WASHINGTON, Oct. 20 (UPI) -- The House of Representatives passed a bill Thursday to protect the gun industry from lawsuits.
The measure passed the Senate in July. President Bush is expected to sign it.
The bill was adopted 283 to 144, the New York Times reported, with 59 Democrats and Bernard Sanders, the Vermont independent, joining Republicans. A handful of Republicans crossed party lines to oppose the bill.
"Lawsuits seeking to hold the firearms industry responsible for the criminal and unlawful use of its products are brazen attempts to accomplish through litigation what has not been achieved by legislation and the democratic process," said Rep. F. James Sensenbrenner Jr., R-Wis, chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.
Also Thursday, the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence targeted tourists arriving at Orlando Airport in Florida, warning them of a new state law that gives citizens the right to "stand their ground" in confrontations.
Members of the group founded by James Brady -- who was crippled by a bullet intended for President Ronald Reagan -- handed out leaflets advising visitors to be careful if they become involved in car crashes or other altercations.
