U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) has written an op-ed in NOTUS outlining his proposal to make the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) more affordable and dependable for policyholders, especially during periods of government shutdowns. Cassidy’s plan aims to ensure that families maintain their flood insurance coverage regardless of congressional gridlock.
“There is the tragedy of the flood itself, but then there is the second tragedy of people forced to leave homes they’ve lived in for decades because once a property floods, affordable flood insurance becomes nearly impossible to secure,” wrote Dr. Cassidy.
He continued, “Americans’ flood protection should not depend on politicians’ ability to get their act together. That’s why I introduced legislation that would automatically maintain NFIP coverage if Congress misses a reauthorization deadline or if a government shutdown occurs, ensuring that families remain protected no matter what happens in Washington.”
Cassidy noted that flooding has impacted many regions across the United States, including Louisiana, Texas, New Mexico, Kentucky and New York. He referenced recent severe flooding events and described how program lapses can leave homeowners without necessary coverage at critical times.
The senator pointed out that tying NFIP reauthorization to government funding legislation makes the program vulnerable during shutdowns. He recalled last year’s 43-day government shutdown during hurricane season as an example when hundreds of thousands risked losing their coverage overnight.
“That NFIP lapse left 500,000 Louisianans and millions more across the country in jeopardy of losing their coverage. Over the past decade, Congress has passed 34 short-term extensions. Clearly, a program that is extended so often deserves a long-term solution. I have been working for years toward long-term authorization to provide stability for millions of Americans rebuilding after a flood,” Cassidy wrote.
He added: “It fixes the damage caused by the Schumer Shutdown and provides the stability millions of Americans rely on to buy, rebuild and keep their homes safe. We also need to pass a long-term extension so NFIP policyholders can rely on the program to do what it’s supposed to: provide stability.”
Cassidy concluded by urging Congress to adopt his bill so future lapses can be prevented: “Until this program is sustainable for future generations, Americans will continue to drop the program, leaving their homes vulnerable and the program under threat. I hope Congress can come together and pass my bill to prevent the NFIP from having future lapses. 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.”
Senator Cassidy holds degrees from Louisiana State University and serves as chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions according to his official website. He was elected to represent Louisiana in the U.S. Senate in 2014 after serving in both Louisiana’s State Senate and U.S. House for Louisiana’s 6th Congressional District as detailed online.
