National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) Statement on Senate Passage of Four-Month NFIP Extension

WASHINGTON, July 31, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) is pleased the U.S. Senate passed a four-month extension of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to November 30^th. The House passed the same measure last week. With the Senate's action today, Congress will avert a lapse of the NFIP by a matter of hours. PIA urges President Trump to sign the bill into law before midnight. 

"Millions of Americans woke up this morning not knowing whether congressional inaction would leave the flood insurance program they rely on hobbled in the height of hurricane season," said PIA National Vice President of Government Relations Jon Gentile. "The passage of a clean extension by the House and Senate is positive. That said, waiting until the last minute to act should be a thing of the past. Congress now has four months to work to find a way to provide a long-term reauthorization of the program. That work should begin today."

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.

"The tendency for Congress has been to postpone action on flood insurance," Gentile said. "Unfortunately, this leads to multiple short-term extensions and short lapses in the program.

"A long-term reauthorization of the NFIP with bipartisan reforms is more than possible. PIA will continue to work with congressional offices to find common ground on reforms in a reauthorization of the program that recognizes the key role independent agents play in delivering it to homeowners and businessowners," Gentile added.

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/piastatementonsenatepassageof4monthnfipextension073118

SOURCE National Association of Professional Insurance Agents