“The problems associated with abusive litigation are a drag on the U.S. economic recovery and harm not only small and large businesses but the average taxpayer as well,” said Lisa A. Rickard, president of the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform. “We look forward to working with this important new organization as it focuses a bipartisan spotlight on the need to promote and advance a civil justice system that respects the rule of law and increases the United States’ global competitiveness.”
The new bipartisan Civil Justice Caucus will not advocate specific pieces of legislation, said Rep. Bob Goodlatte, during a Capitol Hill press conference formally launching the new group. It will instead promote a civil justice system that “respects the rule of law and advances the United States’ leadership in innovation, job creation and economic growth.”
In addition, the caucus will work to advance the public’s and members of Congress’ understanding of how civil justice issues impact the country.
Rep. Goodlatte said individual members of the group may introduce or support particular pieces of tort-related legislation. “This is something that has not gotten the attention it deserves,” said Rep. Goodlatte, noting that liability issues had received little discussion during the debate over the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.