FEMA slammed for halting flood claims during shutdown

Lawmakers and industry groups are slamming the Federal Emergency Management Agency for a decision announced Wednesday to stop processing flood insurance claims due to the federal shutdown.

The critics argue an extension of the National Flood Insurance Program passed prior to the shutdown should allow the agency to continue to do essential functions and fulfill the claims. Instead, victims of flooding who did not have claims already approved by the agency or those whose existing policies lapse during the shutdown will find themselves without federal assistance.