[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 45 (Thursday, March 20, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4168-S4169]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS--March 19, 2003

      By Mr. CRAIG (for himself, Mr. Baucus, Mr. Alexander, Mr. Allard, 
        Mr. Allen, Mr. Bennett, Mr. Bond, Mr. Breaux, Mr. Brownback, 
        Mr. Bunning, Mr. Burns, Mr. Campbell, Mr. Chambliss, Mr. 
        Cochran, Mr. Coleman, Ms. Collins, Mr. Cornyn, Mr. Crapo, Mrs. 
        Dole, Mr. Domenici, Mr. Dorgan, Mr. Ensign, Mr. Enzi, Mr. 
        Frist, Mr. Graham of South Carolina, Mr. Grassley, Mr. Gregg, 
        Mr. Hagel, Mr. Hatch, Mrs. Hutchison, Mr. Inhofe, Mr. Johnson, 
        Mr. Kyl, Ms. Landrieu, Mrs. Lincoln, Mr.

[[Page S4169]]

        Lott, Mr. McConnell, Mr. Miller, Ms. Murkowski, Mr. Nelson of 
        Nebraska, Mr. Nickles, Mr. Reid, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Santorum, Mr. 
        Sessions, Mr. Shelby, Mr. Smith, Mr. Specter, Mr. Stevens, Mr. 
        Sununu, Mr. Talent, and Mr. Thomas):
  S. 659. A bill to prohibit civil liability actions from being brought 
or continued against manufacturers, distributors, dealers, or importers 
of firearms or ammunition for damages resulting from the misuse of 
their products by others; to the Committee on the Judiciary.
  Mr. BAUCUS. Mr. President, I rise to urge my colleagues to support 
the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act that I and my good friend 
from Idaho, Senator Craig, have introduced yesterday. This bill already 
enjoys strong bi-partisan support--Senator Craig and I are joined by 
over 50 other co-sponsors, both Democrat and Republican.
  This bill will correct a significant injustice that threatens the 
viability of a lawful United States industry, the firearms industry. An 
increasing number of lawsuits are being filed against the firearms 
industry seeking damages for wrongs committed by third persons who 
misuse the industry's products. These lawsuits seek to impose liability 
on lawful businesses for the actions of people over whom the firearms 
industry has no control.
  This is just outrageous. Businesses that comply with all applicable 
Federal and State laws, that produce a product fit for its intended 
lawful purpose--be it elk hunting, duck hunting, target shooting or for 
personal protection--should not be subject to frivolous lawsuits that 
have only one goal--to put them out of business. This an unacceptable 
burden on lawful interstate commerce.
  That's why Senator Craig and I have introduced the Protection of 
Lawful Commerce in Arms Act. The bill is carefully tailored to bar 
actions against firearms manufacturers or dealers that are based solely 
on the criminal or unlawful misuse of firearms by third parties. The 
bill would not block legitimate actions against the firearms industry 
for cases involving defective firearms, breaches of contract, criminal 
behavior by a firearm manufacturer or seller, or the negligent 
entrustment of a firearm to an irresponsible person.
  This is only fair and right. The U.S. firearms industry serves 
America's gun owners and sportsmen well, and provides good-paying jobs 
for many Americans. They shouldn't be penalized just for legally 
producing or selling a product that functions as designed and intended.
  I would ask all of my colleagues to support this important piece of 
legislation. It is very important that we take up and pass this bill as 
soon as possible.

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