KEY VOTES IN CONGRESS: TOBACCO

By a vote of 79-19, the Senate voiced opposition to granting tobacco
companies immunity against lawsuits as part of any settlement approved by
Congress. The vote occurred during the debate on the 1999 budget
resolution (S Con Res 86). While it carries no force of law, it signals
difficulty for a key element of a pending agreement between tobacco firms
and state attorneys general. Under that pact, tobacco companies would
receive immunity from class action suits.

A yes vote advised against immunity for tobacco companies.

Dianne Feinstein, D, voted yes. Barbara Boxer, D, voted yes.