This bill, titled the Federal Flood Risk Management Act of 2026, aims to significantly improve the Nation's resilience to current and future flood risks by establishing a comprehensive Federal Flood Risk Management Standard . It declares that it is the policy of the United States to enhance the resiliency of communities and federal assets against flooding, recognizing that flood impacts are anticipated to increase due to climate change and development. The legislation seeks to mitigate losses affecting the environment, economic prosperity, public health, safety, and national security. The Act mandates that federal agencies provide leadership and take action to reduce flood risks, minimize impacts on human safety, and restore natural floodplain values when carrying out agency actions. Agencies must evaluate the potential effects of any action in a floodplain and ensure that their planning programs and budget requests reflect consideration of flood hazards. They are also required to prescribe procedures to implement these policies, consistent with existing law. A key provision involves the determination of floodplains, requiring agencies to use a climate-informed science approach that integrates current and future changes in flooding based on climate science. Alternatively, agencies can add a freeboard value of 2 feet to the base flood elevation for non-critical actions, and 3 feet for critical actions. This standard applies to federally funded projects, ensuring they are built to withstand higher flood levels. Agencies must consider alternatives to avoid adverse effects and incompatible development in floodplains, prioritizing natural systems, ecosystem processes, and nature-based approaches . If an action must occur in a floodplain, it must be designed to minimize harm, and public notice with an explanation and alternatives considered must be provided. Federal structures in floodplains must incorporate floodproofing, be elevated where practicable, and conspicuously delineate past and probable flood heights to raise public awareness. The bill also establishes oversight and reporting requirements. The Water Resources Council is tasked with updating the Standard at least every five years and, in consultation with the Mitigation Framework Leadership Group, will annually reassess implementation. Agencies must report on the Act's impact on their operations, and the Water Resources Council will biennially evaluate agency procedures and report its findings to Congress. Exemptions for national security or emergencies are permitted, but require public notice and factual findings.