October 18, 2024

Following Historic Hurricanes, Brown Requests Information on Flood Insurance Program’s Funding Needs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, requested information from FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell on the National Flood Insurance Program’s (NFIP) funding and resource needs as it continues to assist those whose homes were damaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. In a letter to Criswell, Brown asked for information on NFIP’s current claims paying ability, the number of claims already filed and the anticipated claims to be filed because of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and the number of advance payments made to policyholders in connection with these events. Brown also asked how FEMA will support policyholders during the claims filing process.

“Flood insurance offered through the program helps both families and businesses rebuild and recover when their property has been damaged by a flood. As the country looks to help communities ravaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, it is critical that the National Flood Insurance Program has the resources necessary to fulfill its commitments to policyholders through prompt payment of claims. Homeowners and business owners who have paid their premiums in good faith should not be left to rebuild on their own,” said Brown.

A copy of the letter appears here and below.

Dear Administrator Criswell

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) plays a critical role in helping families and communities avoid and recover from flooding disasters. Flood insurance offered through the program helps both families and businesses rebuild and recover when their property has been damaged by a flood. As the country looks to help communities ravaged by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, it is critical that the National Flood Insurance Program has the resources necessary to fulfill its commitments to policyholders through prompt payment of claims. Homeowners and business owners who have paid their premiums in good faith should not be left to rebuild on their own.

To assist the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee in its oversight of the NFIP, please provide me with information on: NFIP’s current claims paying ability, filed and anticipated claims as a result of Hurricanes Helene and Milton, and advance payments made to policyholders in connection with these events. It is vital that policyholders receive the assistance they need to file their claims, and that those claims are paid promptly and accurately. Therefore, I also request information on how FEMA will support policyholders during the claims filing process. This should include FEMA’s plans for oversight of the claims adjustment and payment processes for these large-scale flooding events.

Thank you for your ongoing work to support disaster survivors and to ensure that NFIP policyholders receive all insurance benefits to which they are entitled. 

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