As of press time, Congress still has not passed government funding legislation to keep the federal government open beyond Friday, Dec. 20. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is currently scheduled to expire on the same date and an extension of the program is tied to the government passing new funding legislation. 

Yesterday, a bipartisan deal was in place but fell apart in the 11th hour over objections to the size and scope of the 1,547-page bill. The bill included numerous congressional spending projects and priorities to incentivize support for the large package. Among other things, the bill included a reauthorization of the NFIP $100 billion in disaster aid, $30 billion in support for farmers, a one-year extension of the Farm Bill and a two-year extension for telehealth.

Congress is working frantically to pull together and pass a smaller legislative package to prevent a government shutdown. The Big “I" continues to communicate with members of Congress and their staff, advocating for the inclusion of agent priorities, including reauthorization of the NFIP—either as part of this package or a standalone bill.

Currently, it remains to be seen whether Congress will act fast enough to avoid a lapse of the NFIP. Ahead of a potential lapse, FEMA released a memorandum that outlines procedures if the program lapses.

Insurance agents and brokers who sell and service NFIP policies should get in touch with the Write-Your-Own (WYO) companies that they work with if they have questions about procedures in the event of a lapse in NFIP authority.

The Big “I" will continue to update members through the News & Views e-newsletter on the status of government funding and the NFIP.

Nathan Riedel is Big “I" senior vice president of federal government affairs.