The Asbestos Alliance

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Mike Heimowitz at (202) 955-6200

Sen. Don Nickles Introduces Asbestos Bill

Another Major Step Forward for Asbestos Litigation Reform

Washington, D.C., February 14, 2003 -- Fresh on the heels of the American Bar Association calling for congressional action on asbestos, Sen. Don Nickles (R-OK) has introduced S.413, an asbestos bill that would establish standard medical criteria for asbestos claims and liberalize the statutes of limitation.

"We are very pleased that Senator Nickles has introduced this bill. It represents yet another big step forward for efforts to solve the asbestos litigation crisis," said Michael Baroody, executive vice-president of the National Association of Manufacturers and chairman of The Asbestos Alliance Steering Committee. "The ABA overwhelmingly took a strong stand on Tuesday, Sen. Orrin Hatch has called a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing for March 5 and Sen. Nickles introduced his bill yesterday. The stars seem to be aligning for enactment of legislation."

"The Alliance looks forward to working with Senator Nickles, Chairman Hatch, Senator Leahy and others in the House and Senate to make asbestos litigation reform a reality this year," Baroody said.

The Asbestos Alliance is a non-profit organization comprised of asbestos defendant companies, trade associations, insurers and others seeking congressional legislation to solve America's asbestos litigation crisis.

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