Pete Stark: “I rise today to oppose this misguided legislation. Don't be fooled by the title of this bill. It would lead some to…”

“I rise today to oppose this misguided legislation. Don't be fooled by the title of this bill. It would lead some to believe that Congress is standing up for the average American--modifying certain inequities in our judicial system. Instead, it is a Republican sponsored hoax unfairly threatening the very people we are all elected to protect. I don't think that the American public would be satisfied knowing that if H.R. 1115 passes, the accountability of such companies as Enron, WorldCom, and Arthur Anderson and pharmaceutical giants like Eli Lilly, Aventis Pasteur and Abbott laboratories would be held less responsible in pending class action cases against them. This bill will adversely affect low-income groups and consumers to effectively assert their rights against large corporations. Why should corporations reap the benefits of our judicial system by avoiding civil penalties? They are the ones committing crimes. The intent of pursuing a class action suit in court allows redress for average Americans financially unable to launch a judicial battle on their own. Class action suits empower consumers to challenge wrongdoings by wealthy corporations who would otherwise ignore their appeal. We know that truthful law-abiding citizens are the ones who will lose if this bill becomes law. Apparently, in America today, you must contribute a significant amount to the Republican Party's campaign pocketbook to be considered protected under the law.”