Cliff Stearns: “I rise against the Watt amendment. Local dealers or distributors are often sued simply to prevent removal of a case to a…”

“I rise against the Watt amendment. Local dealers or distributors are often sued simply to prevent removal of a case to a Federal court. Should trade associations be sued under conspiracy theories of industry behavior? I mean, that would create a chilling effect on advocacy of their membership, their interests, their activity, which is clearly protected by the first amendment. The Watt amendment would allow them to be sued, local dealers, trade association. So I think it is clear, the Watt amendment would actually hurt the bill. Let me call your attention as we conclude this debate to my chart here which shows that 31 States have recognized the absurdity of these lawsuits which are no different from the ridiculous lawsuits we saw filed against many other cases including the food industry. The goal is to cease this attempt at regulation through lawsuits, and that is why these 31 State passed pretty much the same bill that we have here on the floor today.”