Disaster Declaration Transparency Act of 2026
Sponsored By: Senator Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]
Introduced
Summary
Allows Congress to force a presidential major disaster declaration after certain refusals. This bill would create a fast, narrowly focused process for Congress to overturn a President's denial when that denial meets specific criteria tied to Federal Emergency Management Agency recommendations.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Congress could compel disaster declarations
If enacted, this bill would create a narrow, fast process for Congress to force the President to declare a major disaster after a governor asks. The President would have to send a written explanation within 24 hours when the denial meets the bill's definition of a "covered refusal." Congress could file a "covered joint resolution" within 14 calendar days, introduced by party leaders, that only orders the President to declare the disaster. Committees would be discharged if they do not act in 2 calendar days, the House would have up to 4 hours of debate, and the Senate up to 10 hours, with no amendments and certain procedural points waived. The fast House rules would not apply if the resolution is a revenue measure, and each House could later change these rules.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Bennet, Michael F. [D-CO]
CO • D
Cosponsors
John Hickenlooper
CO • D
Sponsored 4/29/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov