On the recordMarch 9, 2017
I am not going to get sucked into a debate of hydraulic fracking. Being from Texas, we might have a whole difference of opinion on that. But I do want to point out, with respect to this bill, it doesn't deny anyone access to courts, it doesn't deny anyone access to justice regardless of what claim. I don't think it is fair we take out one particular claim or not one particular claim. That seems to go against fundamental fairness as well. This bill is all about fairness. It is about fairness to keep people from being dragged into court solely because a plaintiff's attorney needs a local defendant to avoid diversity jurisdiction. I oppose this amendment. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and support the underlying bill. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time. The Acting CHAIR. The question is on the amendment offered by the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Soto). The question was taken; and the Acting Chair announced that the noes appeared to have it.
