Today, Sen. David Vitter (R-La.), Chairman of the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Committee, sent a letter to President Barack Obama, regarding the Administration’s recent efforts to develop expansive new federal floodplain management standards based on preconceptions in the President’s Climate Action Plan. The Obama standards could drastically change floodplain maps, which would inevitably affect flood insurance rates.

“Before President Obama begins to meddle with floodplain standards, we need an open dialogue with those directly impacted by flooding and infrastructure development,” said Vitter. “The worst part – the Administration’s plans could unnecessarily drive up flood insurance rates on small businesses and others across the country who rely on affordable flood insurance, as well as increase the costs to a plethora of government funded infrastructure projects. Right now, as they develop these massive new standards behind closed-doors, it is quite clear that these efforts are a way for Obama and his far-left environmental allies to scare the public into expanding the federal government’s role in the daily routine of America’s small businesses and American homeowners.”

Vitter has extensively fought to lower flood insurance prices. Last year, Vitter helped pass a flood insurance fix bill to protect against unaffordable rate increases. He’s also been working to get the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to reduce administrative costs of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and to increase participation in the program. According to the NFIB, nearly 40% of small businesses remain closed following a flooding disaster.

Last year, Vitter led efforts to pass the Water Resources and Reform Development Act (WRRDA) into law. As the lead Senate Republican on the conference committee who negotiated the final legislation, Vitter ensured that the bill included improved funding mechanisms to assist with flood control. In recent years, Vitter has also secured funding for flood control measures in Louisiana, enabling local officials to make key infrastructure improvements to better protect Louisianians.

Click here to read today's letter.

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