Disaster Declaration Transparency Act of 2026
To provide for a procedure for Congress to carry out a reversal of a decision by the President not to declare a major disaster requested by the Governor of a State under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, and for other purposes.
The Disaster Declaration Transparency Act of 2026 aims to create a process for Congress to challenge a President's decision not to declare a major disaster, even when a state's Governor has requested it. This would apply under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, which provides federal aid to states during disasters.
This bill would affect state Governors, federal officials, and the citizens in states experiencing disasters. If passed, it would allow Congress to review and potentially reverse the President's decision, ensuring that federal aid is provided when needed, especially during critical times.
HB8577 was introduced on April 29, 2026, in the House of Representatives. It has been referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Rules for further consideration. The bill is currently in its initial stages of the legislative process.
