The legislation, which passed 65 to 31, would protect the industry from a rash of lawsuits brought forward in recent years, including the 33 cases brought by government entities such as the District of Columbia. Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) said the suits could bankrupt gun manufacturers and threaten police and military firearm supplies.
"America's crime problems will be solved not by unjustly targeting the gun industry for the criminal actions of others," Frist said in a statement after the vote.
Hear hear. The manufacturer didn't shoot little Bobby, ma'am...
Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), who led the Democratic opposition to the bill, tried to narrow the bill to bar only suits brought by municipalities. He said he made the effort "reluctantly" in order to preserve the right of individuals to sue. "Nobody is going out and getting shot so they can bring a lawsuit," Reed said. "This legislation would bar the door to courthouses for real people." His amendment failed 63 to 33.
I repeat: The manufacturer didn't shoot little Bobby. Sue the criminal. |