It is time to be FAIR to our citizens in uniform
California has more residents serving on active duty in the military today than any other state. It is no surprise then, that we have a strong history of supporting our military community. I hope Sens. Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer can continue this tradition and provide aid to sick veterans by voting for the Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act when it comes to the Senate floor in early 2006.
There are roughly 2.5 million veterans in our state alone. During the years between the Second World War and the Vietnam War, California was a major center for military shipbuilding and repair. From 1941 to 1974, for example, Hunters Point Naval Shipyard in San Francisco and its annexed site concentrated on building craft and modifying or repairing naval ships and submarines.
Unfortunately, the military and private shipbuilders used asbestos in ship construction up until the mid-1970s. When inhaled, this material can cause horrible life-threatening diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma.
Decades later, many veterans are now being diagnosed with these asbestos-related diseases. They face staggering medical bills, because their avenues for obtaining compensation are limited. Under the law, veterans exposed during their military service cannot sue their employer, the federal government.
The Senate has a chance this January to finally help these sick veterans, while also aiding all victims who suffer from asbestos-related diseases. When the FAIR Act was considered in the Judiciary Committee, Sen. Feinstein, who sits on that panel, worked hard to get this important bill, which would establish a defendant-financed asbestos victims' trust fund, approved.
The FAIR Act would once and for all pave the way for quick payments to victims, including U.S. veterans exposed during service.
litigation has become a sinkhole for almost all of those involved. The courts are inundated with lawsuits and cannot act quickly to help sick victims. Government action is necessary. There are more than 730,000 people who have filed lawsuits nationwide. These cases drag on for years and as a result, critical compensation is delayed.
In effect, the FAIR Act would remove the problem from the overloaded courts. By establishing a standard procedure for all those who are sick from asbestos exposure. The FAIR Act would save on administrative costs and ensure that the money would go straight to victims and not to trial lawyers. And sick veterans would be able to apply for compensation without affecting their current Veterans Administration Benefits.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars and more than a dozen other national veterans' organizations support this legislation, because it is the only solution to the asbestos litigation crisis that will ensure sick veterans receive the compensation they need and deserve.
Brave men and women have answered the call to service in our country and now they deserve our help and support. Sen. Feinstein is to be commended for her work on this critical legislation for vets. I urge both Sens. Feinstein and Boxer to vote yes for the FAIR Act.
There are roughly 2.5 million veterans in our state alone. During the years between the Second World War and the Vietnam War, California was a major center for military shipbuilding and repair. From 1941 to 1974, for example, Hunters Point Naval Shipyard in San Francisco and its annexed site concentrated on building craft and modifying or repairing naval ships and submarines.
Unfortunately, the military and private shipbuilders used asbestos in ship construction up until the mid-1970s. When inhaled, this material can cause horrible life-threatening diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma.
Decades later, many veterans are now being diagnosed with these asbestos-related diseases. They face staggering medical bills, because their avenues for obtaining compensation are limited. Under the law, veterans exposed during their military service cannot sue their employer, the federal government.
The Senate has a chance this January to finally help these sick veterans, while also aiding all victims who suffer from asbestos-related diseases. When the FAIR Act was considered in the Judiciary Committee, Sen. Feinstein, who sits on that panel, worked hard to get this important bill, which would establish a defendant-financed asbestos victims' trust fund, approved.
The FAIR Act would once and for all pave the way for quick payments to victims, including U.S. veterans exposed during service.
litigation has become a sinkhole for almost all of those involved. The courts are inundated with lawsuits and cannot act quickly to help sick victims. Government action is necessary. There are more than 730,000 people who have filed lawsuits nationwide. These cases drag on for years and as a result, critical compensation is delayed.
In effect, the FAIR Act would remove the problem from the overloaded courts. By establishing a standard procedure for all those who are sick from asbestos exposure. The FAIR Act would save on administrative costs and ensure that the money would go straight to victims and not to trial lawyers. And sick veterans would be able to apply for compensation without affecting their current Veterans Administration Benefits.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars and more than a dozen other national veterans' organizations support this legislation, because it is the only solution to the asbestos litigation crisis that will ensure sick veterans receive the compensation they need and deserve.
Brave men and women have answered the call to service in our country and now they deserve our help and support. Sen. Feinstein is to be commended for her work on this critical legislation for vets. I urge both Sens. Feinstein and Boxer to vote yes for the FAIR Act.
posted by Chris Placitella | 9:42 AM
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