AS CONGRESS WINDS down its current session, there’s little doubt that plenty of bad ideas will pop out of the woodwork as members put the finishing touches on legislation. Unfortunately, one of the worst ideas to come down the pike in quite some time–federal windstorm insurance–has gained some momentum. A federal wind insurance program has already passed the House and, although overwhelmingly rejected in the Senate, could end up attached to National Flood Insurance Program renewal that Congress has to pass between now and September 30.

In a way, it’s easy to see the reasons for the program’s appeal. Under a bill from Mississippi Democrat Gene Taylor that has passed the House of Representatives, the federal government would add wind coverage to the existing National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). In theory, the move would cost the taxpayers almost nothing nothing because the program would charge “actuarially adequate” rates, encourage policyholders to do a better job making their homes more resistant to windstorms, and make communities adopt anti-hurricane zoning codes. Most importantly for politicians and their constituents, the proposal would provide some welcome relief from insurance premiums that have more than doubled in many coastal areas.