VRW Conspirator,
The additional clause you suggest seems fine and in order.
But realize that Congressional declarations of catastrophe occurring within a State will in no way authorize the Congress to lay and collect additional taxes. If Congress declares a catastrophe (whether by simple bicameral majority or super bicameral majority) at that point they can grant a tax exemption, deduction, or credit to the State under strain. So there is no motivation for even a plurality (or even a sizable minority)of representatives to give a State a big ol’ honkin’ tax break. That doesn’t put revenue in their US Treasury - it takes money out.
Fair assessment. But constraining the federal government in paramount. I would like to see this declaration of catastrophe limited to voting on for each state. In other words, if there is another Katrina disaster. then Congress will have to vote on each state getting this special treatment - no blanket, unlimited authorization.
I could see a Dem controlled congress giving special tratment to a Dem state such as Maine or Hawaii. Call me paranoid.