John Kerry: “Mr. President, this bill flies directly contrary in its current form to the principles espoused by Philip Howard in…”

“Mr. President, this bill flies directly contrary in its current form to the principles espoused by Philip Howard in ``The Death of Common Sense,'' and to the whole concept of reform. Reform is supposed to create simplicity. It is supposed to create fairness. It is supposed to reduce the paperwork and reduce the opportunities for litigation. This bill in its current form is a lawyer's and an accountant's dream. Mr. President, here is list of 88 new opportunities for litigation in the Dole-Johnston bill before us. This bill is supposed to simplify. We keep hearing in the U.S. Senate about how there is too much litigation. However, there is no such opportunity for litigation in the current law for these items. But under this bill, here are the opportunities for litigation--88 new opportunities--for lawyers to dream up ways they can come into court. This is not speculative. This is by the very language written in this bill.”