Editorial: Lott's hypocrisy is seen on legislation

After all, Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, R-Miss., recently implored his colleagues not to burden the bill with amendments. But Lott obviously doesn't think what's good for his colleagues applies to him.

As the New York Times reported, a hand-written amendment sponsored by Lott appeared Wednesday, without warning, in the bill. The amendment would extend product liability immunity to some producers of biomedical supplies. Not too coincidentally, Lott's amendment would favor a big Mississippi company, Baxter, which has a subsidiary that produces medical kits used in intravenous injections and kidney dialysis.

Lott's hypocrisy is just the kind of nonsense that angers the public. On Thursday, Democrats showed their frustration and blocked action on the bill. A 51-47 vote to proceed on the bill was nine short of the 60 votes required, placing the legislation's future in doubt.

This bill is not as wide-ranging as product liability legislation vetoed by President Clinton two years ago, and it is a compromise that has the backing of the business community and the White House. But placing any limit on product liability lawsuits should be taken seriously.

If Lott is genuinely concerned about offering legislation that serves the public interest, and not just businesses in his home state, then he should allow full debate that also would allow amendments by all senators -- not just those who happen to be the majority leader.

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