Gap in Flood Insurance Program

Consistent with its past practice, Congress allowed the expiration date of the National Flood Insurance Program to pass without timely action, allowing the program to lapse. “Failing to act in time – again – and allowing the National Flood Insurance Program to expire is disconcerting,” said Jimi Grande, senior vice president of federal and political affairs for the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies. “If nothing else, this episode should make it clear that short-term extensions, which can be blocked by any Senator or congressional caucus, are untenable.” The NFIP was brought to the Senate for a vote just days before the program was set to expire, leaving inadequate time for the procedures required to renew the program. If recent history is any guide, the lapse will be of short duration, as the most recent extension was authorized at the end of December after the program had lapsed for nine hours. Nevertheless, after flooding in areas affected by the three blizzards that struck the eastern states this past month, Congress’ apparent indifference to the issue of flood insurance and disaster mitigation is disappointing.