Today, the House of Representatives passed an amendment offered by Representative Marion Berry (D-AR) during consideration of H.R. 3121, the Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007. The bipartisan amendment was co-sponsored by Representatives Mike Ross (D-AR), Phil Hare (D-IL), Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO), Kenny Hulshof (R-MO), and Jerry Costello (D-IL).
The amendment requires FEMA to distinguish certified levees that provide protection from special flood hazards from levees that have not been certified by the federal government on federal flood insurance rate maps. By differentiating the protections the levees provide, property owners will be more informed about the actual protection that levees provide and allowed to make their own decision in regards to purchasing flood insurance.
"FEMA's current policy is to publish an arbitrary and unscientific blanket warning of flood risks on their new flood maps, apparently to try to sell insurance for properties where it is not required and where there may never be claims" said Berry. "This common-sense, bipartisan amendment requires FEMA to give complete information about the safety of levees, which helps property owners make informed decisions when considering the risk of flooding to their homes and belongings. I am pleased that the House has recognized the need to reverse FEMA's policy and to reduce uncertainty regarding the need for flood insurance."
The amendment passed the House by voice vote. The final bill passed the House by a vote of 263 to 146.