Bob Dole: “Later this afternoon, President Clinton is expected to veto the product liability reform bill--a bipartisan measure to…”

“Later this afternoon, President Clinton is expected to veto the product liability reform bill--a bipartisan measure to curb abusive, predatory lawsuits. This bill passed the Congress overwhelmingly, with the support of Democrats and Republicans alike. And for good reason: In 1994, lawsuits cost the American consumer a staggering $152 billion--a price tag that exceeds the entire Federal budget deficit. Lawsuit abuse hurts consumers by raising the costs of goods and services. It limits employment opportunities for those seeking jobs. It hurts the competitiveness of U.S. businesses overseas. And, perhaps worst of all, it can prevent new, lifesaving drugs and medical devices from ever reaching the market. As Linda Ransom of Phoenix, AZ explained to us earlier this week, abusive lawsuits have forced manufacturers to stop selling the materials that are needed to make the medical device that is keeping her 9-year-old daughter, Tara, alive. This is truly a life-and-death issue. It is time to stop lawsuit abuse before lawsuit abuse stops America. So, why will President Clinton veto this important legislation? The answer can be summed up in three words: The trial lawyers.”