Neguse, Bennet Introduce Bill Establishing New Congressional Pathway for States to Access Federal Disaster Money
Washington, D.C. — Today, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse and Senator Michael Bennet introduced legislation that would allow Congress to override a Presidential denial of federal disaster relief funding and create a new fast-track process to ensure states like Colorado are not left without support.
Earlier this year, President Trump denied Colorado’s request for disaster assistance for the Lee and Elk Fires in August 2025 and the Southwest Colorado flooding in October 2025. This despite both events meeting the statutory andpractical criteria for a Major Disaster Declaration as well as FEMA’s fiscal threshold to warrant federal aid.
“When natural disasters strike—from wildfires to flash floods—the Federal government must rise to the occasion and assist our communities,” said Congressman Neguse. “Natural disasters don’t discriminate based on state or political affiliation—and neither should the Federal government. That’s why I’m proud to join Senator Bennet in introducing legislation that continues the fight to ensure all Americans are provided with the critical resources necessary to recover after tragedy strikes.”
“Disasters don’t care about state lines or politics, and neither should our President’s response,” said Senator Bennet. “Following the Lee and Elk Fires andthe flooding in Southwest Colorado last year, every single member of the Colorado delegation was united: our communities needed federal assistance. The President outright rejected our calls for federal support. As natural disasters increase, Congress must be able to push past political retribution and help our cities and counties meet the challenge posed by these events.”
The bill is also championed by Colorado Senator John Hickenlooper andRepresentatives Raja Krishnamoorthi and Brittney Pettersen.
“The president is putting politics over Americans in crisis. We have to fight for a way forward,” said Senator Hickenlooper. “Disaster relief should never be tied to politics. Your zip code and your vote should not decide whether you can rebuild.”
“President Trump has repeatedly denied disaster aid requests, including ones affecting families in Illinois, leaving communities struggling to rebuild after severe storms and flooding,” said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. “Disaster relief should never depend on politics or arbitrary decisions. Our legislation empowers Congress to step in and help deliver the support states need when federal assistance is blocked. Families rebuilding after disasters deserve certainty that their government will stand with them when it matters most.”
“As wildfires become a year-round threat, Colorado communities cannot afford a federal government that turns its back on them when disaster strikes,” said Congresswoman Pettersen. “Trump denied disaster relief to Colorado multiple times all because we refused to bend the knee. The Disaster Declaration Transparency Act would change that because every community—red or blue—should have the tools needed to recover and rebuild more resilient to future threats. I'm proud to help lead this legislation and will keep fighting to make sure Colorado is never left behind again when disaster strikes.”
Specifically, this bill amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief andEmergency Assistance Act to give Congress a fast and clear way to respond when a president denies a governor’s request for a major disaster declaration. If a president rejects a request in certain cases, such as when FEMA recommends approval or when past decisions support approval, the president must notify Congress within 24 hours and provide a written explanation. After that, members of Congress can introduce a simple joint resolution within a set number of days that directs the president to approve the disaster declaration. The bill also sets up fast-track procedures in both the House and Senate to ensure a timely vote.
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