Rep. Michael Castle (R) introduced legislation to re-authorize the federal Flood Insurance Plan Tuesday, Jan. 7 with a vote expected to follow today, Wednesday, Jan. 8 or Thursday, Jan. 9. The plan is a type of insurance policy created by the federal government to protect properties in flood zones.

If passed, the legislation, also known as the National Flood Insurance Program Re-authorization Act of 2003, will be retroactive. Congress did not re-authorize the plan before recessing in December, and the insurance plan lapsed on Dec. 31, according to Elizabeth Wenk, press secretary for Rep. Castle.

"[The re-authorization] is expected to pass," said Wenk.

Wenk said Castle will introduce the legislation shortly after being sworn in. She said the swearing-in of Castle and Sen. Joseph Biden (D) is a record of sorts.

"They both have served the longest time, Biden in the Senate, and Castle in Congress, from Delaware than anybody else in a long time," Wenk said.

She added there are many issues lawmakers need to address--the greatest being the federal budget. Wenk said Castle also plans to obtain funding for beach replenishment. However, she said there are many pressing issues Congress needs to consider, including the war on terrorism, the action with Iraq and the ebbing economy.

"They are going to start tackling issues of the budget that we didn't finish," Wenk said.

She also announced Castle will be meeting with Sussex County Council sometime in the next few weeks to discuss issues concerning residents of the county.

Robert Stickels, Sussex County administrator, said no date has been confirmed for the meeting, but he plans to announce it as soon as he knows.

Congress will take a short recess after this week and will start up again in February, according to Wenk. However, before they take their first recess, flood insurance will be addressed. Wenk said she is confident the plan will be re-authorized.

Reach Roxann Moore at (302) 537-1881, ext. 108, or by e-mail at mailto:rmoore@smgpo.gannett.com

Originally published Wednesday, January 8, 2003