Graves Sponsors Long-Term Reauthorization of Flood Insurance Bill

Press Release

Earlier this week, Congressman Sam Graves helped introduce H.R. 5650, a long-term extension of the National Flood Insurance Program through May 31, 2011. Currently, there is a short-term extension of the program awaiting the President's signature. The program had been temporarily renewed through May of this year and has since expired.

"While I supported the short-term extension on the Floor of the House, I did so as a way to get the National Flood Insurance Program back up and running," Graves said. "With ongoing flooding on the Missouri River, many of my constituents have been reminded of just how damaging a major flood can be. A long-term reauthorization of the program is vitally important to Northwest Missouri.

"We need to bring certainty back into the equation," Graves added. "Since the program expired in May, homeowners have not been able to purchase new policies, renew current ones or even close loans on properties that require flood insurance. The legislation I've co-sponsored will ensure individuals who need this protection will be able to get it through next year, not just the next couple months when it may lapse again -- leaving them vulnerable to future flooding. A natural disaster won't wait for Congress to act yet again."

Millions of Americans, especially those in flood- and hurricane-prone areas, rely on flood insurance which is not included in a standard homeowners' policy. H.R. 5650 has been referred to the House Committee on Financial Services for further consideration.

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