What does Preamble of Disaster Declaration Transparency Act of 2026 do?

This bill aims to establish a procedure for Congress to reverse a Presidential decision regarding major disaster declarations. The bill pertains to requests made by a State's Governor under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The bill's stated purpose is to provide a mechanism for Congressional oversight of Presidential disaster declarations.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Disaster Declaration Transparency Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Disaster Declaration Transparency Act of 2026

What does PROCESS FOR CONGRESSIONAL REVERSAL OF REFUSAL TO DECLARE MAJOR of Disaster Declaration Transparency Act of 2026 do?

This section amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to establish a process for Congress to reverse a presidential refusal to declare a major disaster. If the President declines a major disaster declaration contrary to FEMA's recommendation or established precedent, they must notify Congress within 24 hours. Congress can introduce a joint resolution within 14 days to override the refusal. The joint resolution must specify the disaster and request a declaration. In both the House and Senate, committees have two days to report the joint resolution; failure to do so results in automatic discharge to the calendar. Debate and amendments are limited or prohibited during consideration of the joint resolution in both chambers. The House limits debate to 4 hours, while the Senate limits it to 10 hours. If the House and Senate pass identical resolutions, the Senate votes on the House version. This section is considered a part of the rules of each House and supersedes inconsistent rules.

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Disaster Declaration Transparency Act of 2026

Last updated: 4/29/2026 · Introduced: 4/29/2026

Author: Michael Bennet (D-CO)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill establishes a process for Congress to reverse a presidential refusal to declare a major disaster if the refusal is contrary to FEMA's recommendation or established precedent.
The President must notify Congress within 24 hours of declining a major disaster declaration, triggering a 14-day window for Congress to introduce a joint resolution to override the refusal.
Congress can pass a joint resolution with limited debate and amendments to declare a major disaster, which would then supersede the President's initial refusal.

119th Congressin committeeHR. 8577(In Committee)Official page

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Other Sections

Includes provisions on preamble, short title., and 1 more.

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