National Jul 26, 2018

U.S. House passes a four-month extension for the NFIP

With the National Flood Insurance Program currently on track to expire July 31, 2018, the House passed an extension through Nov. 30, 2018, without adding any reforms. This would ensure the program will continue to operate throughout hurricane season and through the mid-term elections.

The July 25 vote came soon after worries the vote would be close with Financial Services Committee Chairperson Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas, opposing the legislation without reforms to the NFIP. The House leadership managed to prevail and passed the clean extension 366-52, sending the bill to the Senate. Delays may arise if senators demand reforms as part of the extension.

The House declined to reform the NFIP as part of the extension and lawmakers may not have enough time to get a bill with reforms through both chambers before the NFIP expires. The tight deadline ahead of hurricane season has lawmakers in coastal states scrambling to finalize the extension before July 31. If the NFIP is allowed to expire, click here to read what will happen to covered flood insurance policies.

PIA is pleased that the House acted to extend the NFIP, read its full statement here.