Fw: Class Action Legislation Victory in U.S. Senate!!!

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----- Original Message ----- From: Congress Watchdog

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Sent: Wednesday, October 22, 2003 3:42 PM

Subject: Class Action Legislation Victory in U.S. Senate!!!

The U.S. Senate today stopped the anti-consumer class action legislation from moving forward -- for now. The vote was 59 to 39, only 1 vote short of the 60 required to proceed with the legislation.

This is a major victory for consumers, environmentalists, workers, civil rights groups and the entire public interest community. It is also a testament to the power of political action by thousands of people around the country. Thanks for all you did!

It is very important to thank all the Senators who voted the public-interest position today and complain to those who voted against the public interest. All Republicans, with the exception of Shelby (AL), voted AGAINST the public interest. Most Democrats voted the pro-public interest position. Those deserving a special thanks are Sens. Dodd (D-CT) and Landrieu (D-LA).

Democrats who voted against the public interest were Evan Bayh (IN), Tom Carper (DE), Dianne Feinstein (CA), Herb Kohl (WI), Joe Lieberman (CT), Blanche Lincoln (AR), Zell (GA), and Ben (NE). Sen. Lieberman, who has missed most votes this year because of his run for the presidency, managed to come in to cast this anti-consumer/pro-business vote.

Sen. Jeffords (I-VT) surpised us by voting AGAINST the public-interest position. We strongly urge Vermonters to let him know you are not happy with this vote.

The complete vote results will be posted on our Web site tomorrow at www.citizen.org.