WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sens. John Kennedy (R-La.) today introduced two bills to prevent the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) from expiring at the end of May.  One bill, the National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act of 2019, is a short-term extension until Sept. 30, 2019.  The other bill, the National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act, is an 18-month extension until Dec. 1, 2020.

“Hurricane season is just around the corner.  Obviously, my preference is to extend the NFIP for 18 months to give families peace of mind.  I’m going to give the Senate two options just to make sure the program doesn’t expire,” said Sen. Kennedy.  “Too many people rely on the NFIP to protect their homes for it to lapse.  We need to renew it, and then we need to get serious about reforms that will make the program more sustainable for the future.”

The National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act of 2019 is similar to legislation that passed the U.S. House this week authorizing an extension until Sept. 30.

More than five million NFIP policies are in force across the U.S.  In Louisiana, the number of policies totals about 500,000.

Since his election to the U.S. Senate, Sen. Kennedy has fought for much-needed reforms to the NFIP that will keep the program affordable while making it more cost-effective.   His proposals have included limiting premium increases while addressing abuse among Write Your Own companies.

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