Louisiana senators push for long-term flood insurance extension

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — Louisiana’s U.S. Senators Bill Cassidy and John Kennedy have introduced legislation to extend the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through Dec. 31, 2026, providing homeowners with long-term stability.

The bill, introduced Thursday, would replace the short-term extensions Congress has repeatedly passed in recent years. Over the past decade, lawmakers have approved 32 short-term NFIP extensions, including one set for a vote this week in the U.S. Senate.

“The purpose of an insurance program is to provide certainty. Renewing every two months is not that,” Cassidy said in a statement. “Let’s create this certainty for homeowners, realtors, and others working to build communities.”

Kennedy emphasized the importance of the program for Louisiana residents.

“The National Flood Insurance Program isn’t perfect—but more than 400,000 Louisianians depend on it. I’m proud to help introduce this bill to give our state and millions of Americans reassurance that the program they depend on will stay in place while Congress works to improve it,” Kennedy said.

Impact of NFIP on Louisiana homeowners

More than 4.7 million Americans rely on NFIP for flood insurance coverage. In Louisiana, where flood risks remain high, the program is critical for homeowners, businesses, and local economies. Rising insurance costs have sparked growing concerns, with homeowners across the Gulf region seeing significant premium increases.

The bill has garnered support from organizations such as Greater New Orleans, Inc. (GNO, Inc.) and the National Association of Counties, both of which have called for a more stable and predictable flood insurance system.

“Rather than experiencing a 33rd short-term extension, NFIP policyholders deserve certainty, and NFIP as a program requires stability,” GNO, Inc. President Michael Hecht said. “A two-year reauthorization will provide a runway for Congress and stakeholders to work toward comprehensive NFIP reform.”

Addressing rising flood insurance costs

In addition to extending NFIP, Cassidy has introduced the Flood Insurance Affordability Tax Credit Act, which would provide a 33% refundable tax credit for low- and middle-income households enrolled in NFIP. The goal is to help offset rising flood insurance premiums, which have become a major concern for Louisiana homeowners.

Cassidy has been vocal about the need for NFIP reform, delivering multiple speeches on the U.S. Senate floor and working with stakeholders, including GNO, Inc. and the Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance.

What’s next?

The U.S. Senate will vote this week on another short-term NFIP extension while lawmakers consider the long-term proposal. If approved, Cassidy and Kennedy’s bill would provide homeowners and businesses with more than two years of flood insurance stability while Congress debates broader reforms.

Louisiana First News will continue to follow developments on this bill and its impact on Louisiana homeowners.

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