Press Release
Frist Introducing Asbestos Bill in January
Opponents Say Bill is Flawed, Plan is Premature
WASHINGTON D.C. — Susan Vento, Chair of the Committee to Protect Mesothelioma Victims (CPMV), today issued the following statement in response to Sen. Frist's commitment to bring up the flawed asbestos trust fund bill, S. 852, in January, 2006:
"Today, Sen. Frist has issued a slap in the face to asbestos victims across the country. The Senate Majority Leader has made a commitment to bring up the asbestos trust fund bill on the heels of receiving a letter from six asbestos victims' groups voicing our concerns with the funding of the bill and asking that the Senate take more time to review pertinent issues. Perhaps confirming our criticisms, Senate Budget Committee Chairman and Ranking Member Judd Gregg and Kent Conrad, wrote Frist on Monday voicing similar concerns.
"Sen. Frist has made it clear, that regardless of whether or not serious problems with the bill are resolved, he will force it to the floor for a vote in January. His statement comes a day before the Senate Judiciary Committee will hold an unprecedented hearing on the bill's funding. We can understand why stakeholders are trying to hustle this legislation through the Senate — every week new problems arise with the bill. Budget issues, among many others, MUST be resolved before Congress even considers this piece of legislation."
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The Committee to Protect Mesothelioma Victims (CPMV) is an organization founded by asbestos victims and their families and friends. CPMV works to raise awareness on national asbestos issues and ensure that victims' rights are properly represented and protected on both a local and national level. For more information, www.asbestostruth.org.
