Two federal lawmakers from Mississippi who have been on the warpath against the insurance industry ever since their Katrina claims were denied by State Farm say they won’t give up on their efforts, even if they settle their claims. Senate Minority Whip Trent Lott (R) and Rep. Gene Taylor (D) say the pending settlement with State Farm will not affect their legislative efforts.

Lott intends to introduce a bill in the Senate shortly to remove insurers’ antitrust immunity under the McCarran-Ferguson Act. Taylor is introducing a similar bill in the House. Taylor said his campaign to eliminate the insurance industry's antitrust immunity, push for all-perils insurance and secure federal oversight of the state-regulated industry, will continue. “I can assure you that effort does not go away. They have hurt too many of my friends.” Lott spokesman Lee Youngblood said hearings on the antitrust bill are expected early this year.

Lott, Taylor Are Not Giving Up (Biloxi MS SunHerald 1/25/07)

January 30, 2007