WASHINGTON—U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, issued the following statement after Congress’ failure to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program, leaving many Texans exposed as hurricane season is well underway:

“It’s extremely disappointing that the Senate Democrats are blocking an extension of the National Flood Insurance Program. With a predicted busy storm season upon us, it’s essential that Texans living in floodplains have access to this insurance to protect themselves against losses from flood damage. I hope we can work together and finally pass flood insurance reform legislation that will ensure reliable access to floor insurance for homeowners and renters across the country.”

In 2008, Sen. Cornyn supported a long-term extension of the NFIP (Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007), which passed the Senate. Because differences between the Senate and House versions of this legislation were never ironed out, the bill was not signed into law. Since then, Congress has been going through the exercise of passing short-term extensions.

This year’s extension was included in a bill that also increased the deficit and raised taxes on small businesses and entrepreneurs. Last week, Sen. Cornyn co-sponsored an alternative proposal, which would have extended the NFIP without adding a dime to the $1.4 trillion deficit and would not have raised taxes. This was defeated by Senate Democrats.