Political Quotes

“the Senator keeps using the word ``interstate.'' As I read the language that we have now adopted, it is applied in regard to punitive damages in any civil action whose subject matter affects commerce, not interstate commerce, but commerce. Actually, it seems to me that commerce is affected almost by every conceivable type of action if there is a transaction. That, to me, under this language that is now in here, makes it so broad. It affects commerce and affects that aspect of it. Now, under the Senator's amendment, he would allow for actions that are transferred, removed from the State courts to the Federal courts. And that is what is known as a removal action. It is my understanding today that I think we passed in the Senate some bills that would enlarge the jurisdiction. But the present jurisdiction is that if the suit is for $50,000 or less, you cannot remove it from the State court to the Federal court. So, therefore, those types of cases of a frivolous nature seeking small damages relative to this matter would stay in the State court if they are $50,000 or less. Does the Senator interpret it that way?”