[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 107 (Tuesday, July 20, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1365-E1366]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             FLOOD INSURANCE REFORM PRIORITIES ACT OF 2010

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 15, 2010

       The House in Committee of the Whole House on the State of 
     the Union had under consideration the bill (H.R. 5114) to 
     extend the authorization for the National Flood Insurance 
     Program, to identify priorities essential to reform and 
     ongoing stable functioning of the program, and for other 
     purposes:

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of this bill.
  This issue of great importance to my constituents, as multiple 
counties in New Jersey--including several in my district--have 
frequently been declared Federal disaster areas over the last decade 
because of severe, frequent floods. From Kingwood to Trenton to South 
River, thousands of central New Jersey residents have seen their homes 
and businesses ruined by these floods, which are undoubtedly being 
driven in part by global climate change that is producing more frequent 
and severe weather across our country.
  The bill before us would ensure that the National Flood Insurance 
Program is reauthorized through 2015, and it includes many homeowner-
friendly provisions. For the first time since 1994, raises the maximum 
coverage limits for flood insurance policies for residences from 
$250,000 to $335,000. The bill also delays for five years requirement 
mandating the purchase of flood insurance for homeowners in a 
neighborhood newly classified as a flood zone--so that these homeowners 
are not suddenly burdened with unexpected insurance costs. I regret 
that the House Committee on Rules refused to make in order an amendment 
I offered that would have frozen annual premium rate increases to no 
more than 10 percent annually, but I will continue to argue for such a 
freeze during conference negotiations on this bill.
  More broadly, Congress needs to take further steps to help 
communities mitigate potential flood damage.
  Last year, I secured $314,000 for the Army Corps of Engineers to 
continue Flood Mitigation in the Raritan River Basin. The funding 
supports the work of the Army Corps of Engineers to protect the region 
from flooding. As a result of the 2007 Water Resources Development Act, 
the Army Corps has begun preconstruction on flood mitigation projects 
that were recommended in the Corps feasibility report completed in 
September 2002. The project includes the construction of a storm surge 
barrier, floodwalls and levees, interior drainage facilities, and 
ecosystem restoration. The project benefits the communities of East 
Brunswick, Old Bridge and South River. Additionally, I secured $300,000 
for the City of Trenton to implement measures to protect its water 
filtration plant from flood events. Flood damage to the plant could 
cause devastating service interruptions and have an adverse impact on 
the drinking water supply. I will continue to support such preventive 
measures, even as I work to enact policies that will halt the kind of 
harmful climatic changes that are at least in part fueling the storms 
and flooding that perennially threaten our communities.

[[Page E1366]]



                          ____________________