Disaster Declaration Transparency Act of 2026

Faster disaster aid for households

If enacted, this bill would create a fast route for Congress to require a Presidential major-disaster declaration. A "covered refusal" would apply when a Governor asks for a declaration under section 401(a) and the President declines. It must be contrary to a FEMA Administrator recommendation or based on an Administrator recommendation that departs from precedent. If a covered refusal occurs, the President would have to send a written explanation within 24 hours. The explanation would go to the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate. Within 14 calendar days of that notice, a chamber leader or a designee could introduce a covered joint resolution. The resolution would contain only one directive: that the President declare the described disaster. Committees would get 2 calendar days to report. If they do not, the committee would be discharged and the measure placed on the floor. The resolution would not be amendable. The House would limit debate to 4 hours and the Senate to 10 hours. Points of order and dilatory motions would be waived. Debate on a veto message would be limited to 10 hours. This bill would not change the legal criteria for Stafford Act disaster declarations.