Press Releases

Congresswoman Suzan DelBene (WA-01) argued today against the unnecessary and burdensome requirements that would deny asbestos victims their privacy and timely compensation. During a House Judiciary Subcommittee hearing on H.R. 526, the Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency (FACT) Act, DelBene denounced the bill’s attack on victims and their families.

“Unfortunately, the Subcommittee is wasting time on legislation that tries to address a non-existent problem,” DelBene said. “This is a bill that treats asbestos victims like they’re the criminals.”

The FACT Act steals victims’ privacy by requiring asbestos bankruptcy trusts to release the personal information on their claimants. Meanwhile, corporate defendants continue to enjoy seemingly limitless privacy, including the right to keep the terms of their settlements confidential without regard to public health or safety.

The bill would also shift the discovery costs from asbestos companies to the bankruptcy trusts, draining limited resources intended to pay victims’ claims in a timely manner.

The Subcommittee has held hearings on this legislation over the past several years, but leaders haven’t allowed victims or their families to testify on how it affects them.

“The families and victims should be allowed to tell their heartbreaking stories and seek justice,” DelBene said.  “I’m extremely disappointed that they have been unable to do so.”

Washington state is ranked 10^th in the nation for number of asbestos-related deaths.

Click HERE to watch the hearing.

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