Washington Observer.

The U.S. Senate opened debate on April 19 on a reworked proposal to create a $124-billion fund to compensate those ailing from asbestos exposure. The bill aims to bypass costly litigation and has the support of the White House. But interest groups representing business, labor, attorneys and environmentalists are split on the bill. Lawmakers are divided about the measure, making its chances for passage this year uncertain. Labor unions, industry officials and others have met to resolve controversial issues, including fund startup and flexible borrowing authority.