John B. Breaux: “In 1992, the House added a provision to the Oceans Act of 1992... to limit a claimant's right to a trial in any court of…”

“In 1992, the House added a provision to the Oceans Act of 1992... to limit a claimant's right to a trial in any court of competent jurisdiction. While it is perfectly legitimate for the Congress to overturn a Supreme Court decision within the bounds of the Constitution, we do not believe such changes should be made without notification to, and careful consideration by, the Members of Congress responsible for enactment of the legislation. As part of this consideration, we believe that the interested parties should have an opportunity to comment on any changes. At no time prior to the passage of the Oceans Act of 1992 was legislation introduced or did the House or Senate hold hearings on the cruise ship venue concern addressed by section 3006 of the Oceans Act. It is for this reason that the Senate supported a provision in the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 1993 to restore section 4283B to the wording as it read prior to the passage of the Oceans Act of 1992.”