Washington, DC –American Gaming Association President and CEO Geoff Freeman released the following statement urging the new Congress to immediately act to reauthorize the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA), which expired last week:

“Congress must act immediately to reauthorize a vital tool that ensures economic continuity in the event of a terror attack. The AGA, along with a wide range of other industries, is a leading advocate on Capitol Hill in support of TRIA, which would provide the industry’s hotels, casinos, entertainment venues and manufacturing facilities much-needed certainty to protect our businesses, employees and patrons in the wake of potential acts of terrorism.”

Background

TRIA was first enacted in 2002 following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.  TRIA pays for “the Federal share of compensation for insured losses resulting from acts of terrorism.” Congress has reauthorized the program twice.

The AGA, in partnership with other business leaders as part of the Coalition to Insure Against Terrorism (CIAT), has worked diligently to ensure passage of TRIA.  Last year, Freeman sent aletter to Senate Banking Committee leaders urging TRIA’s extension. Last fall, AGA aggressively worked with House members also urging swift consideration of TRIA. 

In November, the AGA joined dozens of other business leaders to storm Capitol Hill and advocate for the importance of TRIA to gaming. The AGA led direct meetings with targeted Members of Congress including Sen. Dean Heller (R-NV), Rep. Joe Heck (R-NV), Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) and policy staff for Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV).  Additionally, in conjunction with coalition partners, AGA helped recruit dozens of Members of Congress to support the reauthorization of TRIA.  

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