AIA Praises Calif. Rep. Dooley for Introduction of Asbestos Litigation Reform Proposal

The American Insurance Association has commended Rep. Cal Dooley (D-Calif.), for his introduction of federal asbestos litigation reform legislation.

“Congressman Dooley’s leadership and commitment to achieving asbestos litigation reform this year is very important,” said Leigh Ann Pusey, AIA senior vice president, federal affairs. “The current system is a national disgrace. People who are truly sick and dying of asbestos-related cancers are forced to stand by and watch as the limited financial resources available for their compensation go to individuals who are not now, and may never be, sick from asbestos.

Congressman’s Dooley’s proposal, co-sponsored today by Reps. Jim Moran (D-Va.), Adam Smith (D-Wash.), John Larson (D-Conn.), Artur Davis (D-Ala.), Rick Larsen (D-Wash.) and Charlie Stenholm (D-Texas), “is a good foundation, because it would create medical criteria so that only those who are truly sick from asbestos would be allowed to file claims,” Pusey said.

Dooley is the first Democrat lead sponsor of asbestos litigation reform legislation this year.

“With the legislation in the House introduced last week by Rep. Chris Cannon (R-Utah) and the reform effort underway in the Senate, led by Judiciary Committee Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), we are increasingly confident that Congress will enact much-needed asbestos reform this year,” concluded Pusey.