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WASHINGTON, Dec 2 (Reuters) - U.S.
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist on Friday reaffirmed a pledge to bring up legislation to curb asbestos lawsuits early next year.
"That is an issue that we will take up very early," the Tennessee Republican told reporters outside his office.
Reforming asbestos litigation was a "jobs issue, a lawsuit abuse issue (and) a health care issue," Frist said.
Frist said last month that one of the first issues the Senate would take up in 2006 would be legislation to create a $140 billion fund to compensate victims harmed by exposure to the fibrous mineral and end hundreds of thousands of asbestos injury lawsuits.
Asbestos was widely used for fireproofing and insulation until the 1970s.
Scientists say inhaled fibers are linked to ca...
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