The Focus of Today's Session will be
S.1805, the Gun Liability Bill

4:15 P.M.

The Senate is currently in a quorum call, but the past hour we have seen Senator Craig  continue to promote the the gun liability bill.  He has asked Senators to consider what amendments they may like to offer the bill.  

3:15 P.M.

Senator Reed of Rhode Island is asking, if the Senate exempts gun dealers and manufacturers from law suits, would we make the same allowances for automobile makers. 

1:45 P.M.

Both Senator Durbin and Senator DeWine have been speaking against the Gun Liability bill during the past hour.  Senator DeWine expressed his concern that if the Federal government creates an exemption for the gun industry, what would prevent them from creating exemptions for other industries as well.  He also pointed out that this legislation would be enforced retroactively. 

12:45 P.M.

Over the past 20 minutes Senator Feinstein of California has elaborated on her concerns about the Gun Liability bill.  She has called the gun industry under regulated and said that this bill would provide immunity to gun manufacturers and dealers.

11:10 A.M.

Senator Larry Craig of Idaho, the sponsor of S.1805 is offering his position on the Gun Liability bill.  His current comments have been focused on whether this legislation would affect lawsuits that are currently pending against gun dealers and manufacturers.

11:00 A.M.

By a vote of 75-22 the Senate approved the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1805. 

10:25 A.M.

The Senate is about to vote on the motion to invoke cloture on the motion to proceed to S.1805.  This is the second vote this week on a motion to proceed to a bill relating to lawsuits.  Yesterday the Senate voted not to proceed to a Medical Malpractice bill that would limit jury awards to victims of malpractice to $250,000.  The Gun Liability bill was introduced on October 31, 2003 but was not proceed through the usual committee process.

9:50 A.M.

Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island is voicing his strong opposition to the Gun Liability bill feeling that it protects gun dealers and manufacturers.

9:40 A.M.

Minority Leader Tom Daschle of South Dakota is taking time this morning to remind listeners that February is Black History Month.

9:30 A.M.

The Senate convenes this morning to resume consideration of S.1805, the Gun Liability bill, with a vote on the motion to invoke cloture on this bill expected to occur at 10:30 this morning. This bill would limit the legal liability of gun manufacturers, distributors, dealers, and importers for harm caused by criminal or unlawful misuse of firearms by others when the firearms have operated as designed and intended.