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Progress in Murray’s Asbestos Bill
Catherine A. Murphy
Senator Pat Murray celebrated victory when her bill for banning asbestos usage was approved by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, by a 19-0 vote. It can be regarded a big triumph on Senator Murray’s part as this bill was getting sidetracked for 5 years by the Republicans.
A jubilant Murray exclaimed,
I am thrilled that the entire committee has sent a clear and loud message of support, giving us strong momentum heading to the Senate floor. To the families who have been waiting for help, to the workers who need to be protected, I would say we are almost there.
Murray’s bill calls for a complete ban of asbestos in products within 2 years after the ban is imposed and becomes a law. Keeping in line with the Republican’s wishes, the bill will also give three years to chlorine industry to phase out asbestos after new rules and regulations are issued by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The bill also proposes to provide $50 million for research into the causes and treatment of diseases caused by asbestos. Also, it demands the federal government to carry out a more insistent campaign to create awareness among people regarding asbestos and its dangers.
It is hoped that the bill will be moved to the floor this fall for a final vote where it will earn support from a large number of members. Most of the senators are in support of this cause.
The only resistance has come from Republican Sen. Arlen Specter, who expresses his concern for far more complex and politically volatile question of dealing with thousands of lawsuits from people killed and sickened by asbestos. According to him, “An asbestos ban does not solve the problem that has been plaguing our courts for years, forcing many employers into bankruptcy and leaving thousands of workers without compensation.â€
Senator Murray says that she will speak with Specter and try to work it out with him but only to a point. She says that the bill is moving forward with strong support from both sides and this is not the time to jeopardize it with other matters. Murray believes that the primary concern now is to protect American workers and their families from the deadly effects of asbestos.