Unless Congress extends it, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) will expire on November 21. The NFIP is currently operating on its 13^th short-term extension since its last long-term reauthorization expired in 2017.

While Congress may try to pass a stand-alone extension of the NFIP in the next few days, it seems more likely that any NFIP extension will again be included in a short-term continuing resolution (CR) to fund the federal government. A CR needs to be passed by November 21 to avoid a government shutdown. Congressional leaders are working on a CR that would extend the federal government, and potentially the NFIP, until Friday, December 20. PIA National supports extending the NFIP for as long as possible. Please see and send this action alert asking Congress to avoid a lapse of the NFIP.

There are real consequences if the NFIP is permitted to lapse. While the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) would still be able to pay the claims of current policyholders, they would not be allowed to sell or renew policies. A lapse would also severely impact home closings for homes requiring flood insurance.  

A legislative package to provide a long-term reauthorization passed out of the House Financial Services Committee in June with PIA National’s input and support, but progress since then has stalled. PIA National is continuing to encourage a vote on the House floor of this legislation as soon as possible to keep progress moving on a long-term reauthorization.