[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 71 (Monday, May 20, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E844]
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. 104-207)

                                 ______


                               speech of

                            HON. BILL PAXON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 9, 1996

  Mr. PAXON. Mr. Speaker, the long overdue reforms contained in H.R. 
956 will restore fairness and efficiency to our Nation's legal system, 
by instituting a series of modest reforms to our Nation's product 
liability laws.
  A majority of Americans believe that our Nation's legal system is out 
of control and is in need of serious reform. As our courts become 
clogged with frivolous lawsuits, those Americans who have been truly 
injured must wait months, sometimes years, for their cases to be heard.
  Our current legal system actually denies justice to those Americans 
who need it most. This legislation will put justice back in our justice 
system.
  I have been a strong supporter of H.R. 956 since it was first 
considered in the House Commerce Committee, on which I serve.
  Should this override attempt be unsuccessful, I am confident that 
next year Congress will consider and approve not only product liability 
reform legislation, but comprehensive reform of our Nation's legal 
system.

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