Trust Fund Bill Draws Criticism, Praise in Wake of Judiciary Committee Approval

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Groups and individual lawmakers have spoken out recently to express support or opposition for the $140 billion trust fund asbestos bill, just weeks after the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee voted the legislation out of committee, 13-5.

However, published reports indicate that the Senate is not expected to address Senate Bill 852 before the July 4 recess, and may not take up the bill until after September.

The Judiciary Committee approved the measure on May 25 following a day-long markup overseen by Senate Judiciary Chairman Arlen Specter (R-Pa.). It was the sixth such session since the Fairness in …