Political Quotes

“Mr. President, my remarks to the Senate will deal with the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act. I am pleased the Senate is close to considering a bill to protect homeowners and businesses from unintended increases in the cost of flood insurance. In July 2012, as part of a larger legislative package that included the highway bill and the Gulf Coast RESTORE Act, Congress passed the so-called Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act with no opportunity for amendments. The Biggert-Waters Act generally succeeded in its aim to strengthen and ensure the long-term fiscal solvency of the National Flood Insurance Program. But we need to take another look at a few of the act's reforms that are causing a great deal of consternation throughout my State and the rest of the country. At the time of its consideration by the Senate, we knew Biggert-Waters might cause modest increases in flood insurance premiums. Administration officials testified repeatedly before our committees that the increases would be manageable for American homeowners. Unfortunately, the increases have been anything but manageable, as skyrocketing premiums are driving citizens out of their homes and threatening the future viability of entire communities.…”