
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, March 9, 1995                   TAG: 9503090091
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-4   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Short

HOUSE OKS LIMITS ON INVESTORS' SUITS

Culminating a five-year effort, the House passed major changes to federal securities laws Wednesday aimed at restricting fraud lawsuits filed by shareholders.

The bill passed 325-99 after eight hours of debate that stretched over two days. The margin exceeds the votes necessary to override a presidential veto, which has been hinted by the White House.

Liberal Democrats, joining consumer groups in claiming that the bill damages investors' rights, tried to dilute it with six amendments, all handily defeated. Two amendments proposed by moderate Democrats were approved by a voice vote.

The bill is one of three ``Contract With America'' measures to change the nation's civil legal system.

- Associated Press

by CNB