SPORTS GEAR PRODUCT LIABILITY LIMITS LIKELY TO PASS NOW

     CNN's Irv Chapman reports on the effect of a Republican gain
of both houses of Congress on bills addressing business concerns,
specifically product liability limitations.  Chapman says makers
of medical equipment, new drugs, and "even" sports gear are
"desperate to cut back on lawsuits when products harm consumers."
The industry "says trial lawyers have run costs up to a hundred
billion dollars a year.  A bill to limit damages was roadblocked
and is now more likely to pass."  Product Liability Coordinating
Committee Exec Director said the legislation "has been opposed
and stopped by a number of very powerful" Democratice leaders or
committee chairs ("Moneyline," 11/9).