WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) issued the following statement today on FEMA’s decision to delay a new risk rating system for the National Flood Insurance Program: 

“This is very positive news for Louisiana families.  The fact that we live near the Gulf of Mexico doesn’t mean that we flood every other Tuesday.  We shouldn’t be punished because of geography when we supply quality seafood and work to make this country energy independent.  Most of the LNG that the U.S. exports is produced in Louisiana,” said Sen. Kennedy.  “I have serious concerns about Louisiana families being able to afford flood insurance under the proposed Risk Rating System 2.0.  The National Flood Insurance Program only makes sense if people’s premiums don’t cost as much as their mortgage.  This delay gives us time to resolve those concerns.”

During his tenure in office, Sen. Kennedy has worked to make the National Flood Insurance Program affordable and sustainable.  He recently filed the National Flood Insurance Program Consultant Accountability Act to give the FEMA Administrator the authority to fire any consultant, contractor, lawyer, or engineer, who engages in conduct that is detrimental to the mission of the National Flood Insurance Program.

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