This was a vote on a resolution setting a time limit for debate and determining which amendments could be offered to legislation authorizing $476 million for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which provides flood insurance coverage to property owners. (Coverage is provided to property owners in communities that agree to adopt practices intended to reduce the risk of future flooding.)

Rep. Doris Matsui (D-CA) urged support for the resolution and the underlying bill: “Floods have been, and continue to be, one of the most destructive and costly natural hazards to my hometown of Sacramento and to other communities throughout the country. The NFIP is a valuable tool in addressing the losses incurred due to these disasters, and mitigating against future disasters. The program ensures that families have access to affordable flood insurance, while making certain that their safety is protected.”

While Democrats’ remarks exclusively focused on the bill, Rep. Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL) – the only Republican to speak on this resolution – criticized the Democratic majority for making allowing more Democratic amendments than Republican amendments: “So today we will consider three minority and eight majority amendments, plus another 10 majority amendments included in the manager's amendment. That's quite a contrast. It's especially unfortunate when you consider we were told that the process was going to change, that it wasn't going to be this way. The distinguished Speaker promised the American people that her party would run the most open and bipartisan Congress in history. Yet week after week, the majority continues to block an open process.”

The House agreed to the resolution by a vote of 239-182. 238 Democrats and 1 Republican voted “yea.” 174 Republicans and 8 Democrats voted “nay.” As a result, the House proceeded to formal floor debate on legislation authorizing $476 million through 2015 on the National Flood Insurance Program.