The U.S. Senate fast-tracked a fully intact $1.1 trillion federal spending bill crafted by the House of Representatives that included a measure that delays flood insurance premium hikes until Sept. 30. for “grandfathered-in” homeowners affected by the Biggert-Waters Act.
The measure has been pushed in the past by congressional members from coastal and frequently flooded areas, such as Rep. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), the provision’s chief sponsor.
With a passed budget under their belts, Sen. Mary Landrieu (R-La.) and other senators aim to reform the Biggert-Waters delay even further. After the congressional recess next week, senators will debate the Homeowner Flood Insurance Act, a bill that would delay flood insurance hikes by four more years and task FEMA with modernizing its flood zone maps.
“We worked together to get this one-year delay of rate increases for grandfathered properties,” said Landrieu. “We still have work to do and cannot rest until we pass the bipartisan, comprehensive Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act .”
The Senate will reconvene on Jan. 27.