U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) addressed the U.S. Senate, urging Congress to act before the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is set to expire on September 30. Cassidy warned that a lapse in the program could leave nearly 500,000 Louisianans and millions of Americans nationwide without flood insurance coverage during hurricane season.
“It is irresponsible for Congress to continue to make families hold their breath and hope the rug will not be pulled out from beneath them. It is a pattern that should end,” said Dr. Cassidy.
“Let’s keep the National Flood Insurance Program alive—and then let’s keep it strong, reliable, and worthy of the trust that millions of American families place in it every day,” continued Dr. Cassidy.
Cassidy highlighted past efforts to strengthen Louisiana’s infrastructure following major storms such as Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Francine. He noted federal recovery aid including a $118 million grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for Hurricane Francine relief, as well as funding through FEMA’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) program.
He also referenced over $10 billion secured for Louisiana through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, much of which has been allocated for flood mitigation projects across various parishes in the state.
Cassidy criticized repeated short-term extensions of NFIP—thirty-three times in ten years—and called for a long-term solution so policyholders can rely on stable coverage. He pointed out that if Congress does not fund the government by September 30, NFIP would lapse, putting many at risk just as hurricane season continues.
The senator also mentioned his legislative efforts this year, including introducing a bill to extend NFIP through December 31, 2026, and proposing a tax credit aimed at helping low- and middle-income households manage rising flood insurance premiums.
Cassidy concluded his remarks by emphasizing the need for certainty: “A program that millions rely on—nearly 500,000 in Louisiana alone—should not be held hostage by short-term funding battles.”
