[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 53 (Thursday, April 22, 2004)]
[Senate]
[Page S4286]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       ASBESTOS LITIGATION REFORM

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, today we had a vote on the motion to 
proceed to the asbestos bill. As a followup to that vote, the 
Democratic leader and I have been in discussions over the course of the 
day. Unfortunately, we have yet to work through the legislative impasse 
on asbestos. However, there are Senators on both sides of the aisle who 
are committed to getting something done.
  This morning Senator Daschle and I confirmed our understanding that 
we must provide an opportunity for negotiations which will determine 
whether a bipartisan solution can be reached. We will oversee a 
mediation process to determine whether we can resolve the remaining 
differences. My hope is we can work through this quickly.
  Mr. DASCHLE. Mr. President, while I am disappointed that we find 
ourselves in this situation, I am pleased we are now going to begin the 
negotiations and move forward. As we have discussed, starting on 
Monday, we will convene meetings of interested stakeholders utilizing 
Judge Edward Becker as a mediator. I am strongly committed to getting 
the bill done and working through the serious issues that still divide 
us. The issue of asbestos is too vitally important to let this 
opportunity slip away. I know Senator Frist is committed as well.
  Mr. FRIST. I believe the process needs to initially focus on the 
major issues--overall funding, claims values, and projections. If we 
can make progress on this front, I strongly believe we can resolve the 
others.
  Mr. DASCHLE. I agree. I think the funding and the so-called economic 
issues are critical to finding a solution. If we can't get a fair 
funding level that provides just compensation to victims and certainty 
to businesses, then we won't be able to resolve the other interlocking 
issues.
  Mr. FRIST. I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The assistant legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. HARKIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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