CSFI Legislative Update and Action Alert – December 4, 2017
Good Afternoon CSFI Stakeholders –
As you are likely aware, the NFIP is set to expire this Friday, December 8. A reauthorization is included in the Continuing Resolution (CR) legislation that will keep the government open, which will be considered this week. However, it is expected to be a close vote. Further, the reauthorization, both for the NFIP and government funding as a whole, will only extend until 12/22.
I’m reaching out today with two requests for action (sample messages below, which you are welcome to modify):
- Please reach out to your Member of Congress and urge them to vote YES on the continuing resolution in order to keep the flood insurance program authorized.
- Please reach out to your Senators to urge their support of the Continuing Resolution AND to complete a speedy, multi-year reauthorization of the NFIP that preserves affordability, increases opportunities for community and individual mitigation, improves the mapping process, and increases program participation.
- A phone call to the Washington office of your Members or an email to the staff member handling flood insurance are some of the most effective ways to communicate with your elected officials. If you do not know the appropriate staff member, simply call the Washington office and ask for the email address of the staff member handling flood insurance.
Sample message for House members:
Dear Representative XX –
I am reaching out to you today to urge your support of the proposed Continuing Resolution in the House this week, which includes an extension of the National Flood Insurance Program through December 22. If this legislation does not pass, the NFIP will expire, which will stall home closings and delay the processing of claims. A lapse is unacceptable and avoidable. Please support the CR and ensure the NFIP is reauthorized without a lapse.
Sample message for Senators:
Dear Senator XX –
I am reaching out to you today to urge your support of the proposed Continuing Resolution in the Senate this week, which includes an extension of the National Flood Insurance Program through December 22. If this legislation does not pass, the NFIP will expire, which will stall home closings and delay the processing of claims. A lapse is unacceptable and avoidable.
Further, please work with the Senate Banking Committee to complete a multi-year reauthorization of the NFIP that preserves affordability, increases opportunities for community and individual mitigation, improves the mapping process, and increases program participation before the expected December 22 expiration. The Cassidy-Gillibrand and Kennedy-Menendez bills serve as a strong foundation to advance these priorities.
Again, please work to ensure that the NFIP remains available and affordable through a short-term reauthorization this week via the CR, and through the passage of a multi-year reauthorization before December 22.
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As always, please let me know any questions.