Lamar Smith: “Let me say, first of all, that the ranking member of the Judiciary Committee, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers)…”

“Let me say, first of all, that the ranking member of the Judiciary Committee, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers), has been a champion of civil rights all of his life. I recognize and respect that. For that reason, I would like to try to reassure him that the base bill already says, as I mentioned in my opening statement: ``Nothing in this Act or an amendment made by this Act shall be construed to bar or impede the assertion or development of new claims, defenses, or remedies under Federal, State, or local laws, including civil rights laws, or under the Constitution of the United States.'' This provision clearly preserves the right to assert claims under the civil rights laws or the Constitution. I don't know how this language could be more clear. This amendment would allow frivolous claims to be brought under civil rights laws without any of the penalties required in the base bill. If this amendment were adopted, the bill would invite the filing of frivolous civil rights claims without any penalty whatsoever. I urge my colleagues to oppose this amendment, which regrettably would expose innocent Americans to abusive and frivolous lawsuits. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.”