WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) voted to pass a short-term reauthorization that extends the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through November 30, 2018. The current program is set to expire on July 31, 2018.
Last year, Congressman Higgins introduced the SAFE NFIP Reauthorization Act, which provided a six-year reauthorization and protected Louisiana policyholders. Using his bill as a negotiating tool, Congressman Higgins helped secure grandfathering provisions and affordability protections in H.R. 2847, the 21st Century Flood Reform Act, which passed the House in November 2017. The Senate, however, did not act on this legislation.
Congressman Higgins issued the following statement:
“Flood insurance for most Louisiana citizens is an unfortunate necessity. It is critical that the NFIP remains available for South Louisiana policyholders. This four-month reauthorization ensures that home and business owners will remain covered under the existing program, but it lacks the stability and reforms of a long-term reauthorization. The Senate’s inaction is quite frustrating and has forced these necessary extensions, although we greatly prefer long-term legislation and enhanced controls for premium expenses as written into the bill passed by the House last year. My office remains deeply engaged in negotiations to improve the National Flood Insurance Program, and I will continue to prioritize reforms that lower premiums, provide more accurate flood plain mapping, and focus on pre-disaster mitigation.”
