WASHINGTON, D.C.—House Majority Whip Steve Scalise (R-La.) released the following statement after the House passed an extension to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through November 30, the official end of the Atlantic Hurricane Season.
“Families in Louisiana and all across the country rely on the National Flood Insurance Program year-round to ensure their homes are protected, but NFIP is especially critical during hurricane season when the threat of flooding is at its peak. As we work towards a long-term agreement with the Senate that includes much-needed reforms to NFIP, it is critically important to provide this extension of the program now so that families and businesses have the peace of mind they need through the rest of this hurricane season.
“Let’s be clear: flooding is not just an issue that affects a handful of states. Families and small businesses in all 50 states have NFIP policies and are at risk for flooding because of one simple fact: wherever there is rain, or a river, stream or other body of water, there is potential for a flood. Whether land-locked or coastal, flooding can impact anyone. Any reform package we consider must not pull the rug out from under families. It must provide certainty and affordability to families, encourage private sector involvement, ensure strong taxpayer protections, and improve the mapping and mitigation programs within the NFIP.
“As we move forward, I’ll continue fighting for these principles. Senators Cassidy and Kennedy have been leaders on this issue in the Senate, and I know they will work to encourage the Senate to act quickly next week to pass this extension that ensures Americans have certainty in their flood insurance policies. I look forward to continuing to work with them on a long-term solution that works for Louisiana families.”