The U.S. Senate has joined the U.S. House of Representatives in passing a bill that will repeal the 1099 tax reporting requirements imposed on businesses with federal health reform.

The U.S. Senate plans to vote April 5 to repeal a tax-reporting requirement included in last year’s federal health reform law that has angered small business owners.

Insurance industry trade groups praised the U.S. House of Representatives for passing a bill to repeal the 1099 provision of the health care reform.

The need for a long-term extension to the National Flood Insurance Program is something lurking “in the back of our minds,” says a Norfolk, Va.-based personal lines manager.

While a national agents’ group is praising the House for including its members in comprehensive health insurance reform, it is also voicing concerns over other provisions of the bill.

On the heels of another short-term extension for the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), two national industry groups say they are pleased the initiative will continue, but seek greater certainty of its future.