Nick Lampson: “I oppose the core of this bill because I believe that the constitutional right to seek redress in our courts as…”

“I oppose the core of this bill because I believe that the constitutional right to seek redress in our courts as guaranteed by the seventh amendment is inviolate and the right to civil justice is a fundamental element of any stable and just society. Time and time again, we see measures on the House floor designed to immunize special interests from the only means that citizens have to hold certain companies and corporations accountable. And today's bill is no exception. So that is why I offer an amendment to the bill to protect children 8 years of age and younger. This very narrow amendment targets only those fast-food chain restaurants who aggressively market their products to the youngest segments of our society. As the chair of the Missing and Exploited Children's Caucus and, more importantly, as a concerned grandparent, I have always fought to protect our children's interests. And as such, I want to make sure that children learn how to make informed nutritional choices. Part of that process requires us to hold those who treat children as an advertising demographic accountable, especially when children's health is at stake.”