Chamber Supports S.1751, the "Class Action Fairness Act"

October 23, 2003

The Honorable Lamar Alexander
United States Senate
Washington, DC 20510

Dear Senator Alexander:

On behalf of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the world's largest business federation, representing more than three million businesses and organizations of every size, sector, and region we want to express our deepest appreciation for your vote in favor of invoking cloture on the motion to proceed to consider S. 1751, the Class Action Fairness Act.

This legislation is critically needed by small and large businesses that are increasingly finding themselves the target of class action lawsuits filed solely for the purpose of exploiting lenient state laws. This legislation will help ensure that class action lawsuits between parties of diverse citizenship can be heard in federal court rather than being forced to remain in state courts. The legislation would also provide a number of protections for consumers by requiring judicial scrutiny of coupon settlements, plain-English notices, and prohibits settlements that result in net losses for plaintiffs, the payment of bounties and settlements based on geography.

While we are disappointed that cloture was not invoked on this motion, we look forward to your continued support of this narrowly targeted legislation as we work to garner the additional support we need. We are committed to working on a bi-partisan basis to move the Class Action Fairness Act forward this year. Again, thank you for your support on this important issue.

Sincerely,

R. Bruce Josten
Executive Vice President, Government Affairs
U.S. Chamber of Commerce