On the recordApril 26, 2016
Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Providing American homeowners and businessowners more affordable consumer options in the flood insurance marketplace has been one of my top priorities since I was elected to Congress to represent central Florida and the Tampa Bay region in our Nation's Capital. Private competition in this market will lead to greater innovation and more affordable and comprehensive policies for consumers. We have seen numerous floods devastating communities across the country in recent years, most recently in Houston, and last August in my very own congressional district. Every State and every congressional district is at risk for flooding. With hurricane season just a few weeks away from beginning, it is time for Congress to take action to benefit and better protect consumers. Unfortunately, regulatory barriers and the bias of regulators favoring National Flood Insurance Program policies have prevented the development of a private flood insurance marketplace. This was not the intention of the Biggert-Waters Act. Rather, it was an unintended consequence. With that in mind, I worked with my colleague from across the aisle, Representative Patrick Murphy, to introduce H.R. 2901, the Flood Insurance Market Parity and Modernization Act.…





