President Bush will likely get a chance to sign into law a bill to shield the gun industry from lawsuits brought by victims of gun crimes, a controversial measure that has survived the Senate for the first time and is headed for passage in the House.
Supporters say the bill would protect firearms manufacturers, dealers and importers from financial ruin sought by crime victims' lawsuits that seek massive damages.
"Lawsuits seeking to hold the firearms industry responsible for the criminal and unlawful use of its products are brazen attempts to accomplish through litigation what has not been achieved by legislation and the democratic process," House Judiciary Committee Chairman James Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., said in remarks prepared for Thursday's floor debate.
Support for the bill has only grown since a similar measure passed the House last year and was killed in the Senate after Democrats succeeded in attaching a controversial amendment. Aided by four new Republican seats, the bill passed the Senate in July, 65-31. In the House the measure has 257 co-sponsors, far more than the 218 needed to pass.
Opponents say the strength of the bill's support is testament to the influence of the gun lobby.
Details here from the AP via LexisONE.com.