Waters reiterates call on Congress to reauthorize NFIP

Congress has until July 31 to reauthorize the flood insurance program

By Francis Monfort

13 Jun 2018

Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) reiterated her call on Congress to pass a long-term reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a program created by Congress to provide flood insurance for millions of families.

Congress currently has until July 31 to reauthorize the NFIP.

Waters made the call as the 2018 hurricane season begins. She said she continues to push for a long-term reauthorization of the program, instead of periodic short-term extensions, to ensure the affordability and availability of flood insurance.

“In 2017, for the first time on record, three Category 4 hurricanes made landfall in the United States and served as painful reminders of the importance of affordable and accessible flood insurance,” Waters said. “While hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria may be a distant memory for some, the road to recovery is just beginning for many in this country and we are still learning about the depths of despair in Puerto Rico with no signs of leadership from the Trump Administration.”

Waters said the last thing the US needs is for the NFIP to expire given the “failed leadership” of the Trump administration in recovery efforts. She noted recent studies which estimate that thousands more American died than previously acknowledged by the administration.

“Partisan gamesmanship and harmful reforms passed out of the House have stalled the NFIP’s reauthorization for long enough. It’s time for Congress to do its job and pass a long-term reauthorization that will ensure Americans are protected this and every hurricane season to come,” Waters said.