FEMA Administrator Questioned Over Sandy Flood Claims

August 1, 2014

The head of the Federal Emergency Management Agency has asked an independent watchdog to examine whether the flood-insurance program is shortchanging Superstorm Sandy victims.

Administrator Craig Fugate testified before a subcommittee chaired by Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) on Wednesday.

The Record newspaper reports the New Jersey Democrat and other lawmakers told Fugate they’ve received hundreds of complaints about Sandy-related claims.

Fugate says he’s asked FEMA’s inspector general to ensure the agency provides rapid payments without making fraud protection its only goal.

FEMA says a third of the 236,000 flood insurance policies in effect in New Jersey had a claim after Sandy.

Fugate also asked the watchdog to examine claims by Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) that lawyers representing insurers were making appeals last longer to increase their fees.

Related Articles:
Senate Committee Holds Hearing on Flood Claims Process After Sandy
Mass. Gov. OKs Bill Tying Required Flood Coverage Amount to Mortgage Balance

Topics Claims Flood

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