Mike Collins: “I am pleased to bring forward this rule on behalf of the Rules Committee. The rule provides for consideration of H.R.…”

“I am pleased to bring forward this rule on behalf of the Rules Committee. The rule provides for consideration of H.R. 720, the Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act, and H.R. 985, the Fairness in Class Action Litigation Act. The rule provides for 1 hour of debate for each bill, equally divided between the chairman and ranking member of the Judiciary Committee. The rule also provides for a motion to recommit for both pieces of underlying legislation. Yesterday, the Rules Committee had the opportunity to hear from Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte and Congressman Steve Cohen on behalf of the Judiciary Committee, as well as Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial and Antitrust Law Ranking Member Hank Johnson. The Rules Committee made in order 12 amendments total--four amendments to H.R. 720 and eight amendments to H.R. 985, representing ideas from both sides of the aisle. I want to thank Chairman Goodlatte and the Judiciary Committee staff for their work on both pieces of legislation. I am a member of the Judiciary Committee, and we had the opportunity to consider both pieces of legislation and enjoyed lively discussion at the markup for both bills. Mr. Speaker, as you are aware, we have worked tirelessly in this House to pass litigation reforms that would promote access to the courts for all Americans and ensure that the cost of litigation isn't used as a tool to force settlements.…”