"Last year Congress allowed the NFIP to lapse four times for a total of 53 days during which individuals could not acquire flood insurance," Vitter said. "Each time the NFIP approaches its expiration date it causes a great deal of turmoil in the housing market because of the uncertainty surrounding the program, and we can easily prevent this from happening."
Vitter has introduced legislation to extend the NFIP through September 30, 2012. He supports a full six year extension.
In September 2010, Congress approved and President Obama signed Vitter's bill to extend the NFIP for one year, guaranteeing coverage for millions of Americans who depend on federally-issued flood insurance.