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APRIL 26, 2001

Lack of certain funds and doubts expressed by President Bush are putting the government's attempts to settle its landmark tobacco lawsuit in doubt.

The fiscal year 2002 budget includes a $1.8 million request to pay for salaries and staff of the Department of Justice Tobacco Litigation Team. But officials said Wednesday the budget doesn't include additional funds for legal research.

The lawyers as a result say settlement efforts are in doubt. Attorney General hasn't yet taken a position on the case, but opposed it when he was in the Senate.

Citing unnamed sources, The Washington Post reports today that Ashcroft plans on reassigning some tobacco lawyers due to their performance.

Bush on television recently said he was worried about too much litigation in society.

Get the Story:
Tobacco Suit Lawyers May Be Reassigned (The Washington Post 4/26)
No money in Bush budget for tobacco lawsuit (AP 4/26)

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