Lafayette Reporter

WASHINGTON - The Senate today blocked legislation proposed by Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) to extend the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for three months. This marks Kennedy's third unsuccessful attempt this month to pass a bill aimed at protecting the program.

"Protecting 5 million Americans and half-a-million Louisianians from a lapse in their flood insurance is an overwhelmingly bipartisan issue—especially in the midst of hurricane season. It's reckless to block this simple solution the day before coverage could lapse," said Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.).

The proposed extension would have ensured that the NFIP continues to protect existing and new policyholders until December 31, 2023.

In recent years, Kennedy has been a strong advocate for the NFIP:

• In September 2023, Kennedy's bill to protect flood insurance for three months failed to pass on the Senate floor. The bill aimed to extend the NFIP through December 31, 2023. [source]
• In September 2023, the Senate also blocked Kennedy's NFIP Extension Act of 2023, which aimed to extend the program through September 30, 2024. [source]
• In July 2023, Kennedy introduced the NFIP Extension Act of 2023 to prevent the program from lapsing on its expiration date. [source]
• In June 2023, Kennedy co-introduced the National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization Act, which sought to reauthorize the NFIP for five years and cap annual policy premium hikes. [source]
• In 2019, Kennedy's National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act of 2019 became law. [source]
• In 2018, Kennedy's first National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act also became law. [source]
• Additionally, Kennedy has played a role in ensuring that multiple continuing resolutions to fund the federal government have included an extension of the NFIP.

Sen. Kennedy's full remarks can be watched here.

For more information, the text of the NFIP Extension through 2023 Act can be found here.