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ABC News: Frist promises asbestos bill in 2006
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Frist promises asbestos bill in 2006
ReutersNov 16, 2005 — WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Legislation to create a $140 billion
fund to compensate asbestos victims will be one of the first
legislative issues before the U.S.
Senate next year, Senate
Majority Leader Bill Frist said on Wednesday.
"I am pleased to inform my colleagues that asbestos reform
will be the first major piece of legislation that we consider
in late January when we return," the Tennessee Republican said
on the Senate floor.
"No more delay."
The Senate bill would end hundreds of thousands of asbestos
injury lawsuits and create a privately funded trust to
compensate victims harmed by exposure to the fibrous mineral.
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Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat, said
the asbestos legislation was not acceptable in its current
form.
"It's not even close," he said after Frist spoke.
Reid, already known as an opponent of the legislation, said
he was concerned over the viability of the...
Read more...