The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big "I") today commended President Barack Obama for signing H.R. 2055, the "Consolidated Appropriations Act," (known as the mini-bus) which extends the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) until May 31, 2012, into law. The NFIP was set to expire tonight at midnight without this legislation. 

 "The Big 'I' is grateful to Congress and President Obama for making sure this latest extension became law," says Charles E. Symington Jr., Big "I" senior vice president for government affairs. "It is important to note that our work on this important issue is far from over and the next few months provide ample opportunity for Congress to pass long-term extension and reform legislation that provides the necessary certainty for consumers."

The Big "I" has noted that the program has worked for more than 40 years to help protect consumers from flood risks, and Congress has traditionally extended the program for five year periods in order to provide stability for the marketplace. Unfortunately, for the last few years Congress had only extended the program for short periods, mostly from 30 days to six months.

"Today's extension, although greatly appreciated, is just a temporary patch," says John Prible, Big "I" vice president for federal government affairs. "The Big 'I' looks forward to working with Congress and the Obama administration over the next few months to also pass a long-term extension with the reforms needed to put the NFIP on solid financial footing for the future."