Representatives Troy Carter (D-LA), Mike Ezell (R-LA), and Lizzie Fletcher (D-TX) have introduced H.R.5574, a standalone bipartisan bill to reauthorize NFIP through November 21, 2025, matching the program authorization extension that was included in the September House Continuing Resolution bill.  Reps. Clay Higgins (R-LA), Barry Moore (R-AL), Dina Titus (D-NV), and Kevin Mullin (D-CA) have since cosponsored.  This legislation was filed on September 26, ahead of NFIP’s expiration and the government shutdown.  Rep. Carter commented that “We cannot allow the dysfunction of government to punish everyday Americans by letting the National Flood Insurance Program lapse, leaving families and businesses without critical protection.”  Rep Ezell added, “A shutdown shouldn’t be allowed to jeopardize disaster recovery, delay home sales, or leave flood victims waiting for the help they desperately need.  We must act now to protect our communities and ensure the NFIP remains strong and uninterrupted.”

In April, Rep. Carter, Rep. Ezell, and others also filed H.R.2822, the NFIP Authorization Extension Act, to extend program authorization through December 31, 2026, and avoid the current situation where a government shutdown causes NFIP to lapse.  This is a House companion to S.824, the NFIP Extension Act of 2025, filed by Sens. John Kennedy (R-LA) and Bill Cassidy (R-LA).

Senator Bill Cassidy (R-LA) spoke on the Senate Floor on September 10 and September 30 about the importance of NFIP reauthorization.  Senator Cassidy stated, “I’ll tell you what the American people care about.  They want the government to do its job.  They want disaster recovery when it’s needed.  They want flood insurance that works.”