Louisiana Pols Block Flood Insurance Reform

Two Louisiana senators are blocking Senate passage of a flood insurance reform bill because they are concerned that proposed increases in flood insurance premiums would be too expensive for their constituents.Sen. Mary Landrieu, a Democrat, and Sen. David Vitter, a Republican, placed the hold on the flood bill that Senate leaders wanted to pass this week by unanimous consent. Adam Sharp, a spokesman for Sen. Landrieu, said, "One of the main goals is to make the program more affordable for our constituents." The flood insurance bill (S. 3589), which was approved by the Senate Banking Committee by a 20-0 vote, could raise premiums by up to 25% a year. Committee spokesman Andrew Gray said efforts are being made to address the senators' concerns. But he noted that time is short. The Senate is expected to adjourn at the end of this week for its August recess. The flood insurance program is "broken," Mr. Gray said. "We need to have strong reforms and put the program on a more actuarially sound basis."