Lawmakers in both chambers are eyeing an extension of the National Flood Insurance Program as agencies begin shutting down.
Congress has been keeping the NFIP alive through short-term extensions attached to spending legislation. With the Senate blocking competing continuing resolutions to keep the government open, the NFIP has also lapsed.
Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.), one of the program’s loudest defenders on Capitol Hill, was considering asking unanimous consent for a stand-alone extension. Sen. Bill Cassidy (R-La.) also spoke about the issue on the floor Tuesday.
Without congressional action, the Federal Emergency Management Agency program is unable to issue new policies or process renewals. That would delay real estate transactions that require the insurance.
