National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) Statement on Four-Month NFIP Reauthorization

WASHINGTON, July 25, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) is pleased the U.S. House of Representatives voted to prevent a lapse of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) by extending the program's authorization until November 30, 2018. The House passed a House Amendment to S. 1182, the National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act of 2018, under suspension of the rules on July 25 by a vote of 366-52. The NFIP is currently set to expire on July 31, 2018.

"PIA is pleased that the House acted to keep NFIP flood insurance available to homeowners and businessowners," said PIA National Vice President of Government Relations Jon Gentile. "A lapse in the middle of the hurricane season could be disastrous. We believe that ensuring ongoing stability will give time for lawmakers to craft legislation that authorizes the NFIP on a long term basis, while including reforms that will ensure the success of the program."

The amendment passed by the House does not include any reforms to the program. The Senate must also pass the extension.

PIA has been actively working with Congress for more than a year to encourage the long-term reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) with needed reforms. However, last week, with both the expiration deadline and the height of the Atlantic hurricane season fast approaching, PIA endorsed a "clean" extension of the program for as long as possible, to allow lawmakers time to continue to find areas of agreement on important reforms.

"We call on the Senate to pass this bill as soon as possible to ensure there is no lapse. The House and Senate must then use these four months to come together and pass a long term extension of the program with agreed upon bipartisan reforms that recognize the key role independent agents play in delivering it to homeowners and businessowners," Gentile said.

Founded in 1931, PIA is a national trade association that represents member insurance agents and their employees who sell and service all kinds of insurance, but specialize in coverage of automobiles, homes and businesses. PIA members are Local Agents Serving Main Street America ^SM. PIA's web address is www.pianet.com

This statement is online at:
http://www.pianet.com/news/press-releases/2018/piastatementonfourmonthnfipreauthorization072518

SOURCE National Association of Professional Insurance Agents