House Centrist Democrats, led by Rep. Cal Dooley (D-Calif.) and Rep. Adam Smith (D-Wash.), will unveil minimum medical standards asbestos legislation at a press conference tomorrow – Thursday, April 10 – at 11:30 a.m.

The Asbestos Victims’ Compensation Act of 2003 is designed to ensure that victims of asbestos-related disease receive full, fair and timely compensation through the development and use of minimum medical standards.  Under the bill, a claimant would have the ability to go to their own doctor to determine if they have an asbestos-related illness.  The Asbestos Victims’ Compensation Act of 2003 ensures exposed individuals the right to bring their claim when they actually become ill.

Frustrated by Congress’ failure to pass a responsible asbestos litigation bill that provides legitimate help to those suffering from exposure to asbestos, Smith and other centrist Democrats have developed an alternative proposal that has been praised by both trial lawyers and industry.

WHAT:           Introduction of The Asbestos Victims’ Compensation Act of 2003, a centrist 
                        asbestos litigation reform plan offered by Rep. Smith and centrist House 
                        Democrats

WHEN:           Thursday, April 10

                        11:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon

WHO:             Rep. Adam Smith and Centrist House Democrats, including: 

Rep. Cal Dooley (D-Calif.)

Rep. Jim Moran (D-Va.)

Rep. Artur Davis (D-Ala.)

Rep. John Larson (D-Conn.)

Rep. Rick Larsen (D-Wash.)

Rep. Charlie Stenholm (D-Texas)

WHERE:        122 Cannon House Office Building