Rep. MacArthur Hosts Bicameral Meeting, Urges Colleagues to Reform, Pass NFIP Reauthorization

TOMS RIVER, New Jerse, Oct. 1 -- Rep. Tom MacArthur, R-New Jersey, issued the following news release:

Congressman Tom MacArthur, whose district was devastated by Superstorm Sandy, met with House and Senate colleagues on Thursday to discuss the status of long-term reform of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Attendees of this bicameral, bipartisan meeting included Senator Bill Cassidy, Senator Mike Rounds, House Majority Whip Steve Scalise, and senior congressional staff. Congressmen MacArthur and Scalise organized and ran the meeting.

"I had a productive meeting with a bipartisan group of lawmakers and senior staff regarding ongoing efforts to reform the NFIP. Those in South Jersey know all too well the need for the flood insurance program after a devastating storm. Making the NFIP more reliable for my constituents is a main reason why I sought a seat on the Financial Services Committee," said Congressman MacArthur. "I urged my colleagues to consider provisions that limit premium increases, increase mitigation coverage, and require more accountability at FEMA. These reforms will better serve those in South Jersey and the 140 million Americans living in coastal counties. I was encouraged by our discussion and I look forward to continue spearheading policies that achieve long-term stability for the program. Under no circumstances will I allow the NFIP to lapse on November 30th."

In July, despite opposition from leaders in his own party, MacArthur successfully led a bipartisan effort to extend the NFIP through hurricane season, November 30th. Last fall, the House passed a five-year reauthorization of the program that included many policies championed by Rep. MacArthur; however, the Senate has failed to vote on the bill.