Senate republicans move to force vote on gun lawsuit bill

By Vince Mancini

Published on August 02, 2005

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., moved the bill ahead of a planned vote on a Pentagon budget bill. A vote could take place as early as Friday.

Frist calls lawsuits against gun manufacturers frivolous, and says they threaten an industry that is critical to our national defense.

Democrats like Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., oppose the measure, saying the gun manufacturers don't need protection.

Reed cited recent SEC statements by major gun manufacturers that indicate that litigation posed little threat to their bottom lines.

The Senate bill would ban lawsuits against gunmakers for damages resulting from illegal use of ammunition or weaponry. Firearm manufacturers and dealers would still be open to product liability or breach of contract suits under the bill.

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