in finding a solution to the very real threats to our safety and well-being from potential terrorist acts. The Hartford continues to press for a long-term solution that includes a public-private partnership with the federal government to provide appropriate national economic safeguards against the threat of terrorism. If a long-term solution cannot be found in 2005, then  The Hartford supports extension of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act, due to expire on December 31, 2005, and con- tinued work toward a permanent solution in the future. The Hartford also supports asbestos reform, perhaps the most profound litigation crisis we’ve ever faced. Billions of dollars have been paid to date and more than half of the money– about 59 cents of every dollar–has gone to lawyers and legal costs. Almost all of the nearly 700,000 claimants come from a handful of states, and in recent years, 90 percent of claimants show little or no disease symptoms. We support legislation that not only provides fair and quick compensation to workers and others who are ill, but also intro- duces a measure of certainty and finality to defendants’ and insurers’ asbestos exposure. We will continue to work with insur- ers, businesses, labor unions, and Congress to develop a solution that addresses the needs of all. The story of The Hartford in 2004 is a powerful one. It doc- uments a company that confronted its challenges head on and focused on its strengths–its balance sheet and core businesses– to generate profitable growth.  billion 6 Record revenue of $22.7 More than $25 billion in retail mutual funds assets The Hartford  is led by Ramani Ayer, shown here with, from left to right,  his  leadership team :  Ann de Raismes, Executive Vice President, Human Resources; David Znamier owski, President, Hartford Investment Management Company; Thomas Marra, President and Chief Operating  Officer, Life Operations;  Neal Wolin, Executive  Vice President and General Counsel; David Johnson, Executive Vice President  and Chief Financial  Officer; and David Zwiener, President and Chief Operating Officer, Property and Casualty Operations.