PIA lobbies Congress on important federal issues

Independent insurance agents from across the country convened in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, for the 2025 PIA National Advocacy Day. With legislation impacting businesses and consumers at stake, agents met with members of Congress to ensure their voices were heard.

PIACT was represented by National Director and past President Jonathan T. Black, LUTCF, CPIA, CLTC, NAMSA, NSSA.

During this year's event, these representatives, along with PIA Northeast staff, met with Nataya Tindle, congressional staffer for U.S. Sen. Christopher Murphy, D-Conn.; Erin Butler, legislative assistant for U.S. Rep. Jim Himes, D-Conn.; Ryan Casman, legislative assistant for U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes, D-Conn.; and Emily Naden, legislative assistant for U.S. Rep. John Larson, D-Conn.

Defending the state-based insurance system

PIA continues to champion the state-based insurance regulatory system, which has effectively protected consumers for over a century. Federal overreach, particularly through the Federal Insurance Office, threatens this system. PIA supports the Federal Insurance Office Elimination Act and the Insurance Data Protection Act to limit the FIO’s expanding authority and safeguard state regulators’ ability to meet local needs.

Long-term NFIP reauthorization and the role of agents

With the National Flood Insurance Program facing yet another expiration in September 2025, PIA continues its fight for long-term reauthorization. Short-term extensions create uncertainty for consumers and agents alike. PIA advocates for reforms like updated mapping, affordability programs, and continuous coverage protections that can help to stabilize the program and ensure agents can continue serving their clients.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s proposed direct-to-consumer flood insurance model threatens to bypass agents—leaving consumers to navigate complex data requirements alone. PIA argues that this will lead to confusion, especially for consumers who lack all the information needed to generate an accurate quote. This jeopardizes a consumer's ability to purchase proper flood insurance coverage. Agents remain critical in helping consumers understand their flood risks and coverage options.

Third-party lawsuit lending

PIA supports increased transparency and regulation within the litigation- financing industry. By educating federal lawmakers, PIA aims to protect consumers from potentially predatory lending practices and ensure fair treatment. Greater oversight of lawsuit lending also can help curb the rising cost of insurance premiums, which are often impacted by unchecked litigation funding. PIA’s advocacy underscores the importance of balanced regulation to safeguard both policyholders and the broader insurance market.