Walz Wins Amendment to House Flood Insurance Reform Bill

09/27/2007

(Washington, DC) - Today, Congressman Walz successfully offered an amendment to H.R. 3121, the Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007, which passed the House of Representatives late this afternoon by a vote of 263-146.

"This legislation will make long overdue changes to our flood insurance program," Walz said. "It will strengthen the program for the 5.5 million Americans who own flood insurance and add important new tools to help more homeowners and businesses receive protection from floods."

The Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007 is one of the largest overhauls of the National Flood Insurance Program since its creation in 1968. Walz said the bill will ensure the program's continued viability by phasing out unnecessary subsidies, encouraging broader participation, and increasing financial accountability within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

The legislation also included a Walz amendment that would require FEMA to update its flood maps with additional information that can be used by communities to determine their flood risk. Walz said the need for this type of information became clear following the devastating floods that occurred in southeastern Minnesota on August 18th and 19th.

"In August, flash floods hit several communities in southeastern Minnesota, in part because their flood control structures were overwhelmed. My amendment would require FEMA to map the areas in the 100-year floodplain that would flood if it were not for a flood control measure," said Walz. "This amendment provides important information to the public and to local communities that want to plan accordingly for heavy rains like those that fell in southern Minnesota."