Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher, Congressman Troy Carter, and Colleagues Introduce Bipartisan Legislation To Prevent Flood Insurance from Lapsing During Government Shutdowns

Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07), Congressman Troy Carter (LA-02), Congressman Clay Higgins (LA-03), Congresswoman Julia Letlow (LA-05), Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04), and Congressman Cleo Fields (LA-06) introduced the National Flood Insurance Program Automatic Extension Act to prevent the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) from lapsing during future federal government shutdowns.

"When the government shuts down, new flood insurance policies cannot be issued, renewals are put on hold, and real estate transactions stall, leaving homeowners vulnerable to huge out-of-pocket losses if floods occur," said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher. "That is why I am glad to join Congressman Troy Carter, Congressman Higgins, Congresswoman Letlow, Congressman Ezell, and Congressman Fields to introduce the National Flood Insurance Program Automatic Extension Act to ensure continuous reliable coverage. Government shutdowns should not jeopardize people's homes or FEMA's ability to protect them, especially during hurricane season."

"The lapse of the National Flood Insurance Program isn't a partisan problem - it's a people problem. Families shouldn't lose their coverage or face higher premiums because of political gridlock," said Congressman Troy Carter. "Our bipartisan bill is about fairness and stability. No family should lose coverage because of a political stalemate in Washington. This bill ensures homeowners and businesses have protection when they need it most."

"Families and businesses in Louisiana should have stable access to reasonable flood insurance coverage," said Congressman Clay Higgins. "I'm not satisfied at all with the status-quo property insurance environment in America, and I am happy to co-lead this bipartisan effort to provide additional stability for NFIP policyholders… but much more needs to be done. My office will continue working to ensure that the National Flood Insurance Program remains readily available, and the larger, private insurance industry expands choice and affordability to all American property owners."

"Louisianans know all too well the toll that dangerous flooding can take on homes, families, and communities," said Congresswoman Julia Letlow. "During the recent government shutdown, families were unable to renew or access new flood insurance policies - removing a valuable lifeline for so many people. Through the NFIP Automatic Extension Act, Congress can ensure that Washington drama doesn't have real world consequences for flood-prone communities in South Louisiana."

"As someone who represents a coastal district that knows the realities of flooding all too well, I'm proud to help introduce the NFIP Automatic Extension Act," said Congressman Mike Ezell. "Families shouldn't have to worry about losing coverage or delaying a home closing because Congress missed a deadline. This bill provides the stability and certainty that homeowners, businesses, and our real estate markets deserve. Flood insurance must be available when people need it-not only when Washington gets its work done on time."

"Extending the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 simply makes sense," said Congressman Cleo Fields. "In the state of Louisiana and across the nation, millions of homeowners, insurers, and businesses rely on the NFIP as a lifeline to stay insured and rebuild after disaster. This extension gives the people the stability they deserve, and it most certainly ensures we aren't gambling with people's lives while Congress finishes the long-term reforms this program needs."