Contact: Ray De Lorenzi
202.965.3500, ext. 8369
Washington, DC— U.S. Chamber President and CEO Tom Donohue today bragged about the number of lawsuits the corporate lobby files every year to pursue its own narrow agenda. Never shy about its hypocrisy, Donohue made the comments at U.S. Chamber’s own conference dedicated to eliminating the legal system for everyday Americans.
Donohue proudly hailed U.S. Chamber’s own legal maneuvering and how they file 150 lawsuits every year, followed by comments condemning so-called “frivolous lawsuits.” His remarks were made between seminars advocating for less criminalization of corporate crimes, how consumers should be forced into mandatory binding arbitration clauses and barred from the courts, and why those injured by dangerous drugs, medical devices, and other consumer products should have no legal recourse because of federal preemption.
“U.S. Chamber obviously believes big corporations should have access to the legal system, but leave everyone else out to dry,” said American Association for Justice CEO Jon Haber. “For U.S. Chamber and big corporations, it’s one rule for us and one rule for the rest of America.”
Donohue did not discuss the contributions U.S. Chamber receives from negligent corporations to fund their lobbying efforts, such as the $23 million from bailed-out insurer AIG. Contributions from corporations like AIG are part of U.S. Chamber’s storied history of pushing for less regulation and oversight while preventing Americans from holding wrongdoers accountable.
Download AAJ’s full report on U.S. Chamber’s AIG involvement can be found »
