Short-term extensions create 'an unhealthy level of uncertainty,' he says
Authorization for the federal flood insurance program expires May 31, and Sen. David Vitter, R-La., says it's long past time for the Senate to pass a five-year extension that includes some badly needed changes. So, he said, the next bill that comes up to the Senate, he will try to add extension legislation that was approved by the Senate last year. He said it would include some amendments that have been agreed to by both Republicans and Democrats to the measure, which was approved last year by the Senate Banking Committee.
U.S. Sen. David Vitter"We really, really need to act for the good of the country and the economy," Vitter said during a Senate flood insurance hearing Wednesday. "And we need to act in a longer-term way, not just another Band-Aid, another short-term extension which creates and continues an unhealthy level of uncertainty."
Sen. Jon Tester, D-Mont., said he agreed with Vitter. "Absolutely," Tester said. "And I don't think flood insurance should be controversial or partisan either. It impacts everybody."
Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., also wrote a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid to ask him to bring a flood insurance bill to the Senate floor quickly. Once the Senate passes a bill, it would have to be reconciled with a different flood insurance extension measure that passed the House last year.
Bruce Alpert can be reached at balpert@timespicayune.com or 202.450.1406. Jonathan Tilove can be reached at jtilove@timespicayune.com or 202.450.1404.