Last night, the US House of Representatives voted 221-199 to pass legislation that would deny and delay the justice for asbestos victims. The "Promoting Transparency Asbestos claims" (FACT) Act would benefit large asbestos companies by making it more difficult for victims of asbestos claims to file and win.
"I am deeply disappointed by the vote, but grateful to the members of Congress who stood up for asbestos victims and their families in the legislation that hurts the victims of the opposite cancer, "said Susan Vento, widow of MP Bruce Vento, who died of mesothelioma in 00." We will continue to oppose this legislation and ensure it becomes law . "
the bill also has the United States negatively affects veterans, because they are disproportionately affected by diseases related to asbestos. About 30 percent of all Americans diagnosed with mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos in the military.
"Congress today forced asbestos victims and their families to communicate private information which puts them at risk of identity theft," said Judy Van Ness, widow of former fighter Marine Richard L. Van Ness, in a press release. "this delay and might refuse compensation necessary evil to the victims and their families."
House representatives who opposed the bill also talked about his shortcomings.
"This is just unfair and unnecessary advantage granted to asbestos manufacturers," said John Conyers Jr., D-Mich, during the debate to the floor last night. "Why is it necessary for a claimant to waive their right to privacy just because they ask for compensation?"
Representative Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., Was standing against the "supposedly" and FACT Act, calling it "shabby."
"there is no need for this bill," Rep. Pelosi said during the debate. "the laws states require adequate disclosure. This bill is unnecessary. "
Although HR 982 passed the House of Representatives, it must still pass the Senate and be signed by the President before it becomes officially the law.
