SENATOR McCONNELL AND SENATOR BEN NELSON ADDRESS BIG “I” LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE
Discuss policy concerns, tax, and small business issues
WASHINGTON, D.C., April 22, 2005—Senator Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) and Senator Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) addressed more than 1,000 independent insurance agents and brokers at the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America’s (the Big “I”) National Legislative Conference this week.
Senate Majority Whip Mitch McConnell spoke on national policy concerns, tax reform, medical malpractice, and insurance related issues pending before Congress on Thursday morning.
McConnell also discussed the importance of conquering partisan politics. “Institutional barriers make it difficult to function,” said McConnell. “Even if your party controls both houses.”
He also spoke on Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA), saying “I think it will be approved again.”
“Senator McConnell is a true mover and shaker in Congress,” says Big “I” CEO Robert A. Rusbuldt. “Senator McConnell’s command of the issues was evident in his clear dictums on policy. He is a true intellectual, a policy analyst, and his colleagues call him a ‘legislator’s legislator.’ He understands the business application issues that result from new laws, or the lack of needed laws.”
Senator Ben Nelson is often touted as a moderate Democrat who frequently reaches across the aisle, working against the current trend of divisive partisan politics. In his breakfast speech on Friday, he discussed the value of bipartisan collaboration and specifically discussed TRIA, medical liability, crop insurance, and states’ rights as related to state-based regulation of insurance.
“I’m a very strong supporter of the 10th amendment,” said Nelson. “I believe we should leave to the states that which the states can do best.”
Senator Nelson also discussed the importance of commitment to government relations in the insurance industry. “It’s important to everyone, not just because it’s your livelihood, but because of those who depend on that security every day of their life. That’s why you’re in an honorable profession. That’s why you are the Trusted Choice.”
“Senator Nelson’s remarks really hit home for our members,” says Charles E. Symington Jr., Big “I” senior vice president of government affairs and federal relations. “His experience as Insurance Commissioner of Nebraska really allowed him to explain federal issues and how they relate to our members. Senator Nelson occupies the middle of the aisle, where the work gets done, and he puts policy ahead of politics. He gave our members a new appreciation and understanding of the issues.”
Both Senator McConnell and Senator Nelson join several prominent political leaders to speak to agents and brokers at the Big “I” event. Thursday morning, President George W. Bush addressed the group. Congressman Patrick McHenry (R-N.C.) spoke at a luncheon on Wednesday, and House Chief Deputy Whip Eric Cantor (R-Va.) addressed the Big “I” Insiders’ Luncheon on Tuesday, April 19.
Highlights of the Big “I” National Legislative Conference include an in-depth issues briefing session; the annual Big “I” congressional reception on Capitol Hill; appearances by numerous high-profile speakers; and hundreds of meetings on Capitol Hill between Big “I” agents and brokers and their elected representatives in the Congress.
Founded in 1896, the Big “I” is the nation’s oldest and largest national association of independent insurance agents and brokers, representing a network of more than 300,000 agents, brokers and their employees nationally. Its members are businesses that offer customers a choice of policies from a variety of insurance companies. Independent agents and brokers offer all lines of insurance—property, casualty, life, and health—as well as employee benefit plans and retirement products. Web address: www.independentagent.com.
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