Congress’ Failure to Renew National Flood Insurance Program During Hurricane Season Raises Concerns for the Gulf Coast

Many articles have been written about the direction of House Bill 4213. Most have focused on its treatment of unemployment benefits in the wake of the United States’ recent financial crisis. However, Congress’ failure to act on the bill provides great concern for residents of the Gulf Coast.

The Bill includes the reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance program. The program, which expired on May 31, 2010, covers flood damage claims by insured property owners.

In recent years, Hurricanes Katrina, Gustav and Ike have wrought havoc on the Gulf Coast causing scores of thousands of homes to flood. Property owners relied heavily on the National Flood Insurance program in the wake of the Hurricanes.

Hurricane season began June 1 of this year. And, thanks to Congress’ inaction, 14 days into the season, new homeowners can’t get flood insurance. Existing policy holders can’t increase or adjust their coverage. All while forecasters predict one of the most active hurricane seasons in recent years.  This season is particularly unique because it has the potential to combine the veracity of hurricane force winds and rain with the environmental catastrophe of the Gulf oil spill. The effect would be disastrous and Congress, in failing to renew the National Flood Insurance program could prevent thousands of Gulf Coast residents from properly insuring their risk.

Residents looking for guidance should review this memo from FEMA: http://www.fema.gov/pdf/nfip/w_10063.pdf

You can contact your member of Congress and urge them to renew the NFIP by clicking here:  http://contactingthecongress.org/