109th Congress / Senate / 1st session / Vote 9

• Question: On Passage of the Bill
• Bill: S 5
• Vote description: S. 5; Class Action Fairness Act of 2005
• Vote type: 1/2 (Help)
  A simple majority of those present and voting is required for approval or passage.
• Result: Passed, 72-26, with 2 not voting.
• Date/time: February 10, 2005, 3:03 p.m.
• Republican majority opinion: Yes (Help)
  The position of more than 50 percent of voting Republicans. "None" means an equal split between "Yes" and "No."
• Democrat majority opinion: No (Help)
  The position of more than 50 percent of voting Democrats. "None" means an equal split between "Yes" and "No."

Key Vote Analysis

This bill sought to curtail the ability of plaintiffs to file class-action lawsuits against corporations by making cases that were filed in multiple states the responsibility of federal courts. The bill was backed by the White House and business groups as an essential tort reform measure that would reduce what they said was a debilitating number of frivolous lawsuits. A Washington Post report said proponents believed that moving the suits to federal court would lead to "more rational and more consistent rulings."

The bill was opposed by consumer advocacy groups and trial lawyers who argued that many valid claims against corporations would be dismissed, leaving consumers without legal recourse.

The bill passed both the Senate and House by large margins and was signed into law by the president on Feb. 18, 2005.

See other key votes in the 109th Congress

Vote totals