Why It Matters
The Catholic Church Extension Society is fighting for survival funds for America’s poorest rural dioceses as natural disasters devastate communities they serve. FEMA faces a funding crisis and staff shortages that slow aid to parishes and rural congregations, while Congress debates sweeping agency reforms that could reshape disaster relief for faith-based organizations.
The Society’s challenge is securing supplementary FEMA and CDBG-DR funding before proposed reforms reshape the entire disaster relief system. Bills like the FEMA Act of 2025 propose streamlined processes and faster funding timelines. Without sustained lobbying, rural dioceses could get lost in reform chaos and funding shortfalls.
By the Numbers
The Catholic Church Extension Society has filed 17 lobbying disclosures since February 2022, totaling $770,000 in spending focused exclusively on supplementary FEMA and CDBG-DR funding for poor rural dioceses.
For the last quarter, the Society paid Holland & Knight LLP $60,000—consistent with prior quarters. The organization has worked exclusively with Holland & Knight since launching lobbying efforts, demonstrating stability in its advocacy strategy.
James Oscar Davis III brings directly relevant experience securing FEMA funding for the Florida Hospital Association. Micah J. Burbanks-Ivey has represented the Society since July 2023, appearing on eight previous disclosures totaling $480,000.
The Agenda
The Catholic Church Extension Society is lobbying exclusively for supplementary disaster relief funding through FEMA and Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) programs.
This singular focus has defined the organization’s entire lobbying history. Across 17 disclosed filings since February 2022, every issue mention has centered on supplementary FEMA and CDBG-DR funding, reflecting its mission supporting poor and rural dioceses facing natural disasters.
Broader Context
Congress is actively pursuing disaster relief reform amid mounting FEMA funding pressures and staffing shortages. The bipartisan FEMA Act of 2025 (H.R. 4669) would elevate FEMA to cabinet-level status and streamline application processes—directly benefiting rural dioceses the Society serves.
The Disaster Relief Fund faces significant shortfalls even as disaster recovery needs mount. However, federal policy has explicitly clarified that houses of worship are eligible for FEMA Public Assistance—a key advantage for the Society’s advocacy. FEMA staffing has contracted sharply, creating aid processing bottlenecks that strengthen the case for supplementary funding and reforms.
Between The Lines
Multiple high-profile congressional hearings throughout 2025 have examined FEMA’s operational capacity and funding challenges, creating both opportunities and uncertainties for the Society’s agenda.
Sweeping legislative proposals could reshape how disaster aid reaches rural communities. While The FEMA Act of 2025 (H.R. 4669) would streamline processes, The Sovereign States Emergency Management Act (H.R. 3347) proposes abolishing FEMA entirely—a fundamental threat to the Society’s strategy.
Members from disaster-prone districts are actively securing funding for constituents. Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC-11) announced $1.65 billion in CDBG-DR funds for Western North Carolina, while Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) secured resources for Maui recovery.
The Bottom Line
The Catholic Church Extension Society is lobbying for supplementary FEMA and CDBG-DR disaster funding as Congress debates sweeping federal emergency management reforms. The organization has consistently spent $770,000 on this single issue since 2022, working exclusively with Holland & Knight LLP.
The last quarter engagement comes amid significant pressure on the Disaster Relief Fund, FEMA staffing shortages, and competing congressional visions for agency restructuring. While proposed legislation like the FEMA Act of 2025 could streamline aid access for rural parishes, alternative proposals to abolish FEMA would fundamentally alter the organization’s advocacy strategy.
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