Senator Specter Hopes to Propose Asbestos Bill in January 2005

photo-1WASHINGTON -- Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) says he hopes to have an asbestos bill prepared as early as January of next year, according to published reports.

In a week where Specter reportedly invited attorney, business, and insurance representatives to his office to discuss talks surrounding the creation of a bill, the senator claimed it was his "dream" to present asbestos legislation to the Senate floor by the end of January.

Sources said Specter also met with Edward Becker, a retired 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals judge who was involved with efforts to implement legislation last session.

Specter is expected …