uses when conducting preliminary damage assessments for the purposes of providing assistance under section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42. U.S.C. 5174). (b) Contents The Comptroller General shall include in the study conducted under subsection (a) the following: (1) A comparison of the process and procedures used by the Federal Emergency Management Agency to complete preliminary damage assessments to the process and procedures used by private insurance companies following a major disaster. (2) A review of training provided to individuals conducting preliminary damage assessments. (3) A comparison of damage estimates for homes owned by individuals above the national median income to homes owned by individuals at or below the national median income. 14. Applicability The amendments made by sections 4, 5, 7, 8, and 11 shall only apply to amounts appropriated on or after the date of enactment of this Act. 15. GAO report to Congress on challenges under public assistance alternative procedures (a) In general The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study on the challenges to States and Territories of the United States in obtaining assistance under section 428 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5189f ). (b) Contents In conducting the study described in subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall study the challenges for assistance described in subsection (a) faced by the following: (1) Rural areas, as such term is defined in section 423 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5189a ). (2) Small impoverished communities, as such term is defined in section 203 of such Act. (3) Other communities, areas, or individuals that the Comptroller General determines pertinent. (c) Report to congress Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to Congress a report describing the results of the study required under