After the U.S. House of Representatives delayed voting on H.R. 5740 an extra day, the proposal passed Thursday with vast support, 402-18. The measure provides a one-month extension for the National Flood Insurance Program, which was set to expire May 31, but will now run through June 30.
The move is intended to give the Senate extra time to come together on a measure passed in the House last July that would reform and extend the NFIP through 2016.
Both parties in the Senate agree that amendments are needed to the long-term extension passed in the House, however, what those amendments will entail and whether they will be attached to unrelated legislation is the subject of much political bickering.
Yet, both parties agree that the program cannot expire.
“I support the House version as a temporary extension to avoid a lapse, but getting to the five-year bill is the absolute top priority,” Sen. David Vitter, R-La., said. “I’m working to get the five-year extension and reform bill included on the next issue up for debate.”
