House Approves GOP-Backed Bill Targeting Class-Action Suits
The House took aim Thursday at what Republicans called abuses in class-action lawsuits, passing legislation that would move most such suits into federal courts.
Most Democrats, federal judges and the White House opposed the measure, saying it would make it harder for individuals to seek redress for wrongdoing by companies and clog the federal court system.
The measure, passed 222-207, would grant federal courts jurisdiction in cases in which any member of the proposed class is a citizen of a state different from any defendant.
The bill is backed by business groups and industries, such as tobacco, gun and auto, that have been the target of class-action lawsuits. But its prospects are uncertain in the Senate, and the administration officials said they would recommend a veto if the bill wins final approval.
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