U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy, M.D. (R-LA) called on Mar. 23 for changes to the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to make coverage more affordable and reliable for Louisiana families as hurricane season approaches.
Cassidy’s appeal comes as many residents face rising costs under FEMA’s Risk Rating 2.0, which he said has led tens of thousands in Louisiana to drop their flood insurance policies due to high premiums. The senator emphasized the need for reforms that would prevent further rate hikes and ensure continued coverage even during government shutdowns.
“I understand, as does President Trump, that Americans are tired of being ripped off. In 2019, we worked together to delay Risk Rating 2.0 for a year. Now, I want to do it again—permanently,” Cassidy said in his op-ed published in the American Press.
He added: “Let’s make flood insurance reliable, accountable, and affordable again.”
According to Cassidy, approximately 70,000 policyholders dropped their NFIP coverage between 2022 and 2024 in Louisiana alone; another estimated 52,000 followed suit the next year due to increasing premiums under Risk Rating 2.0—a system implemented by FEMA without Congressional approval.
Cassidy highlighted securing about $13 billion through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for projects aimed at improving flood protection across Louisiana.
In addition to his work on flood insurance reform, Cassidy serves on several Senate committees including Finance; Energy and Natural Resources; Veterans Affairs; and Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee where he is chair according to his official website. He co-founded the Greater Baton Rouge Community Clinic offering free health services according to his official website, earned undergraduate and medical degrees from Louisiana State University according to his official website, advances initiatives on health care costs reduction and coastal restoration according to his official website, and enjoys time with family including three children with his wife who is a retired breast cancer surgeon according to his official website.
Cassidy concluded by urging Congress for swift action: “Let’s make flood insurance reliable, accountable, and affordable again.”
The debate over NFIP reforms is expected continue as lawmakers consider ways address affordability while maintaining necessary protections against future disasters.
