Senator Bill Cassidy Advocates for Long-Term National Flood Insurance Program Extension

Impact of Recent Hurricanes

• 🌀 Hurricane Rita hit Louisiana 20 years ago this month, and Hurricane Francine struck one year ago, causing significant damage and flooding in multiple parishes.
• 💰 Hurricane Francine alone resulted in over $1.5 billion in damage across Louisiana, highlighting the need for both recovery and mitigation efforts.
• 💡 Investing in flood prevention, such as through programs like Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC), can save up to $6 in flood damage for every $1 invested.

Federal Flood Mitigation Efforts

• 💸 Louisiana has received substantial federal aid, including an $118 million grant for Hurricane Francine relief and $26 million for elevating flood-prone homes.
• 🏗️ The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act has secured over $10 billion for Louisiana, with a significant portion allocated for flood mitigation projects.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)

• 🏠 The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) has provided affordable flood insurance to Americans for 50 years, offering crucial stability.
• ⚠️ Without congressional action, the NFIP could lapse due to a government shutdown, leaving nearly 500,000 Louisianans and over 5 million Americans without coverage.
• ⏳ Congress has passed 33 short-term extensions for the NFIP in the last decade, creating uncertainty for policyholders.

Call for Stability and Long-Term Solutions

• 📢 Senator Cassidy emphasizes the need for stability and certainty for NFIP policyholders, urging Congress to act.
• 🤝 He calls for a long-term extension of the NFIP, ensuring that millions of American families can rely on their flood coverage.
• 🚨 Holding the NFIP hostage in short-term funding battles is irresponsible and endangers families who have already experienced significant flood damage.