Culberson, Gene Green Joint Statement on FEMA’s Refusal to Extend NFIP Deadline for Harvey Survivors

Gene Green (TX-29) and I released the following statement after FEMA announced that it will not extend the National Flood Insurance Program Proof of Loss Claim deadline. 

We are disappointed that FEMA is treating Harvey survivors differently than disaster survivors in the states of New York, New Jersey, and Louisiana. Harvey survivors were given one year less than the survivors of Superstorm Sandy and six months less than the survivors of the 2016 Louisiana floods to submit their proof of loss claims. 

Hurricane Harvey devastated our communities, and many in Houston and Harris County are still working to rebuild their homes. We know how critical this extra time is for disaster victims. The NFIP program cannot leave any policy holders impacted by Hurricane Harvey behind and an extension to allow more time for Texans to finalize their claims is critical. We urge FEMA to reconsider and grant the extension as well as encourage Texas residents to continue working with their insurer. 

Congressman Gene Green (TX-29) and I previously sent a letter to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator Brock Long urging him to extend the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) deadline by an additional six months to submit proof of loss for claims resulting from Hurricane Harvey.