Rep. Scott Issues Statement Opposing 21st Century Flood Reform Act

WASHINGTON, Nov. 16 -- Rep. David Scott, D-Ga., issued the following floor statement in opposition to the 21st Century Flood Reform Act (H.R. 2874):

"Thank you ranking member Waters. First, it is very important for us to understand that flooding, Mr. Speaker, is no longer just a coastal lawmaker's problem. Flooding is now running rampant in every part of our country. So I think that every member on the floor today, every member of Congress needs to ask themselves a question and that is, are they really willing to put their name on this bill? Are you really willing to vote for this bill that will drastically raise premiums on their constituents without putting the necessary guardrails in place so those who can't afford the high costs can still buy flood insurance?

"Now one example I'm talking about is this, Mr. Speaker, and I want to make this clear. I hope there are listeners on C-SPAN, who will tune in. Call your neighbors. Call somebody to listen to this. In this bill, H.R. 2874, it will require policy holders to pay for any assistance they get when their states create affordability programs.

"Here's an example. My good friend Mr. Duffy's bill allows for the creation of a voluntary state-run affordability program, but here's the catch, Mr. Speaker. There isn't one dime of funding provided in this bill to set up and implement this program. Instead, Mr. Duffy's bill says the cost of any discount given to policy holders will have to be offset by fee increases on other policy holders within the same state.

"Now, Mr. Speaker, this is the Achilles heel in this flood insurance business. I can guarantee you this would have a gravely negative impact on all of us who are at that low and middle income. Now Mr. Speaker, I made it clear to our distinguished Chairman and Mr. Duffy that we are willing to work across party lines."

* * *

Speaker Pro Tempore: The gentleman's time has expired.

Rep. Waters: I yield to the gentleman an additional 30 seconds.

Speaker Pro Tempore: The gentleman is recognized for an additional 30 seconds.

Rep. Scott: Thank you so much Madam Ranking Member, but we offered this, as the ranking member said, as an excellent opportunity. This summer we spent week after week on this bill so we could move this bill forward in a way that would address affordability, which was a major concern of mine and the Ranking Member and those of us on our side of the aisle. So there is no affordability in here and it's very important for us to point out that this plan will put an overburden on the states and then they have to pass it on in fees to the others.

This document was posted showing the date: Nov. 14, 2017.