Talks for Asbestos Fund Fail

Senate negotiators failed to agree on how much to award asbestos exposure victims and revive a stalled bill to create a compensation fund financed by manufacturers and their insurers, said a spokeswoman for Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.).

Negotiators, working with a mediator, sought a compromise on how much money should be placed in the trust fund and how many people would file claims to be compensated for cancer and other illnesses caused by long-term exposure to the fibrous mineral. Asbestos is used to make insulation, brakes and building products.

“Both of the leaders thought that the talks were helpful but decided to step back and assess what the next step is,” said Amy Call, a spokeswoman for Frist.

“We are disappointed,” said Todd Webster, a spokesman for Minority Leader Tom Daschle (D-S.D.). “It’s hard to reach an agreement when only one side is willing to negotiate.”

Frist appointed 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals Judge Edward R. Becker to mediate differences among organized labor groups, manufacturing companies and their insurers after Democrats blocked action on the measure.

Organized labor groups and Democrats opposed the Republican proposal to create a $124-billion trust fund and end litigation that has been blamed for bankrupting more than 70 U.S. companies.