Transparency for disaster declarations

Section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170) is amended by adding at the end the following: (d) Transparency for major disaster declarations (1) In general Upon issuing an approval or denial of a major disaster requested by a Governor of a State or the Chief Executive of an affected Indian tribal government under this section, the President shall provide to the Governor or Chief Executive a detailed justification of such approval or denial that includes— (A) an explanation of the determination that the damage caused by the disaster did or did not exceed the capacity of the State or Indian tribal government; (B) a consideration of loss of life and potential continued threats to public safety; (C) the total value of the damage caused by the disaster as estimated by the President, in consultation with the Administrator and impacted State or Indian tribal government, that was used to make the disaster declaration determination; and (D) how the President, in consultation with the Administrator— (i) determined whether the disaster impacted a rural or economically distressed community or communities; and (ii) considered whether there was severe local impact or were recent multiple disasters in the impacted area. (2) Applicability This subsection shall not apply in any case in which the President makes a declaration under this section for a major disaster that is requested through expedited procedures, including pursuant to section 206.36(d) of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations..