Rep. MacArthur Issues Statement on National Flood Insurance Program Reform

WASHINGTON, Nov. 16 -- Rep. Tom MacArthur, R-N.J., issued the following statement after the House voted to the pass the National Flood Insurance Program reform package:

"Over five years ago, Superstorm Sandy devastated the Jersey Shore. Ocean County - my home - was the epicenter of the storm and half of all NJ Sandy flood claims happened here. Families across South Jersey are still dealing with the devastating effects of Superstorm Sandy, in part because of the incompetence and mismanagement of FEMA and it's contractors.

"At the start of this Congress, I sought a seat on the Financial Services Committee so I would have the opportunity to reform the National Flood Insurance Program and ensure Jersey Shore residents won't have to face this situation again. The NFIP is critical for Americans who face destruction after a natural disaster, but it is certainly not flawless.

"During the rough and tumble of this process, I fought successfully for a long-term reauthorization that ensures that every coastal resident and business has access to the flood program at affordable rates, increases investment in mitigation and instills more accountability at FEMA. I am particularly pleased that I was able to add bill language prohibiting FEMA from hiring disbarred attorneys, a bizarre practice during the Sandy claims review process.

"The people whose lives were torn apart by Sandy are hard-working Americans and I'll never stop fighting for them. I'm grateful the House of Representatives came together on a bipartisan basis and voted to protect and reform this vital program."

This document was posted showing the date: Nov. 15, 2017.