WASHINGTON, June 18 -- The Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee issued the following statement by Ranking Member Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, at a hearing entitled "Reauthorization of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program"

"Thank you for holding the Committee's first hearing on the reauthorization of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program. While the Program expires at the end of next year, after the lapse at the end of 2014 we all understand that we need to start early to make sure that does not happen again.

"The Terrorism Risk Insurance Program is critical to keeping our economy healthy. TRIA isn't just a program that helps in the event of a terrorist attack. Many businesses rely on this insurance in order to get access to credit, even in healthy economic times. Without government assistance, the insurance market would be unable to provide affordable insurance to these businesses, including small businesses, across the country.

"While TRIA was initially designed to be temporary after 9-11, Republicans and Democrats have agreed several times since then that there is value in keeping it. People may hear the word "terrorism" and think this doesn't apply to their community, that only businesses in places like New York and Washington or big national landmarks would need to worry about insuring against terrorism.

"But unfortunately, terrorism isn't confined to big cities and the groups perpetrating it don't only come from abroad. Ohio communities that have faced threats from white supremacists groups know all too well that this is a risk we all have to contend with.

"That's why I'm glad we've been able to work on it in a bipartisan way. We all agree there are some issues that the free market just can't solve on its own. This is one of them, and it's an example of the kind of successful government intervention that is only possible when we come together as a country. There are some in Congress who would prefer the United States not make these kinds of guarantees - whether it's for workers' pensions and Social Security, for mortgages and affordable housing, for healthcare and food for low-income families, or for protections against economic destruction after terrorist attacks. Some politicians just aren't interested in coming together on behalf of Americans that live in Mansfield or Cleveland or Chillicothe in Ohio, or in Boise or Idaho Falls from the Chairman's state.

"I disagree, and I think the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program is emblematic of our ability to use government to make the economy work better for everybody, especially during the most difficult of times. As we look at other issues on this committee, I hope we will remember the success of this program, and our capacity to use government to solve tough problems when we work together.

"In the last bipartisan authorization of the Program, we worked to strike a balance, which seems to work well. By increasing the program trigger to $200 million and gradually reducing the government's share in the losses, we've made the program efficient without decreasing access to coverage. We have an opportunity to make the program even stronger by creating certainty in the marketplace through a long-term extension of the program. I hope we can work together to do that.

"I look forward to hearing the witnesses' testimony today."

[TheHill]

American Legion Thanksgiving meals

Fallon's American Legion Fred W. Anderson Post 16 needs volunteers for its annual Thanksgiving meals outreach.

The post prepares, packs and delivers meals to the county's seniors in need as well as opening its dining room to the community for a homemade Thanksgiving meal.

Come to the Post at 90 N. Ada St., on Nov. 26. Volunteer times are between 8:30-11:30 a.m. To sign up, email Pip at [email protected].

VA to hire more employees

The Department of Veterans Affairs plans to hire more than 2,000 employees in fiscal year 2027 to process a record number of benefits claims veterans are expected to file in the coming years.

The department is inviting veterans and others to for a career as a VA claims processor. Selected candidates will interpret and apply applicable laws, regulations and policies for processing disability claims.

VA's Warrior Training Advancement Course gives all transitioning service members the opportunity to complete a national-level training program while still on active duty, and completing this training can lead to employment opportunities at one of VA's 56 Regional Benefits Offices.

For information, visit VA.gov.

R.E.D. Friday

R.E.D. Friday Is to Remember Everyone Deployed. Check in with your veterans, listen without judgment and help them connect with support.

The Veterans Military Crisis Line is dial 988, press 1 or text 838255.

Care for homeless veterans

High Sierra Power Sports announces home-based primary care, healthcare for homeless veterans, mobile health unit suicide prevention and caregiver support.

For information call 460-1875.

VALife insurance

VALife provides guaranteed acceptance whole life insurance coverage for Veterans age 80 or under who have a VA disability rating of 0% to 100%. Benefits include up to $40,000 in coverage available in $10,000 increment; no health questions to enroll; no deadline to apply for Veterans age 80 or under; and lock in premium rates that do not increase

For information, go to va.gov./life-insurance.

Post-9/11 M2VA program

The Post-9/11 M2VA program is designed to meet the needs of post 9/11 veterans including National Guard and Reserve service members. The Post-9/11 M2VA team will assist veterans, their families and caregivers in navigating the VA healthcare system while supporting veterans to achieve their goals.

The Post-9/11 M2VA program offers a complete and team-based approach to meet the needs of Post-9/11 veterans.

For information, contact 775-786-7220, ext. 2771

Give back at veterans' home

You can make a difference and brighten someone's day when you volunteer at Northern Nevada State Veteran's Home.

Join our volunteer team. To get started, contact Amy Morley at 775-418-5066 or [email protected] or www.veterans.nv.gov; Applicants must pass a Tuberculosis test and background check.

Navy League dinner

The Carson Navy League will conduct their Veteran's Day dinner at 6 p.m. on Nov. 18, at the Fandango Casino, Carson City. Guest speaker will be Capt. Michael Haymon, commanding officer at Naval Air Station Fallon. Membership in the Navy League is free and open to all US citizens.

The Carson City branch of the Navy League includes members from throughout western Nevada, Fallon and eastern California.

For information, contact Wayne at 775-721-3035. The cost is $45 per person. Deadline to register is Nov. 13.

Liberty Dogs

Liberty Dogs is currently seeking dedicated individuals interested in becoming puppy raisers to help raise, socialize and prepare future service dogs for our veterans.

Call 775-499-0000 ext. 200; email [email protected].; website: www.LibertyDogs.org

Blue Star Mothers care packages

Blue Star Mothers of Spanish Springs NV5 are reaching out to advise they are sending care packages to deployed and or stateside military service members.

If you have a deployed service member or a service member serving stateside and would like them to receive a care package, send an email with the service member's address to [email protected] or [email protected]..

This program permits AUSA members to purchase these titles at a discounted rate. Graphic novels about Medal of Honors awardees and military history subjects are also available to read online or download at no cost. For information go to https://www.ausa.org/book-program.

Veterans Job Club

The Veterans Job Club is held at the Ioannis A. Lougaris Veterans' Medical Center, Tahoe Room C5330, 975 Kirman Ave. in Reno

The meeting is held on the third Thursday from 1-2 p.m. Many local, state and regional organizations will be hand to answer questions.

For more information, contact Joseph Henle a 775-297-9637 or Theo Thompson, 775-625-6790.

Guard retiree meetings

The Nevada Air Guard's monthly breakfast is on the second Tuesday at 8:30 a.m. at the Reno Elks Club.

The Nevada Army Guard's breakfast is on the second Monday of the month at 8 a.m. at the Carson City Elks Club.

Veterans' assistance

Veterans Crisis Line — The confidential crisis chat has three ways to obit help. The Veterans Crisis Line is 1-800-273-8255, press 1. Chat at Veterans CrisisLine.net or text to 838255.

Adult health center — More to Life adult day health center is here to help families. For information go to www.adultdaycarereno.com or call 775-358-1988.

Northern Nevada Wheelchair Program — The program serves Northern Nevada by recycling serviceable medical equipment and clothing. This program is supported by the American Legion, Community 4 Veterans, Disable American Veterans and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Call or text 760-500-0857 or email [email protected].

If you have a military event, submit your information to [email protected].

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