Press Telegram in Long Beach, California

Administration rapped consumer suit bill debate

In Washington Senator Birch Bayh says middle income Americans will suffer most if opposition blocks a class action bill allowing consumers to sue manufacturers and retailers. The measure would let a single consumer or group sue on behalf of all customers who bought defective products or services. The administration now backs a narrower process requiring FTC or Justice Department findings of misrepresentation or warranty failures before suits can proceed. Bayh argues class actions protect ordinary people, noting many cannot afford court action and small claims would be va lueless without such suits. Virginia Knauer previously supported the bill, calling private bar central to consumer action.