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

DATE: SUNDAY, May 14, 1995                   TAG: 9505150043
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: D-5   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

HOW THEY VOTED

Cloture

The Senate on Monday rejected 43-49 a motion to stop debate on a bill that would have limited ``pain and suffering'' awards in lawsuits over faulty products. The bill also would have limited punitive damages in all civil suits involving companies and individuals whose net worth was less than $500,000. Supporters argued that the bill would help eliminate illegitimate lawsuits that clog the courts. Opponents said it would infringe on people's right to sue. A ``yes'' vote favored ending debate, and thus opposed the bill. The motion required 60 votes to pass.

Sen. Charles Robb, Democrat...N

Sen. John Warner, Republican...Did not vote

Damage award limits

The Senate on Wednesday approved 61-37 a bill to limit ``pain and suffering'' damages in lawsuits involving faulty products. The bill would allow judges to award more money than the limit in ``egregious'' cases. Supporters said excessive litigation and damage awards have clogged courts and made a mockery of the judicial system. Opponents countered that the measure would infringe on people's right to sue. A ``yes'' vote favors the limits on punitive damages in product liability suits.

Sen. Charles Robb, Democrat...Y

Sen. John Warner, Republican...Did not vote

Waco

The Senate on Thursday rejected 74-23 a motion that would have set an August deadline for holding congressional hearings on the Waco, Texas, conflict two years ago in which Branch Davidians and federal agents were killed. Supporters of the motion argued that prompt hearings are necessary to determine whether the conflict may have contributed to the bombing in Oklahoma City last month. Opponents said it would be wrong to hold hearings on the FBI as it investigates the Oklahoma bombing. A ``yes'' vote favors tabling, and thus rejecting, the motion.

Sen. Charles Robb, Democrat...Y

Sen. John Warner, Republican...Did not vote