US terrorism insurance bill fails to get vote in Senate

WASHINGTON, Dec 17: The US Senate failed to reach an agreement to hold a vote on a bill extending a federal terrorism insurance program due to expire at year-end, effectively killing the measure until the next Congress convenes in January, a senior Democratic aide said.

The House of Representatives passed the bill last week to extend the program created after the September 11, 2001, attacks, but Oklahoma Republican Senator Tom Coburn wanted to make last-minute changes.

Earlier yesterday, Senator John Thune, a member of the Senate Republican leadership, told reporters any changes would likely doom the bill for the year because the House would not likely consider them.

(AGENCIES)