American Property Casualty Insurance Association Issues Statement on National Flood Insurance Program

WASHINGTON, May 29 -- The American Property Casualty Insurance Association issued the following statement by president and CEO David Sampson on the National Flood Insurance Program:

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- Communities Across the Country Vulnerable

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"Once again, as a result of the inability of the United States Congress to elevate the people's business above politics, thousands of homeowners living in flood zone properties are at risk for either not being able to buy or sell a home. Thousands more will be prevented from purchasing or renewing flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program, thereby leaving their largest financial investment financially unprotected from the most common and costly form of natural disaster just as the Atlantic hurricane season is set to begin. NFIP policyholders, consumers, and American taxpayers deserve better from their congressional representatives.

"Both Chambers have one final opportunity this week to enact legislation to prevent a lapse in the NFIP. APCIA, on behalf of our members and the millions of policyholders who rely upon this vital program, urges Congress to immediately enact legislation extending the NFIP prior to the program's lapse this Friday.

"Both the House and Senate have separately voted to extend the NFIP until September 30. They have also taken steps to avoid a program lapse in the short-term. Unfortunately, individual members in the House and Senate have, once again, brought the NFIP to the brink of a lapse, despite the clear will of each body to extend the program. We find ourselves in this predicament because Congress as a whole has made clear that the NFIP, and its close to five million policyholders, are afterthoughts and political pawns, not priorities. Indeed, not one member of Congress has bothered to introduce a long-term reauthorization for consideration.

"After ten short-term reauthorizations, all done in the waning hours prior to the lapse of the program, the United States real estate market and the millions of homeowners and renters who rely upon the NFIP, will no longer tolerate inaction. It should come as no surprise to any member of Congress that the indifference they have shown to these consumers would result in this perilous situation. That is why, in addition to immediately ensuring that the NFIP does not lapse, APCIA is calling on Congress to introduce, debate, and enact a long-term reauthorization of the NFIP before the end of this calendar year."

Representing nearly 60 percent of the U.S. property casualty insurance market, the American Property Casualty Insurance Association (APCIA) promotes and protects the viability of private competition for the benefit of consumers and insurers. APCIA represents the broadest cross-section of home, auto, and business insurers of any national trade association. APCIA members represent all sizes, structures, and regions, protecting families, communities, and businesses in the U.S. and across the globe.