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H.R. 8577119th CongressIn committeeLatest action Apr 29, 2026Decoded by AI · checked against the record
Official title: 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.
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govThe plain-language version leads. The official text is always the reference.
Congress could override a presidential refusal of a state disaster declaration, especially if that refusal conflicts with FEMA's recommendation.
40-second read · 4 questions answered below
This bill gives Congress a way to reverse a presidential decision to deny a governor's request for a major disaster declaration. If the President refuses, he must send Congress a written explanation within 24 hours. Congress could then use a fast-tracked joint resolution, with strict time limits in both chambers, to force the disaster declaration through.
This affects state governments seeking federal disaster aid and residents of states that have been denied disaster declarations. It also shifts the balance of authority between the President and Congress over federal disaster relief decisions.
Without this bill, the President's decision to deny a disaster declaration is final, with no formal congressional check. This bill creates a process that could result in a declaration being issued even after a presidential refusal.
AI-drafted summary. Verify it against the official text before you act on it. Read the official bill on Congress.gov
Right now: a House committee is reviewing it. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the President.
Latest action: — Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Rules, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.