Letlow, Colleagues Introduce Automatic Flood Insurance Extension

The following information was released by the office of Louisiana Rep. Julia Letlow:

Today Congresswoman Julia Letlow joined Reps. Troy A. Carter, Sr., Cleo Fields, Clay Higgins, Mike Ezell, and Lizzie Fletcher in introducing the National Flood Insurance Program Automatic Extension Act of 2025. The bill ensures that the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) automatically continues its core operations even if Congress misses a scheduled reauthorization deadline.

"Louisianans know all too well the toll that dangerous flooding can take on homes, families, and communities. During the recent government shutdown, families were unable to renew or access new flood insurance policies - removing a valuable lifeline for so many people. Through the NFIP Automatic Extension Act, Congress can ensure that Washington drama doesn't have real world consequences for flood-prone communities in South Louisiana," said Rep. Letlow.

"The lapse of the National Flood Insurance Program isn't a partisan problem it's a people problem. Families shouldn't lose their coverage or face higher premiums because of political gridlock," said Rep. Carter."Our bipartisan bill is about fairness and stability. No family should lose coverage because of a political stalemate in Washington. This bill ensures homeowners and businesses have protection when they need it most."

This legislation ensures that the NFIP can continue issuing and renewing flood-insurance policies, servicing policies, paying claims, and carrying out administrative functions despite political dysfunction in Washington. Specifically, the program's Congressional authorization would automatically extend through the end of the federal fiscal year following the "terminal fiscal year," unless Congress reauthorizes it for a later date.

Background:

TheNFIPis a federal program administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) that provides flood insurance to homeowners and businesses, aiming to reduce the financial impact of flooding. The program is vital for Louisiana, a state with extensive low-lying areas and frequent exposure to hurricanes and heavy rainfall. TheNFIPhelps protect residents from devastating financial losses due to flood damage, encourages responsible development in flood-prone areas, and supports rebuilding efforts after disastersmaking it a critical safety net for Louisiana's communities. Over the last decade, Congress has passed34 short-termNFIPauthorization extensions, which have been attached to contentious government funding bills.

The National Flood Insurance Program Automatic Extension Act of 2025 was filed in response to recurring lapses and near-lapses in NFIP authorization, which have created uncertainty for homeowners, homebuyers, insurers, and lenders. Without a valid NFIP authorization, no new or renewal flood insurance policies could be issued, which could stall real-estate transactions, leave properties in flood-prone areas uninsured, and slow down housing markets, especially in areas prone to flooding.

By guaranteeing that flood insurance remains available even during legislative delays, the National Flood Insurance Program Automatic Extension Act aims to provide stability and continuity in flood-risk protection. That continuity benefits homeowners and businesses by preserving coverage and claim protections and supports the broader real estate market by reducing the risk that home closings or refinancing deals are derailed because flood insurance is unavailable when required.

Read the full bill text here.

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