Asbestos Bill Supported by Secret List of Corporations

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The Committee to Protect Mesothelioma Victims (CPMV) is demanding that Congress reveal the names of the companies required to pay into a proposed national asbestos trust fund.

Proposed bill S.852 will establish a $140 billion national trust fund for individuals suffering from asbestos-related illnesses. Companies that profited from the sale or production of asbestos would be responsible for contributing to the fund. The proposed legislation would not allow victims to sue. Individuals suffering from asbestos-related illnesses would rely on the trust fund for compensation. According to the CPMV, advocates of the proposed bill have a "secret list" that includes names of companies required to pay into the trust fund. The asbestos victims' rights group believes this list is being kept secret to prevent disclosure of the financial windfall the legislation would give to larger companies with the greatest responsibility. Congress should demand the truth, expose the secret list, and ensure that this corporate bail-out is not at the expense of the victims.