NU Online News Service, Dec. 21, 2:48 p.m. EST
WASHINGTON–Legislation extending the National Flood Insurance Program until Feb. 28 has passed Congress.
Extending the current authorization of the program was included in Defense Department appropriations legislation that passed the Senate Saturday morning by a vote of 88-10.
The bill is likely to be signed by President Barack Obama before a temporary extension expires Wednesday.
But officials of the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America made clear they believe the respite, unlike others that have extended the program for short periods since last Sept. 30, should be the last.
"We applaud the Senate for keeping the National Flood Insurance Program in place," said Ben McKay, PCI senior vice president of federal affairs.
"We look forward to working with the House and Senate in 2010 to advocate a long-term extension that ensures the program's fiscal soundness and protects homeowners," he added.
The temporary extension was included in a continuing resolution passed Friday by the Senate.
The Defense Department budget bill also includes provisions extending federal jobless subsidies and subsidies for people who lost their health insurance when they were laid off for a similar two-week period.
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