WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Clay Higgins (R-LA) questioned FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell this week and called on her to halt the implementation of NFIP Risk Rating 2.0, which is expected to drastically increase flood insurance costs for Louisiana policyholders.
Congressman Higgins, members of the Louisiana delegation, and bipartisan lawmakers from across the country have previously called on FEMA to delay the implementation of Risk Rating 2.0. Read their recent letter here.
Key exchanges include:
Congressman Higgins: “Regarding Risk Rating 2.0, respectfully, members of the Louisiana delegation have written several letters to your agency. This may predate your service, and I respect that but would like some answers on this. The quote from a FEMA document stated that ’97 percent of current policyholders’ premiums will either decrease or increase by about $20 per month under Risk Rating 2.0.’ We know this is not true. We’re seeing example after example after example of extreme variances in policy expense. Sometimes going from maybe $500 a year to 2,3,4,5,7 thousand a year. There are incredible disparities between the reality of the implementation of Risk Rating 2.0 and what was expected and projected and communicated by FEMA as that legislation was passed.”
Congressman Higgins: “Can you respond to that please, to this committee formally? And can we get a commitment from you today that FEMA will consider delaying the implementation of Risk Rating 2.0 until we get solid answers about the realities of what it really means to American citizens that carry National Flood Insurance Program policies?“
Administrator Criswell: “Congressman, we can certainly get back to you with any of the specific information, but Risk Rating 2.0 has been implemented, and already individuals are seeing decreases in their insurance rates, which is the first time that this program has taken equity into account to make sure people are paying for the risk that they have.”
