The media is filled with reports of SNAP shortfalls, air traffic controller issues, and the military not being paid. Something not getting much coverage, however, is the fact that during the shutdown, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) expired — which means policies can’t be issued or renewed until Democrats end the shutdown.
With the anniversary of Hurricane Sandy this week, the lapse in the NFIP will affect Long Islanders. Every day that this shutdown drags on, more and more flood insurance policies are lapsing, and new policies cannot be issued. If another storm hits, those with lapsed policies will be left with nothing, and those who are covered may face delays in their claims.
The federal government has been shut down since October 1, as Senate Democrats refuse to pass a clean Continuing Resolution funding the government at the same levels as the Biden administration’s budget.
RNC Spokeswoman Kristen Cianci said, “Thirteen years after the devastation of Superstorm Sandy, thousands are being left unprotected from flood damage thanks to the shutdown Tom Suozzi and Laura Gillen voted for. The memory of wrecked homes and flooded streets is still fresh for so many Long Islanders. Democrats must end this shutdown and stop playing with people’s lives.”
The year of Sandy, the NFIP paid out 38,029 claims amounting to $2,863,565,150 across Nassau and Suffolk Counties. An estimated 1,300 real estate closings per day require flood coverage in Special Flood Hazard Areas — closings that cannot occur during a shutdown.
“As we mark the anniversary of Superstorm Sandy, it’s alarming that thousands of Long Islanders are at risk because of the Democrats’ Schumer Shutdown,” said Assemblyman Joseph DeStefano. “Thirteen years after Sandy, families and homeowners should not be left unprotected from flood damage. Democrats must act immediately to reopen the government and stop playing with people’s lives.”