Senate urged not to add wind coverage

WASHINGTON, March 30 (UPI) -- A coalition of insurers and consumer groups is mounting a campaign to oppose a bill expanding a U.S. insurance program to include coverage for wind damage.

Expanding coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program, opponents say, would cost taxpayers billions while encouraging homebuilding in areas prone to hurricanes and other storms, Congressional Quarterly reported.

The group of 12 organizations, which includes Taxpayers for Common Sense and the Reinsurance Association of America, sent a letter to senators urging them to oppose the House-approved plan.

House Bill 3121, also opposed by some environmentalist groups, would expand the National Flood Insurance Program to allow individuals and business owners to buy optional "multi-peril" coverage against wind damage.

The White House has threatened to veto any plan that contains wind coverage.