Heckenlively Campaign: Paul Ryan votes to let flooded residents sink

Congressional candidate John Heckenlively released a statement over the weekend about Rep. Paul Ryan's vote against federal flood insurance for people like the city residents who live along the Root River. Here's the full statement: 

Residents who live along the Root River have returned to their homes after recent floods to begin the task of restoring order and assessing damage. For the last forty years, FEMA has offered low cost flood insurance to residents who live along flood plains so when disaster strikes, there is a safety net for families to repair and heal their most important asset: their home. 

This program was enacted because private insurance companies were too reluctant to offer flood insurance. After Hurricane Katrina, FEMA was overwhelmed with nearly $17 billion in claims, requiring a massive restructuring of the flood insurance program to assure it’s solvency in the future. Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA) introduced Flood Insurance Reform Priorities Act (HR 5114) to guarantee flood insurance would continue to be available for American families and businesses. On July 15, the House of Representatives passed this important legislation.

85 Republicans in the House voted in favor of Waters’ bill. However, Congressman Paul Ryan of the recently flooded First Congressional District voted against it. Mr. Ryan’s vote against flood victims demonstrates a continued disdain for his constituents in times of crisis and disaster.