[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 50 (Thursday, March 27, 2003)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4507-S4508]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             THE PROTECTION OF LAWFUL COMMERCE IN ARMS ACT

  Mr. STEVENS. Mr. President, the Protection of Lawful Commerce in

[[Page S4508]]

Arms Act is an important piece of legislation that will address the 
growing problem of junk lawsuits filed with the intention of driving 
the firearms industry out of business. I thank Senator Craig and 
Senator Burns for their efforts to ensure this legislation is addressed 
and moved through Congress.
  This act does not curtail the legal rights of victims who suffer 
injuries from the actions of firearm or ammunition manufacturers. The 
purpose of this legislation is to prevent the multiple lawsuits that 
have materialized which name the firearms and ammunition industries as 
defendants and attempt to hold these industries liable for the criminal 
acts of a third party.
  These frivolous lawsuits target the legitimate firearm and ammunition 
industries in attempts to destroy these industries. If firearm and 
ammunition manufacturers were forced to pay for the criminal acts of 
third parties, the concept of fairness would be eliminated. The impact 
of these suits would also affect this country economically and 
socially. Any limitation of one's constitutional right to bear arms is 
not acceptable. The destruction of the firearms and ammunition 
industries would cause many Americans to lose their jobs. In addition, 
if the firearms and ammunition industries were destroyed, the right to 
lawfully bear arms may be curtailed. Many Alaskans depend upon the 
right to bear firearms for subsistence purposes as well as for self-
defense.
  Courts across the Nation are wasting valuable time on frivolous 
lawsuits. At this time, 28 States have enacted legislation to prevent 
frivolous lawsuits against the firearms and ammunition industries based 
on the criminal behavior of others. I encourage all of my colleagues to 
join me and take a stand against the lawsuits that attempt to abuse the 
legal system of this great country, by supporting the Protection of 
Lawful Commerce in Arms Act.

                          ____________________