Committee chairman Sen. Christopher Dodd, and other committeemembers, heard evidence from nine witnesses as to the impact TRIAhas had on the insurance industry and economy. While most panelistsurged congress to approve various changes to the current system,everyone agreed that significant changes are needed to addressnuclear attacks, an area previously overlooked.

"I am pleased to see that there is a general consensus that theoption of doing nothing is not an option," Dodd said at the closingof the hearing. Even panelist Travis Plunkett, legislative directorfor Consumer Federation of America, who was the loudest voiceagainst extending the current TRIA, agreed something needs to bedone to protect businesses from the more dangerous and difficult topredict nuclear attack.

The length of time TRIA should be extended for was the biggestbone of contention among the panelists. Plunkett called for thebill to be extended four to five years and then done away with toallow the private sector to be innovative and grow to meet thecurrent demand.