By a voice vote, the House on Wednesday passed the FEMA Reauthorization Act of 2012, which includes a section to allow tribes to request disaster declarations from the federal government.

Under the Stafford Act, only states can request declarations. Section 210 of H.R.2903 puts tribes on equal footing.

"Such an amendment to the Stafford Act affirms the sovereignty of tribal governments. FEMA has strong, long-standing relationships with tribal governments, and they are essential members of the emergency management team," Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Craig Fugate said in a press release.

The bill has not been considered in the Senate.

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