Senate News

Washington Senate Votes to Lower Work Injury Settlements Age to 40

The Washington state Senate has passed a bill to lower the age at which an injured worker can settle a claim from 53 to 40. The chamber passed Senate Bill 5513 on a 28-21 vote Tuesday after debate on whether …

Proposal To Raise Speed Limits In Idaho Clears Senate

A bid to increase speed limits on Idaho roads raced to a victory on the Senate floor, as lawmakers voted 30-4 to send it on to the House. Legal speeds would jump from 75 to 80 mph on the interstate …

Lobbyist Gives Update on Insurance-Related Bills

There are a number of bills currently under consideration by state Legislature that may be of interest to agents, brokers and insurance professionals in general. Lobbyist John Norwood, owner of Norwood Associates in Sacramento, recently issued an update on pending …

House Lawmakers Reach Deal on Russia Trade Pact, Rights Bill

The top Republican and Democrat on the House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee said on Thursday they had reached a deal to move forward on Russian trade legislation, including human rights provisions opposed by Moscow. “I am pleased that …

Russia Backs WTO Entry; U.S. Friction Persists

Russia’s upper house of parliament voted on Wednesday to ratify entry into the World Trade Organization, and now only the signature of President Vladimir Putin is needed to complete the country’s 18-year bid to join the trade rules club. Russia …

Senate Panel Approves Russia Trade, Human Rights Bill

The Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday unanimously approved a bill to ensure U.S. exporters share in the benefits of Russia’s accession to the World Trade Organization but also to punish Russian officials for human rights violations. The legislation still faces …

This is it: Senate Flood Insurance Bill Vote Coming Up

It’s almost time. After seventeen (count ’em–17) short-term extensions, almost a half dozen lapses in the program, and tons of political wrangling, a flood insurance reform bill–a real one–is going to come to the Senate floor as soon as tomorrow. …

Senate Expected to Decide Fate of Flood Insurance Program This Week

This week the Senate should reveal whether it will tackle a five-year extension with reform of the federal flood insurance program or another short-term authorization, or both. The National Flood Insurance Program is currently set to expire in 10 days …

US Congress OK’s Korea, Panama, Colombia Trade Pacts

Congress Wednesday approved long-delayed trade pacts with South Korea, Colombia and Panama that are expected to lift exports by about $13 billion a year and give U.S. employment a boost. Republicans and Democrats joined together in the House of Representatives …

Senate Panel to Hear Flood Insurance Reauthorization Bill

Insurers today will again urged federal lawmakers to reauthorize and reform the nation’s flood insurance program, which is slated to lapse on Sept. 30 if Congress does not act. At a hearing today, a Senate Banking subcommittee will hear from …