Some time back I posted a letter I recieved from Sen. Sam Brownback (R, KS) in reply to my e-mail about the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, S. 659.
Today I got a reply from Sen. Pat Roberts:
*******
Dear Friend:
Thank you for your letter about lawsuits against gun manufacturers. I
appreciate your taking the time to contact me on this issue.
A number of product liability lawsuits are pending in federal courts
against gun dealers and manufacturers. These actions are a misuse of
product liability statutes because the product in question did not fail. I
oppose federal action that would support these lawsuits by stripping
legitimate industries of valid legal defenses. Holding manufacturers and
dealers liable will increase the number of lawsuits and have no effect on
violent crime rates. Attempts to reduce violent crime must focus on
punishing criminals, not punishing law-abiding citizens and businesses
The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, S. 659, prohibits civil
actions from being brought against firearm manufacturers and dealers. The
legislation does not ban all civil lawsuits. Lawsuits can still be brought
against manufacturers or sellers who knowingly violate a state or federal
law in selling or marketing a weapon. Additionally, the bill does not
apply to breach of contract or civil lawsuits brought about because of a
design or manufacture defect. The bill is currently before the Senate
Judiciary Committee for further consideration. Rest assured, I will keep
your comments in mind should the full Senate debate this measure.
With every best wish,
Sincerely,
Pat Roberts
Today I got a reply from Sen. Pat Roberts:
*******
Dear Friend:
Thank you for your letter about lawsuits against gun manufacturers. I
appreciate your taking the time to contact me on this issue.
A number of product liability lawsuits are pending in federal courts
against gun dealers and manufacturers. These actions are a misuse of
product liability statutes because the product in question did not fail. I
oppose federal action that would support these lawsuits by stripping
legitimate industries of valid legal defenses. Holding manufacturers and
dealers liable will increase the number of lawsuits and have no effect on
violent crime rates. Attempts to reduce violent crime must focus on
punishing criminals, not punishing law-abiding citizens and businesses
The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act, S. 659, prohibits civil
actions from being brought against firearm manufacturers and dealers. The
legislation does not ban all civil lawsuits. Lawsuits can still be brought
against manufacturers or sellers who knowingly violate a state or federal
law in selling or marketing a weapon. Additionally, the bill does not
apply to breach of contract or civil lawsuits brought about because of a
design or manufacture defect. The bill is currently before the Senate
Judiciary Committee for further consideration. Rest assured, I will keep
your comments in mind should the full Senate debate this measure.
With every best wish,
Sincerely,
Pat Roberts
