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Krishnamoorthi introduces bill to override disaster aid denials
Proposal creates fast-track process for Congress to approve relief when federal aid requests are rejected.
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Malvika Choudhary - Thu, 30, Apr 2026
- 18:06 EDT
- 19
Raja Krishnamoorthi / Image provided
Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi introduced legislation that would allow Congress to override presidential denials of federal disaster aid to states and establish a fast-track process to deliver relief to affected states.
The bill, introduced alongside fellow democrats Michael Bennet, John Hickenlooper, Joe Neguse, and Brittany Pettersen, comes amid concerns over what lawmakers describe as politically motivated denials of disaster assistance.
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Lawmakers said President Donald Trump has approved a lower share of disaster aid requests from Democratic-led states compared with Republican-led states, and has taken longer to act on those requests.
“President Trump has repeatedly denied disaster aid requests, including ones affecting families in Illinois, leaving communities struggling to rebuild after severe storms and flooding,” Krishnamoorthi said.
“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,” he added.
The legislation would require the administration to notify Congress within 24 hours of certain disaster aid denials and provide a written explanation. It would also establish expedited procedures in both chambers, allowing lawmakers to authorize assistance through a fast-track joint resolution.
Bennet said the measure is necessary as natural disasters increase in frequency and intensity. “Disasters don’t care about state lines or politics, and neither should our President’s response,” he said, citing wildfires and flooding in Colorado that did not receive federal support.
Hickenlooper said disaster aid decisions should not be influenced by political considerations. “Your zip code and your vote should not decide whether you can rebuild,” he said.
Neguse and Pettersen also backed the legislation, pointing to the need for a consistent federal response to emergencies, including wildfires and floods.
The issue has drawn bipartisan concern. Illinois officials appealed multiple denials tied to severe storms, while leaders in Arkansas sought reconsideration after deadly weather events. Requests were also denied in Colorado and Wisconsin following wildfires and flooding.
In the United States, federal disaster aid is typically administered through the Federal Emergency Management Agency under the Stafford Act, which allows governors to request a presidential disaster declaration following major emergencies such as hurricanes, floods, or wildfires. Approval unlocks federal funding for recovery, infrastructure repair, and direct assistance to affected residents.
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