On September 23, 2010, the House of Representatives passed a one year extension of the National Flood Insurance Program, extending the current program through September 30, 2011. The Senate passed the bill, S. 3814, on September 21 and the House passed it by voice vote on September 23. The measure now goes to the White House for the President's signature, which is expected to happen quickly. This is a clean extension, with no other provisions in the bill. (Full details can be found by searching for bill number S. 3814 on thomas.loc.gov).

The NFIP's authority had been set to expire in a week, on September 30, 2010. After several short-term authorizations this year and several periods of hiatus when new or renewing policies could not be written, this one year extension provides important stability and reliability to FEMA, Write Your Own insurance companies, realtors, homebuilders, home buyers and sellers, and to current policy holders.

During the one year reauthorization, FEMA and the Congress will continue their consideration of needed reforms to the NFIP. ASFPM will continue to provide comments to both FEMA and members of Congress as progress on reforming the program continues. Please continue to monitor ASFPM’s web site for updates on this and other important flood policy and program issues.