Senators Help Gun Lobby Ram Through Special Interest Break

Senators Help Gun Lobby Ram Through Special Interest Break

Monday, July 25, 2005

WASHINGTON - In one of the largest give-aways to a single special interest, the United States Senate this week will vote on a bill to give gun manufacturers and dealers unprecedented immunity from lawsuits.

Responding to pressure from the gun lobby, Senator Larry Craig (R-ID) and Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) will attempt this week to again ram the NRA-sponsored bill, S. 397, through the Senate.

The same bill, sponsored by National Rifle Association (NRA), was unexpectedly defeated the last time it was brought up in March 2004.

As debate on the bill was coming to a close, the NRA sent an e-mail to Senators urging them to kill the gun package and "not allow this bill to become a vehicle for added restrictions." The bill was defeated by a vote of 90-8.

Reed stated, "This bill would set a disturbing precedent by giving a single industry broad immunity from civil liability, depriving even victims with legitimate cases of their day in court. The only reason it is coming to the floor, in a time of war to interrupt the debate on the Defense Authorization bill is that members are feeling pressure from the gun lobby."

The bill would immunize gun manufacturers, gun dealers, distributors and trade associations from most lawsuits, including ones already in court brought by shooting victims and municipalities.

Reed stated, "For years manufacturers have ignored sales guidelines and basic technological advancements that would prevent intentional and unintentional firearm deaths and injuries. Yet they have done little, even as the violence and the sorrow continues."

http://reed.senate.gov/guns/GunImmunity20057-26-05.htm