Bennet, Hickenlooper, Krishnamoorthi, Neguse, Pettersen Introduce Legislation to Establish New Congressional Pathway for States to Claim Federal Disaster Relief

 Pursuant to Senate Policy, petitions, opinion polls, and unsolicited mass electronic communications cannot be initiated by this office for the 60-day period immediately before the date of a primary or general election. Subscribers currently receiving electronic communications from this office who wish to unsubscribe may do so here . M About About Michael Legislation News Press Releases Social Media Newsletter Archive Services Priorities Top Issues Child Tax Credit Investing in Colorado Contact Map Español Acerca de Michael Escribe a Michael Prioridades Servicios Visitando D.C. Bennet, Hickenlooper, Krishnamoorthi, Neguse, Pettersen Introduce Legislation to Establish New Congressional Pathway for States to Claim Federal Disaster Relief Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper together with U.S. Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi, Joe Neguse, and Brittney Pettersen 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 […] Apr 29, 2026 | Press Releases Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper together with U.S. Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi, Joe Neguse, and Brittney Pettersen 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 and appeal for disaster assistance for the Lee and Elk Fires in August 2025 and the Southwest Colorado flooding in October 2025. Both events met the statutory and practical criteria for a Major Disaster Declaration as well as FEMA’s fiscal threshold to warrant federal aid. “Disasters don’t care about state lines or politics, and neither should our President’s response,” said Bennet. “Following the Lee and Elk Fires and the 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 president is putting politics over Americans in crisis. We have to fight for a way forward,” said 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 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.” “When natural disasters strike — from wildfires to flash floods — the Federal government must rise to the occasion and assist our communities,” said 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.” “As wildfires become a year-round threat, Colorado communities cannot afford a federal government that turns its back on them when disaster strikes,” said 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 and Emergency 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. This legislative solution includes the supp