U.S. Chamber Of Commerce Supports S. 659

On July 30, the U. S. Chamber of Commerce added its name to the growing list of influential organizations declaring unqualified support of S. 659. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world`s largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses and organizations. In a letter to the U.S. Senate, R. Bruce Josten, the Chamber`s Executive Vice President, Government Affairs, wrote: "The U.S. Chamber is greatly concerned about the growing trend of litigation being filed against entire legal industries with the goal of either raising government revenue or achieving policy goals outside the constraints of the political process. The Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act would help curtail this abusive situation."

One of the oft repeated criticisms leveled by the gun-ban lobby is the false notion that S. 659 would remove all accountability and liability from the firearm industry. Addressing this issue, Mr. Josten wrote: "The legislation is designed to limit speculative litigation against the firearms industry for legally selling their product. It is important to note that the legislation preserves the ability of injured parties to seek legal redress if they are injured by a defective product or as a result of certain enumerated illegal acts. The legislation," he continued, "simply makes clear that, in most circumstances, a cause of action does not exist against the manufacturer or seller of qualified firearms or a trade association for the criminal or unlawful misuse of the product by the plaintiff or third party."