Hank Johnson: “I thank the ranking member for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to H.R. 720, the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act…”

“I thank the ranking member for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to H.R. 720, the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2017--which is misnamed, just as all of the other bills that we have considered this week that are trying to crush the ability of plaintiffs, people who have been injured, due to the negligence or intentional acts of others--legislation designed to keep plaintiffs out of court and protect wrongdoing corporations. This bill is misnamed the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act. I would propose that we take out the word ``abuse'' and just leave it as it really is, which is the Lawsuit Reduction Act of 2017. That is what this legislation is designed to do, is to stop litigation in its tracks. We have been debating the merits of a bill that the Judicial Conference itself does not find useful, especially considering the fact that they have already been through so-called lawsuit abuse reduction reform in the past. The Judicial Conference, of course, is the group of judges that helps to formulate policy for the judiciary, and they are the ones who know. We should consult with them. Of course, we have, as the legislative branch, the ability to legislate in those areas; but it doesn't make much sense for us to override or to ignore the views of the Judicial Conference when it comes to their own business. That is what this legislation does.…”