What is the primary focus of the Stafford Act?

The primary focus of the Stafford Act is on emergency relief, as it provides the statutory framework for federal disaster response and recovery. Established in 1988, the Act allows the federal government to assist state and local governments when they are overwhelmed by a disaster or emergency, whether natural or man-made. The Stafford Act outlines the types of assistance available, such as public assistance for infrastructure repairs and individual assistance for those affected by disasters. This federal assistance is aimed at ensuring timely response, recovery, and mitigation to aid affected communities in their efforts to rebuild and restore normalcy after a disaster.

While national defense, terrorism response, and environmental protection are crucial aspects of government policy, they do not encapsulate the main purpose of the Stafford Act, which centers explicitly on providing relief and recovery support in the face of emergencies and disasters.