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The Senate rejected an amendment to the 2026 budget plan that would have created a special fund for FEMA disaster relief and hazard prevention. The vote failed in a 49-49 tie.
This vote was about an amendment proposed by Senator Adam Schiff to the broader 2026 federal budget resolution. The amendment sought to create a "deficit-neutral reserve fund." This is a budget tool that allows Congress to pass future laws ensuring FEMA spends its allocated money on infrastructure repairs and disaster prevention without increasing the total national debt. In the Senate, an amendment is a proposed change to a bill or resolution. This specific vote was held during the budget process, where many changes are considered. Because this was a simple majority vote and the result was a tie, the amendment failed to pass. The rejection means this specific provision will not be included in the Senate's final version of the budget resolution. The vote fell largely along party lines, with Democrats and two Independents voting in favor, while nearly all Republicans voted against it. The Senate will continue voting on other parts of the budget plan.
The Senate will continue to consider other amendments to the 2026 budget resolution before moving toward a final vote on the entire budget package.
OPEN BILL →Why it matters. The vote illustrates the ongoing tension in Congress between providing guaranteed funding for disaster recovery and maintaining strict control over federal spending limits.
Who’s affected. FEMA: The agency will not have this specific budget placeholder to streamline future disaster relief appropriations through this resolution. · Local Governments: Communities relying on federal public assistance and hazard mitigation grants may see less certainty in how those funds are prioritized in future budget cycles.
Democrats. The Democratic caucus voted unanimously in favor of adding the FEMA funding provision.
Republicans. Nearly all Republicans voted against the amendment, with only three members breaking ranks to support it.
On the Amendment S.Amdt. 5333 to S.Con.Res. 33 (No short title on file)
Apr 23, 2026
The Senate rejected an amendment to the 2026 budget plan that would have created a special fund for FEMA disaster relief and hazard prevention.
The vote failed in a 49-49 tie.