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 “Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act of 2017” (H.R. 720) by the U.S. House of Representatives:

“The Lawsuit Abuse Reduction Act puts teeth into Rule 11 sanctions against plaintiffs’ lawyer abuse of our courts by implementing mandatory punishment for filing frivolous lawsuits.

“When this bill becomes law, it will hold plaintiffs’ lawyers accountable for filing frivolous claims so they cannot simply withdraw a lawsuit without consequence, resulting in fewer bogus lawsuits.

“We strongly support the House’s effort in passing this important reform, and call on 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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