WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Don Davis, D-N.C., is urging Congress to restore the National Flood Insurance Program as part of any deal to end the federal government shutdown, warning that the lapse is hurting eastern North Carolina homeowners and small businesses.

“Each day the shutdown continues, more homebuyers, sellers, and small businesses are put at risk,” Davis said in a statement. “Congress must act urgently to restore the National Flood Insurance Program, a lifeline for eastern North Carolina. Our hardworking families cannot afford another day of uncertainty during hurricane season.”

The NFIP’s authority expired Sept. 30, halting the issuance and renewal of flood insurance policies and delaying mortgage closings across the country. In North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District alone, more than 11,000 NFIP policies provide over $3.2 billion in insured value, according to Davis’s office.

Many rural and coastal residents rely on the federal program because private flood insurance is often too costly or unavailable.

Davis said restoring the program is critical as the region remains vulnerable during hurricane season.