Washington, DC, July 20--Senator Arlen Specter chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said on Wednesday that the asbestos bill, which would create a $140 billion compensation fund, is not expected to come up on the Senate floor before the August recess.
Said Specter, "It does not look at this point as if the majority leader is going to find time for it," referring to Sen. Bill Frist, a Tennessee Republican.
Specter spoke at a news conference that was called to discuss President George W. Bush's nomination to the Supreme Court, Judge John Roberts.
Specter, a Pennsylvania Republican, said he was ready for the asbestos bill to come up any time, but the Senate leadership was not. "It has been postponed, but not by me."
