The National Flood Insurance Program expired September 30, same as federal government funding, their extensions have been hitched ever since. At least until now.

The Omnibus obviously funds government through the end of the fiscal year – September 30 – but the NFIP’s extension only runs through July 31. That’s a good thing. Congress can actually concentrate and pass a reform-oriented reauthorization before leaving town for the August recess.

The House has already passed an evolutionary (rather than revolutionary) reform bill that continues the important but heavily indebted program for another five years. The Senate should get in gear and do the same.