PIA Hails Passage of 5-Year Flood Insurance Bill

WASHINGTON, June 29, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The National Association of Professional Insurance Agents (PIA) is hailing passage of a five-year reauthorization bill for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Both the House and the Senate passed bipartisan legislation on June 29 that includes the five-year extension of the NFIP, along with a series of key reforms.

"This is a watershed moment for flood insurance," said Andrew C. Harris, president-elect of PIA National.

"Professional insurance agents play a vital role in delivering the federal flood program to consumers, making the program more efficient and stable and helping consumers understand a very necessary but often misunderstood coverage," Harris said. "For too long, Congress had been unable to agree on a path forward to long-term certainty. We congratulate Congress for finally breaking the legislative logjam and achieving meaningful consensus that puts the National Flood Insurance Program on a firm footing."

PIA has been actively lobbying for passage of long-term reauthorization and reform of the NFIP for several years.

The House passed the bill with a 373 to 52 vote, while the Senate passed the bill 74-19. The package awaits signature by President Obama; he is expected to sign it over the weekend.

Founded in 1931, PIA is a national trade association that represents member insurance agents and their employees who sell and service all kinds of insurance, but specialize in coverage of automobiles, homes and businesses. PIA members are Local Agents Serving Main Street America (SM). PIA's web address is www.pianet.com.

This press release online at: http://pianet.com/news/press-releases/2012/nfipbillpasses062912

SOURCE National Association of Professional Insurance Agents