Lafayette Reporter

Sen. John Kennedy (R-La.) has accused the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) of lying about the impact of the Risk Rating 2.0 program on flood insurance premiums. Speaking in the Senate Banking Committee, Kennedy expressed his concern over the significant increase in premiums for Louisianians, stating that FEMA's claims of lower rates were false.

Kennedy stated, "[FEMA] lied. They said a million people of the 5 million people will see their rates go down. I haven't talked to a single person who's seen their rates go down. This is just an excuse to raise premiums, and they don't care. The whole purpose of the National Flood Insurance Program is to provide a product that people can afford."

He further highlighted the impact of the program on Louisiana residents, stating, "In my state, here's what the premiums have done: They said, ‘A lot of [your] people, Kennedy, they'll see it decreases.’ Terrebonne County—we call our counties ‘parishes’—305% increase. Another parish: 321%. Plaquemines Parish: 540%. FEMA lied, and they're not going to do any better."

Kennedy emphasized his dissatisfaction with FEMA's actions, pointing out that FEMA has the authority to raise premiums by 18% annually. He criticized the agency, saying, "They lied to the American people and my people, and they ought to hide their heads in a bag."

To address the issue, Kennedy introduced the National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization Act in June 2023. The act aims to reauthorize the NFIP for five years and cap annual policy premium hikes at 9%. However, Kennedy's previous attempts to pass the NFIP Extension Act in 2023 were blocked by the Senate.

Kennedy has a history of working to extend and improve the NFIP. In 2019, his National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act became law, and in 2018, his first National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act was also enacted. He has also consistently advocated for including the extension of the NFIP in continuing resolutions to fund the federal government.

The issue of rising flood insurance premiums is a significant concern for Louisiana residents who rely on the NFIP to protect their homes and businesses. Kennedy's accusations against FEMA have shed light on the impact of the Risk Rating 2.0 program and the need for affordable flood insurance options for Americans.