WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate today inserted a proposal by U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for six months into a substitute version of the Senate Farm Bill.  The program extension, which was cosponsored by U.S. Sen. Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-La.), now is in H.R.2, the substitute Senate Farm Bill.  A vote on the full bill is expected Thursday.

“This is huge news for homeowners from Houma to Plain Dealing and all the points in between.  The National Flood Insurance Program is on the brink of expiring at the worst time possible.  It’s the middle of hurricane season, and we haven’t even gotten to August when the worst hurricanes typically hit,” said Sen. Kennedy.  “This six-month deal will give us time to work on a longer reauthorization and much-needed reforms.  It will also ensure that Louisiana families don’t have to worry every time it rains.”

“Louisiana families depend on the National Flood Insurance Program for peace of mind and recovery after disaster,” said Dr. Cassidy. “Preserving this program through hurricane season, as we work on a long-term reauthorization that ensures the program is affordable and sustainable, will be a big victory for homeowners.”