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.

PIANY was represented by President Jason E. Bartow, AAI, CPIA, TRA; PIANY National Director Michael Skeele, CIC, CPIA; PIANY past President and Agents Advocacy Coalition Chairperson Fred Holender, CLU, CPCU, ChFC, MSFS; and NY-YIP Immediate past President Scott Richards. 

During this year's event, these representatives, along with PIA Northeast staff, met with U.S. Rep. John Mannion, D-N.Y., and his legislative correspondent Jason Cuomo; Andrew Cubillos, legislative aide for U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y.; Brianna Palazzolo, legislative correspondent for U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y.; Colin Witman, senior legislative correspondent for U.S. Rep. Nicholas A. Langworthy, R-N.Y.; and McKayla Mulhern, senior advisor for U.S. Rep. Timothy Kennedy, D-N.Y.

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.

Scaffold Law repeal

PIA advocates for passage of the Infrastructure Expansion Act of 2025, introduced by Rep. Nicholas Langworthy, R-N.Y., which would withhold federal funding from projects governed by the Scaffold Law, creating pressure for New York lawmakers to revisit its provisions. Although the immediate impact would fall on federally funded projects, the broader implication is clear—raising costs or limiting financing could prompt the state to adopt a new legal standard.