Senate: Frivolous lawsuit protections for gun-makers likely

The Seattle Post-Intelligencer is reporting that Republicans, their ranks expanded in the Senate "with the help of the National Rifle Association", may now have enough votes to pass legislation which would shield gun manufacturers from frivolous lawsuits blaming them for instances when criminals misuse their products.

The Republican-controlled House passed the legislation during the previous Congress, and GOP senators would have done the same if Democrats hadn't attached to it a reauthorization of an assault weapons ban.

With seven new Republicans in the chamber, Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho, told reporters he has the votes to get the legislation through without any detrimental Democratic amendments. Gun control groups already are fighting to head off the effort.

From the story:

"Holding gun makers liable for the criminal misuse of our products is akin to holding Ford, Chevy or Honda responsible for the illegal actions of a drunk driver, or holding Kodak responsible for the use of their film in the vile world of child pornography," said Bradley Beckman, lawyer for firearm manufacturer North American Arms.

And don't blame the recent wave of crimes on lack of gun-control laws, [Sen. Larry] Craig said.

"A lot of these shootings have occurred in areas where there are tight gun bans and gun controls today," Craig said. "It's the same old game. Don't rush to judgment because you have a criminal element out there."

Craig is quoted as saying the 60 votes last year to ensure the bill's passage, but that when Democrats succeeded in persuading a few Republicans to help them attach a renewal of the assault weapons ban onto the legislation, Republicans then killed the legislation.

The NRA's political action committee spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on ads, postcards and other publicity calling for the election of the new GOP senators or the defeat of their Democratic opponents, and voters responded.

Craig said senators plan to bring the legislation straight to the chamber floor for approval after the Easter recess.