The National Flood Insurance Program was once again allowed to lapse last week, a victim of a feud between the House and Senate over proposed legislative changes.

The Senate adjourned without passing an enabling measure to keep the NFIP in business past March 28, when the current enabling law expired. Congress will not reconvene until April 12.

The House had passed H.R. 4851, which included a temporary flood program extension until April 30. That action created an impasse between the House bill and a Senate bill with a provision extending the NFIP until Dec. 31.

At the time of the House action, talks were underway with the Senate over the substance of tax cuts that would be extended under the legislation containing the NFIP extension.

"First it was a few hours, then a couple of days, and now we are looking at having the National Flood Insurance Program lapse for weeks–and each time for reasons that have little or nothing to do with the program itself," said Matt Brady, a representative for the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies.

Flood coverage will remain in place for those who have it now under guidelines from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which encompasses NFIP.

However, Mr. Brady warned, "this lapse could have a serious impact on those who are hoping to close on a home sale in the next few weeks."

He added that "once the program is reauthorized after Congress returns from recess, we hope lawmakers will take the time to enact a long-term extension with common-sense, bipartisan reforms that will ensure the financial stability of the NFIP."

Special Reports /

Senate Leaves Flood Program High & Dry

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