Going Nuclear to Protect Asbestos Manufacturers

Holy Halliburton!

What is the FAIR Act?

The FAIR Act would completely overhaul the entire asbestos litigation system: establish a no-fault, $150 billion trust fund to compensate asbestos victims (paid entirely by defendant companies and insurers); establish criteria and schedules for payment; and eliminate most of the added costs and fees of litigation.

Will the FAIR Act pass the Senate?

The consensus is that any asbestos reform legislation is a long shot because of fierce and powerful resistance of special interest groups, but the FAIR Act battle is believed to be very close, and Senate watchers say it has a chance. If it does go to a vote on the floor of the Senate, proponents believe it will carry the day, but getting there is the problem. Senate rules require 60 votes to force closure on debate (ending a filibuster). That means that several senators who are traditional allies of trial lawyers must cross over to support reform. In spite of increasing media scrutiny and rising public sentiment to “do something about this asbestos mess,” few senators are expected to break ranks.

Is there anything this government doesn't do for Halliburton?