Sen. Brown Issues Opening Statement at Hearing on National Flood Insurance Program

WASHINGTON, May 4 -- Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, ranking Democratic member of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, issued the following statement:

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) - ranking member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs - released the following opening statement, as prepared for delivery, at today's hearing entitled, "Reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program, Part II."

Brown's remarks, as prepared for delivery, follow.

Senator Sherrod Brown - Opening Statement

Hearing: "Reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program, Part II"

May 4, 2017

"Thank you, Chairman Crapo, for calling this hearing today.

"This is the Committee's second hearing on the Reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program, or NFIP.

"As we have discussed before, flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster facing our constituents.

"With a growing population and a changing climate, our entire nation will continue to grapple with this issue in the years ahead.

"Many often associate flooding with coastal states that bear the brunt of devastating hurricanes like Katrina and Superstorm Sandy. But we know this is an issue that affects Ohioans and all other Americans.

"The sheer power of heavy rainfall, combined with a river, stream, or other body of water can have tragic, costly results, as we're seeing right now in the Midwest.

"In my own state, Northwest Ohio is also under threat of flooding today.

"NFIP seeks to combat the effects of flooding through four interrelated components:

* Flood insurance,

* Floodplain management,

* Floodplain mapping; and

* Mitigation

"Because these activities are intertwined, it will be important for us be aware of how policy changes in one area may affect others.

"Today, we will hear stakeholders' views about reauthorization and the path forward for the NFIP.

"I am also interested to hear your views about the implementation of authorizing bills we enacted in 2012 and 2014. FEMA is still working to implement many of these changes.

"I look forward to continuing to work with Chairman Crapo and the Members of the Committee to strengthen the NFIP and the country's comprehensive approach to mitigating flood risk through a timely reauthorization.

"It is important for homebuyers that Congress not let this program expire.

"With that, I welcome each of our witnesses to the Committee. I look forward to hearing your insights on this important topic."