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10/20/2005

Thune Applauds House Passage of Bill to Protect Gun Manufacturers from Frivolous Lawsuits

WASHINGTON, DC—Senator John Thune (R-SD) today applauded House passage of the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, legislation he cosponsored in the Senate. Congress now sends this legislation to the President for his signature.

“In South Dakota, we have a great respect for the firearms industry, which provides more than 500 South Dakotans with quality jobs and serves as a valued part of our culture and heritage,” Thune said. “Unfortunately, in an era of growing judicial activism and frivolous lawsuits, the firearms industry has come under attack. Pending lawsuits pose considerable threats against this key industry.

“The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act is a common-sense bill that would put a stop to frivolous lawsuits that aim to hold law-abiding gun manufacturers responsible for the actions of violent criminals. I commend the House for passing this important piece of legislation, which I was proud to cosponsor in the Senate, and I urge the President to sign it into law in a timely manner to protect America’s firearms industry, maintain our national security, and secure our constitutionally guaranteed freedom to bear arms.”

Going against the requests of 12 different states, the Supreme Court recently decided to allow the District of Columbia to sue gun manufacturers for violence in Washington, D.C. If the President signs the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act in time, however, this liability legislation could void the lawsuit.