Unlike the House, the Senate has refused to include any provision for group life insurance in its TRIA extension bill. The Senate compromise covers only property and casualty. The life insurance industry, led by the American Council of Life Insurers, has intensified its lobbying efforts to get group life added to the bill. They argue that a federal backstop program is needed because the life insurance market can't adjust to cover terrorism events.

Senator Chuck Hagel, R-Neb., was the only member of the Senate Banking Committee to voice his support of including group life coverage. According to Hagel, group life coverage would enhance market stability. Hagel said he would try to get group life insurance addressed again as Congress attempts to reconcile the Senate and House versions for extending TRIA.

The administration has made it clear, though, that it's against any attempt to expand the existing TRIA program.

Does it make sense to cover buildings but not people?

Will the year end without a compromise on a TRIA extension?