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 406 - 8 (Roll no. 517). (text: 12/05/2022 CR H8741)
House roll call 517 · Individual votesPassed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 406 - 8 (Roll no. 517).(text: 12/05/2022 CR H8741)
House roll call 517 · Individual votesConsidered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H8853-8854)
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
DEBATE - The House resumed debate on S. 1617.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 1617.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H8741-8742)
Ms. Velazquez moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Held at the desk.
Received in the House.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S5165; text: CR S5165)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote.(consideration: CR S5165; text: CR S5165)
By Senator Cardin from Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship filed written report. Report No. 117-103.
By Senator Cardin from Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship filed written report. Report No. 117-103.
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 278.
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Reported by Senator Cardin with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Reported by Senator Cardin with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship. Ordered to be reported with an amendment favorably.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship.
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Sep 8, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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