Jeffords Defection Impact
Sunday, July 8th, 2001 Legislation & Regulation Life & Health Risk ManagementThe expected change in the U.S. Senate leadership due to the decision by Sen. James Jeffords of Vermont to leave the Republican Party could have a significant impact on issues affecting the insurance industry, industry lobbyists believe. Key issues expected to be affected by the shift of control in the U.S. Senate to the Democrats include civil justice reform, privacy regulations and a proposed patients' bill of rights. "The ability to commence a conversation on an issue and schedule a vote is the most critical difference," said Phil Anderson, senior vice president of government affairs for the Washington-based American Council of Life Insurers. For example, he said, Sen. Paul Sarbanes, D-Md., will become the new chairman of the Senate Banking Committee.
