Jim Ramstad: “Mr. Chairman, I too rise in strong support of this amendment. Vicarious liability is plain and simple: liability without…”

“Mr. Chairman, I too rise in strong support of this amendment. Vicarious liability is plain and simple: liability without fault. Every month car dealers, rental companies and leasing firms are held liable under these vicarious liability laws for harm to third parties that they in no way could prevent. There is no negligence whatsoever, and I believe that this clarifying amendment is essential because of the cost to American consumers literally equaling tens of millions of dollars in higher prices for car rental leases and also we are paying a price in terms of competition in these industries. This bill has the support of the auto manufacturers, the new and used car dealers and the car rental industry. If there is any opposition, it comes from those who have used the vicarious liability laws to coerce companies into unfair and inequitable settlements. This reform is long overdue. I commend the gentleman from Texas for bringing this amendment to the floor. I urge my colleagues to support it.”