WASHINGTON, D.C. — Lisa A. Rickard, president of the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform (ILR), made the following statement today about the passage of the “Innocent Party Protection Act of 2017” (H.R. 725) by the U.S. House of Representatives:

“The Innocent Party Protection Act prevents plaintiffs’ lawyers from suing small businesses and individuals solely to keep a lawsuit in a plaintiff friendly state court.

“The House’s action today authorizes federal judges to stop this gaming of the system and sends a loud message that this manipulation of our courts must end.

“We applaud the House for passing this important legislation, and urge the Senate to quickly do the same and send it to the President’s desk.”

ILR seeks to promote civil justice reform through legislative, political, judicial, and educational activities at the national, state, and local levels.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.

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