Hank Johnson: “This amendment would limit the ability of the prevailing party to receive reasonable attorneys' fees for services…”

“This amendment would limit the ability of the prevailing party to receive reasonable attorneys' fees for services rendered in connection with a settlement agreement. Where citizens, through a private enforcement action, hold the government or a private party accountable, Congress has authorized payments for reasonable attorneys' fees. Bringing meritorious claims to hold corporate wrongdoing accountable is often time consuming and expensive. In many cases, Congress has already authorized reasonable attorneys' fees specifically to encourage these types of lawsuits to ensure a level playing field and an accessible justice system. This amendment would limit these fees to outdated rates--$125 an hour; that is ridiculous--and that will discourage citizens from bringing these important lawsuits. Accordingly, I encourage my colleagues to oppose this amendment. I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goodlatte), the chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary.”