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Specter, Reid Exchange Barbs Over Asbestos Bill
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
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WASHINGTON — A heated debate between the Republican Judiciary Committee chairman and the Senate minority leader previewed what can be expected Tuesday in debate over a controversial bill that would set up a $140 billion fund for people with illnesses linked to asbestos exposure.
Sens.
Arlen Specter, R-Pa., and Harry Reid, D-Nev., exchanged bitter remarks on the Senate floor late Monday.
Reid accused some Senate members of bowing to pressure from lobbyists to introduce the Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act of 2005.
The latest round of asbestos litigation legislation was introduced last April, and passed the Judiciary Committee on a 13-5 vote in May.
The bill won support from Democratic Sens.
Patrick Leahy, Dianne Feinstein and Herb Kohl.
Caught between Hurricane Katrina and two Supreme Court nominations last year, a final vote on the bill was delayed.
Late last year, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., pledged to give more time to consider the bill in early 2006.
But Reid now says he won't agree to end debate of the bill, signaling an impending filibuster.
In remarks on the Senate floor, he mentioned the lobbying scandal of Jack Abramoff.
"Washington has been run by the lobbyists...
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