Senate extends flood insurance program

HOUSTON The U.S. Senate temporarily extended the National Flood Insurance Program. The vote clears the way for new flood insurance policies and renewals.

That means if President Barack Obama signs the insurance bill into law, coastal residents and other flood-prone communities can apply for federally-backed flood insurance through September 30.

The flood insurance program lapsed June 1. Any policies written during the lapse in the program will go into effect as soon as the president signs the legislation.