The House yesterday passed an ABA-supported measure extending the National Flood Insurance Program through Nov. 30, providing certainty for lenders and borrowers during this year’s hurricane season. Following the 366-to-52 vote, the Senate must now pass the measure to ensure authorization for the NFIP does not expire as scheduled on July 31.

ABA President and CEO Rob Nichols welcomed the House’s action. “If there is a lapse, many loan closings in high-risk areas will be delayed or otherwise complicated, resulting in additional costs and borrower frustrations,” Nichols commented. He added that “ABA strongly supports both a long-term reauthorization of the program and necessary reforms that will make the NFIP more sustainable, while also balancing concerns over availability and affordability.”

A recent ABA Banking Journal article provided tips for bankers on preparing for a possible lapse in NFIP authorization. Read the article.