On June 30, the Senate adopted legislation (H.R. 5569) extending the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through the end of fiscal year 2010. The House approved the measure a week earlier on June 23. The President is expected to sign the bill into law.

Authorization for the program lapsed May 31. Congressional efforts to move a longer extension of NFIP, as part of tax extension legislation (H.R. 4213), were stymied after Senate leaders were unable to secure the 60 votes necessary to invoke cloture and bring the underlying measure up for a floor vote.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has characterized the gap in NFIP’s authorization as a hiatus. During a hiatus existing policies remain in effect. However, providers are unable to issue new policies, increase coverage on existing policies or issue renewal policies.

More information on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).

MHI members can contact Jason Boehlert at jboehlert@mfghome.org.