Congressman Cole Votes to Eliminate Frivolous Lawsuits in the Legal Court, Keep Common Sense in the Food Court

Washington, D.C. – To protect taxpayers and local restaurant owners from obesity-related lawsuits that clog America's courtrooms, Congressman Tom Cole today voted for H.R. 339, the Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act. This will prevent frivolous lawsuits against food manufacturers and sellers by people who claim that they were forced to eat certain foods that made them gain weight.

"This legislation is important to protect America's number one private sector employer, the food industry, from those who refuse to take responsibility for their own actions," Congressman Cole said. "With this legislation restaurant owners can continue to expand, create more jobs and fuel the economy without the worry of impending lawsuits."

According to a Gallop poll, almost 90 percent of Americans oppose holding restaurant owners responsible for the diet-related health problems of regular fast-food consumers.

"This is common-sense legislation," Congressman Cole said. "By holding down insurance costs it will help every individually or family owned restaurant," Congressman Tom Cole said.

The Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act, which passed the House by a bipartisan vote of 276 to 139, seeks to prohibit obesity or weight gain-related claims against the food service industry. The bill must now pass in the Senate.

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