Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) released the following statement following the inclusion of provisions in the 2014 Omnibus spending bill temporarily delaying increases in flood insurance premiums. The hikes in insurance rates are due to recent remapping by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). The $1.1 trillion Omnibus is expected to be approved by Congress later this week and would fund the government through the end of September 2014.
“I am pleased that the Omnibus bill includes provisions to postpone the exorbitant rate hikes facing millions of Americans. While this is by no means a permanent fix, this delay will provide an opportunity for FEMA to work Congress on fixing the National Flood Insurance Program deficiencies.
“Florida holds nearly 40 percent of the nation’s flood policies and faces some of the most significant effects from rising flood insurance rates. Delaying the implementation of the new FEMA maps will protect thousands of policyholders in my district and many more Floridians from more expensive premiums for the foreseeable future. I am confident that FEMA will find a way to bring relief to the millions of Americans facing rising flood insurance premiums.”
Congressman Alcee L. Hastings serves as Senior Member of the House Rules Committee, Ranking Democratic Member of the U.S. Helsinki Commission, and Co-Chairman of the Florida Delegation.
