NFIP Extension Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 5577
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 1
- Policy Area
- Finance and Financial Sector
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-01-15: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 391.
- Last Updated
- 2026-06-11T05:06:26Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The NFIP Extension Act of 2026 aims to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), a federal program that provides flood insurance to property owners in flood-prone areas. The NFIP helps cover financial losses from flooding, which private insurers often do not cover, and supports disaster recovery efforts.
Key Provisions
- Extension of Financing Authority: Updates the law to allow the NFIP to continue receiving funding through September 30, 2026 (previously set to expire on September 30, 2023).
- Extension of Program Expiration: Prolongs the overall operation of the NFIP until September 30, 2026, ensuring the program does not terminate prematurely.
- Retroactive Effective Date: If the bill becomes law after January 30, 2026, the extensions apply as if they were enacted on that earlier date, preventing any gaps in coverage.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill amends two sections of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968:
- It replaces the 2023 expiration dates in the financing and program expiration provisions with 2026 dates.
- No new programs, fees, or eligibility rules are added; it is a simple three-year extension to maintain the status quo.
Potential Impacts
- On Government Agencies: The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which administers the NFIP, can continue operations without interruption, avoiding administrative disruptions and potential legal challenges from a program lapse.
- On Citizens: Homeowners, renters, and businesses in flood-risk areas (about 20% of U.S. properties) retain access to affordable flood insurance, reducing personal financial risks from floods, which cause billions in annual damage.
- On International Relations: Minimal direct impact, though it indirectly supports U.S. coastal and riverine communities, potentially stabilizing economic activities in regions with international trade (e.g., ports).
- Overall, it prevents a coverage gap that could lead to increased uninsured losses and higher federal disaster aid costs.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Property Owners and Renters: Primary beneficiaries, as they rely on NFIP policies for protection against flood damage.
- Insurance Industry: Private insurers partner with the NFIP to sell and service policies; extension ensures ongoing business stability.
- Federal Government (FEMA and Treasury): Manages program funding and claims; avoids fiscal strain from emergency extensions.
- State and Local Governments: Benefit from reduced post-flood recovery burdens in high-risk areas like coastal states (e.g., Florida, Texas).
- Communities in Flood-Prone Areas: Includes urban and rural areas nationwide, with sponsors from flood-vulnerable districts indicating bipartisan regional interest.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Provides continuity to a longstanding program under the Commerce Clause (federal authority over interstate economic impacts of disasters); the retroactive clause ensures seamless implementation without retrofitting claims.
- Constitutional: No significant challenges, as it aligns with Congress's spending power for public welfare and disaster mitigation.
- Political: Demonstrates cross-party support (bipartisan sponsors from both chambers), reflecting the program's popularity amid rising flood risks from climate change. It avoids controversy by not introducing reforms, focusing on short-term stability rather than long-term solvency debates.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Garbarino, Andrew R. [R-NY-2]
Cosponsors (6)
Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1], Rep. Van Drew, Jefferson [R-NJ-2], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Moskowitz, Jared [D-FL-23], Rep. LaLota, Nick [R-NY-1], Rep. Gottheimer, Josh [D-NJ-5]
Recent Actions
- 2026-01-15: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 391.
- 2026-01-15: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Financial Services. H. Rept. 119-456.
- 2026-01-15: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Financial Services. H. Rept. 119-456.
- 2025-12-17: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 53 - 0.
- 2025-12-17: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-12-16: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2025-09-26: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- 2025-09-26: Introduced in House
- 2025-09-26: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- NFIP Extension Act of 2026 — issued 2025-09-26 — PDF (2 pages)
- NFIP Extension Act of 2026 — issued 2026-01-15 — PDF (4 pages)