[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 65 (Friday, May 10, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E778]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




COMMONSENSE PRODUCT LIABILITY REFORM ACT OF 1996--VETO MESSAGE FROM THE 
          PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES (H. DOC. NO. 104-207)

                                 ______


                               speech of

                        HON. DONALD A. MANZULLO

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 9, 1996

  Mr. MANZULLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of overriding President 
Clinton's veto of the Product Liability and Legal Reform Act and urge 
my colleagues to support this effort.
  I think it's unfortunate that the President fails to understand the 
plight of small businesses and manufacturers--those entities that are 
the engines that drive our economy--who are the victims of unreasonable 
liability lawsuits. These lawsuits stifle innovation, erode 
competitiveness, and cost money that would otherwise be reinvested to 
increase productivity and job growth. Whether or not the President 
appreciates it, this plight is real and affects companies all across 
our Nation. I can point to a typical example from a small company in my 
own district, Mattison Technologies in Rockford, IL.
  Mattison has been manufacturing machine tools for 100 years and 
presently employs 150 workers. Yet, despite establishing a stellar 
record for quality and craftsmanship, Mattison is facing liability 
lawsuits involving some of its products that are as old as the company 
itself. Recently, it was sued for a machine tool it built way back in 
1917. In 1917--the year Americans went off to fight in World War I. 
Mattison's general manager, Robert Jennings, justifiably complains that 
they are being penalized for machines built 60 and even 70 years ago, 
``for building quality and longevity into our equipment, yet we believe 
this is what Made in America is all about.''
  The bill the President vetoed would help rectify this problem by 
preventing lawsuits against manufacturers of products more than 15 
years after delivery. This is certainly a reasonable step and one that 
would have a tremendous impact on the approximately 1,800 companies in 
the district I represent.
   Mr. Chairman, these types of liability lawsuits do not have to 
happen. They should not happen. The one obstacle that prevents them 
from stopping is the President's veto pen. Today, we here in this body 
have an opportunity to support small businesses and manufacturers and 
encourage productivity and economic growth. We can do this by voting to 
override the President's veto. I urge my colleagues to join me in this 
effort.

                          ____________________