S. 4433 — Disaster Declaration Transparency Act of 2026

This section establishes a process for Congress to reverse a presidential refusal to declare a major disaster under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. It requires the President to notify the Speaker of the House and President of the Senate within 24 hours of a covered refusal—defined as declining a Governor’s request contrary to a recommendation by the FEMA Administrator or based on a recommendation contrary to established precedent—and to provide a written explanation. The section further authorizes expedited consideration of a covered joint resolution, which may be introduced in either chamber by the majority or minority leader (or their designees) within 14 calendar days of notification and which directs the President to declare the major disaster. It provides for automatic discharge from committee after 2 calendar days, limits House debate to 4 hours and Senate debate to 10 hours, waives points of order and amendments, and requires a final vote without intervening motions.