WASHINGTON, DC—Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-3) released the following statement applauding Senate passage of the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act. This legislation would postpone the flood insurance premium increases currently impacting people residing in flood plains.

“I applaud the Senate for passing this legislation and urge Republican leadership to quickly bring it before the House of Representatives. Congress never intended to impose these types of punitive and unaffordable flood insurance premiums FEMA is imposing on some homeowners. I have heard from constituents who are expected to pay rates as much as 5,000 percent higher than they were paying. The Senate bill would rightfully delay premium increases until FEMA can complete their affordability study and ensure the new rates are affordable, while also reflecting the flood risk. This is particularly critical when homeowners have had to rebuild after Hurricane Irene and Superstorm Sandy. The House of Representatives should pass this legislation immediately.”

DeLauro is a cosponsor of the House companion bill, H.R. 3370.