Hickenlooper, Neguse, Pettersen, Krishnamoorthi Introduce Bill to Override Trump Rejection of Disaster Relief

WASHINGTON - Colorado U.S. Senators John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet together with U.S. Representatives Joe Neguse, Brittney Pettersen, and Raja Krishnamoorthi 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.

"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."

"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."

"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."

"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."

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 support of Colorado leaders:

"Colorado needs the federal government to be a reliable partner in helping our communities recover from natural disasters," said Governor Jared Polis. "Colorado did everything right to receive federal support after last year's devastating fires and floods, only to be denied twice without justification - leaving impacted communities without much-needed federal support. This legislation would ensure states get clear reasoning for any denials of major disaster funding, and allows Congress to override any denial that's not based on the facts. I appreciate Senator Bennet's leadership on this important issue and urge Congress to support this legislation for Colorado and communities across the country."

"After historic flooding damaged critical infrastructure in Pagosa Springs and Archuleta County, Colorado's request for federal support was denied without a clear explanation to understand the decision," said Shari Pierce, Pagosa Springs Mayor. "Our community is already financially strained, and this denial exacerbates the burden on our community to try to fund necessary repairs to our infrastructure. This innovative bill gives Congress the tools to advocate for communities like ours that were denied much-needed assistance. I applaud and am grateful for Senator Bennet's leadership on this legislation."

"Rural communities should not be left carrying the burden alone after disaster strikes," said Matt Salka, Chair, La Plata County Board of Commissioners. "La Plata County saw significant damage from the Southwest flooding, and the denial of federal assistance left our residents and local government to manage recovery on our own. The Disaster Declaration Transparency Act brings needed transparency and accountability to the process and helps ensure disaster decisions are based on need, not politics."

Earlier this month, Hickenlooper and Bennet released a statement on Trump's callous decision to deny Colorado's disaster aid appeal. In January, Hickenlooper and the entire Colorado delegation supported Governor Jared Polis' appeal to President Donald Trump's decision to deny Major Disaster Declarations for the Lee and Elk Fires in August 2025 and the Southwest Colorado flooding in October 2025. The lawmakers had previously sent letters in support of Governor Polis' initial requests for Major Disaster Declarations for the Lee and Elk Fires and Southwest Colorado flooding. The letters can be read HERE and HERE.

The text of the bill is available HERE.

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