The U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation Nov. 14 to provide up to $100 billion to help the insurance industry cover claims from future terrorist attacks. Senate Majority Leader Thomas A. Daschle (D-SD) promised prompt action.

The vote was a victory for the insurance industry and developers of high-profile real estate projects. They say difficulty in obtaining affordable terrorism insurance threatens their projects and undermines the economy.

Meanwhile, the House derailed a bill to overhaul the nation's bankruptcy laws. On a procedural vote, lawmakers blocked consideration of the measure, effectively killing it for this Congress.