Reuters reports that a battle is forming in the Senate regarding legislation to reform federal flood insurance.  Congress established the flood program in 1968 to provide flood insurance that private companies refused to offer.

     The Senate Banking Committee voted unanimously in October to reform the program, but refused to follow the lead of a House bill that would expand coverage to wind damage.  The House bill seeks to respond to disputes between Gulf Coast homeowners and insurers over whether water or wind caused damage to homes during Hurricane Katrina.

     The Louisiana senators have blocked the Senate bill from reaching the floor.  Insurers have lobbied to block a wind expansion.  The Bush administration has pledged to veto the House bill.