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   (Mr. BARTLETT of Maryland asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)

   Mr. BARTLETT of Maryland. Mr. Speaker, this week of September 19 to 25 marks Lawsuit Abuse Awareness Week. I commend members of the Western Maryland Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse, WMCALA, for joining thousands of Americans in informing the general public of the high price we all pay for frivolous lawsuits and excessive jury awards.

   Today this House has the opportunity to reduce lawsuit abuse by passing the Interstate Class Action Jurisdiction Act. This bill will discourage frivolous class action claims.

   I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to vote yes and pass this sensible and important legislation.

   Frivolous lawsuits and excessive jury awards exact a heavy price from all Americans in the form of higher prices for goods and services, fewer jobs, loss of safety improvements and product innovations, and delays in compensation for citizens with legitimate claims. Please pass the Interstate Class Action Jurisdiction Act today.

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