WASHINGTON.C., December 22, 2018 — The Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I") today released the following statement from Charles Symington, Big “I" senior vice president of external, industry and government affairs on the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) extension through May 31, 2019. 

 “The Big 'I' thanks Congress for passing legislation to extend the NFIP into next year. And we thank the President for quickly signing the legislation to avoid a lapse. Since expiring in September 2017, the NFIP has unfortunately seen multiple stop-gap extensions as Congress debated program reforms. While the need to reform the NFIP is pressing, it is necessary to extend the program to provide stability to the millions of policyholders who rely on it, and to allow the 116th Congress time to build consensus on program reforms. The Big 'I' looks forward to continuing to work with Congress and the administration to support a long-term reauthorization of a modernized program that would increase take-up rates for flood insurance both in the NFIP and in the private market in 2019."

Founded in 1896, the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I") is the nation's oldest and largest national association of independent insurance agents and brokers, representing a network of approximately a quarter of a million agents, brokers and their employees nationally. Its members are businesses that offer customers a choice of policies from a variety of insurance companies. Independent agents and brokers offer all lines of insurance—property, casualty, life, health, employee benefit plans and retirement products.

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