NU Online News Service, May 12, 12:38 p.m. EDT, Washington–The Senate Judiciary Committee continues to draft legislation creating an alternative resolution system for asbestos injury claims today after passage of a key amendment yesterday.

Passage of an amendment, providing accelerated payments to the sickest victims, makes it more likely that such legislation will make it out of the committee before the Memorial Day break. The amendment was passed by voice vote. The bill would create a $140 billion fund to pay claimants.

Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., introduced the key amendment. She had warned for several weeks that failure to include such language was a deal-breaker for her.

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