Washington, DC, December 5, 2005--Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist on Friday reaffirmed a pledge to bring up legislation to curb asbestos lawsuits early next year.
"That is an issue that we will take up very early," the Tennessee Republican told reporters outside his office.
Reforming asbestos litigation was a "jobs issue, a lawsuit abuse issue (and) a health care issue," Frist said.
Frist said last month that one of the first issues the Senate would take up in 2006 would be legislation to create a $140 billion fund to compensate victims harmed by exposure to the fibrous mineral and end hundreds of thousands of asbestos injury lawsuits.
Asbestos was widely used for fireproofing and insulation until the 1970s. Scientists say inhaled fibers are linked to cancer and other diseases.
Frist and other supporters of the legislation argue that many asbestos claims are made by people who have been exposed to the mineral but are not sick -- clogging the courts, diverting compensation from those who are ill and driving businesses into bankruptcy.
The legislation has divided the business community, as well as senators in both parties and struggled to gain support.
Some senators worry the payments to the proposed fund could push smaller companies into bankruptcy, while others say the fund could go broke quickly -- and taxpayers might then be asked to foot the bill.
The Senate, currently on a recess, returns to work on Dec. 12, then is expected to break for end-of-year holidays and return on Jan. 18.
