Asbestos Fund Supporters Rally for Bill

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Supporters of a $140 billion trust fund for asbestos victims fought Tuesday to salvage legislation challenged by conservatives who say claims would drain the private money in the account, leave taxpayers liable and violate federal budget rules.

A furious behind-the-scenes lobbying effort by the bill's sponsors preceded the showdown vote described by senior senators as a now-or-never proposition that was too close to call. ''If we are unsuccessful this week in addressing asbestos, that's it for this year,'' Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., told reporters.

Such a fate would please a roster of opponents that crosses party lines, as well as an array of industries and labor unions. Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said the bill is so flawed that even two weeks of debate isn't enough to amend it into acceptable shape. ''There isn't time to do it in the time that the majority leader has given us,'' Reid said.

Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif., said Frist could again bring up a different version of asbestos litigation reform. ''It isn't a question of this bill or no bill,'' she said. ''Let's go back to the drawing board.''

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/national/AP-Asbestos.html