Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, the base bill contains provisions that allow all claims to go forward as class actions and also maximize awards to deserving victims. Why would anyone want to single out safe drinking water victims for adverse treatment and deny them the benefits of the base bill that would maximize any recovery they might receive in a class action? This motion to recommit would do that, and it should be defeated. In closing, let me say that we know that only the tiniest fraction of consumer class action members ever bother to claim the compensation awarded them in a settlement. That is clear proof that the vast majority--the vast large numbers of class members are satisfied with the product they purchased. They don't want compensation. They don't want to be lumped into gigantic class action lawsuits. Federal judges are crying out for the Congress to reform the class action system, which currently allows trial lawyers to file classes with hundreds and thousands of unmeritorious claims and use those artificially inflated classes to force defendants to settle the case. As I have recounted, some class action settlements have left lawyers with millions in fees while the alleged victims receive absolutely nothing. This bill prevents people from being forced into class actions with other uninjured or minimally injured members, only to have the compensation of injured parties reduced.…”