[VAGASP] THANKS TO ALL WHO WORKED TO REMOVE IMMUNITY FROM S. 1217

Update:
Language granting the tobacco industry immunity from federal litigation was inserted into the appropriations bill, S. 1217,  for the Commerce, Justice, and State Departments.  This billion dollar favor to the tobacco industry would have specifically denied the Justice Department any funds for tobacco lawsuits, and for expert witnesses in tobacco litigation.

Kathleen Scheg of Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) stated that the proposed amendment also would have extended further and would have prevented the Justice Department from pursuing litigation in the Supreme Court and elsewhere to preserve the U.S. Supreme Court's jurisdiction over tobacco, and the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) report on passive smoking.

Senators Bob Graham and Dick Durbin worked with other Senators to remove that language.

Although the Justice Department budget has been cut, there is NO language granting the tobacco industry immunity from federal lawsuits.

The new threat is now an effort in both the House and the Senate to lock the courthouse door on citizens, preventing class action lawsuits from happening.

All industries must be held accountable for their actions.  The only route open to many citizens is through class action lawsuits.  Please tell your U.S. Senators and your U.S. Representative to oppose S. 353 and H.R. 1875

The 11 Virginia Representatives and Virginia Senators John Warner and Charles Robb
are listed in this web site.

1-202-224-3121 is the general number to reach all U.S. Senators and U.S. Representatives during the week.

Updated 28 September 1999