Congressman Cole Votes for Class Action Reform

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Tom Cole today voted for the Class Action Fairness Act of 2005, a bipartisan plan that makes common sense reforms to prevent the misuse of class action lawsuits. Congressman Cole applauded this legislation as a first step in reducing the frivolous lawsuits that are clogging our court system.

"This legislation makes very specific reforms that will enforce the spirit of the current law and ensure that the process is used for legitimate purposes. The plan also contains several provisions specifically designed to ensure that class members, not their attorneys, are the primary beneficiaries of the class actions process," Congressman Cole said.

The Class Action Fairness Act of 2005 clarifies existing law to ensure that class action lawsuits that are truly interstate in nature are left to the federal courts. This will prevent attorneys from using "magnet" courts who routinely approve settlements in which the lawyers receive large fee awards and the class members receive virtually nothing.

The Class Action Fairness Act also creates a "Consumer Class Action Bill of Rights" that protects consumers from egregious abuses such as coupon rewards or cases where class members suffer a net loss.

"I believe this issue is very important to our economic vitality and for all consumers who ultimately pay the price for abusive lawsuits," Congressman Cole said. "I was honored to take part in such an important debate by speaking on the floor and presiding over the debate at the request of the Speaker. I am glad that we have taken this first step and I certainly hope it is not the last advancement we make on lawsuit abuse this session of Congress."

This legislation has already passed in the Senate and will now go to the President for his approval.

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