Insurers Urge Congress to Keep Working on Asbestos Reform

Thursday’s Senate Judiciary Committee markup of asbestos litigation reform legislation is reportedly another positive sign, but Congress must work quickly if true reform is to pass this year, the American Insurance Association (AIA) said.

“We are encouraged by the progress so far. We urge senators to continue bipartisan efforts to fashion a reform plan that ends the asbestos litigation crisis with fairness and equity,” said Leigh Ann Pusey, AIA senior vice president, federal affairs. “Major issues still remain unresolved, but for the first time in 30 years, we are headed to real reform. People who are truly sick from asbestos and the workers at companies caught in the ever-expanding litigation web are waiting.”

The AIA will reportedly continue to work with members of Congress on both sides of Capitol Hill and with all interested parties on asbestos litigation reform, according to Pusey.