HJR 9-URGE CONGRESS HONOR EXXON VALDEZ JUDGMENT  10:33:18 AM CHAIR RALPH SEEKINS announced HJR 9 to be up for consideration. SUZANNE HANCOCK, Staff to Representative Gabrielle LeDoux, introduced the resolution. More than 11 years after the original jury verdict, the plaintiffs are still waiting for resolution of the lawsuit. The resolution would urge the United States Congress to respect the judicial process and refrain from enacting any legislation that would reduce or delay payment of the punitive damages awarded to more than 32,000 plaintiffs as a result of the oil spill. ExxonMobil has sought to substantially reduce the punitive damages they are due to pay for the Exxon Valdez oil spill. HJR 9 urges Congress to let the courts determine the matter. 10:34:58 AM MS. HANCOCK directed committee members to a lengthy timeline of litigation in their bill packets. The litigation has been in the district courts, the Ninth Circuit Courts, and the United States Supreme Court. If Congress were to get involved, it would take the issue out of courts and the resolution is meant to encourage them not to intervene. SENATOR THERRIAULT asked Ms. Hancock whether there really was any threat of Congress excusing ExxonMobil from its responsibility. MS. HANCOCK responded there was concern about efforts being made in Washington D.C. to effect a release of responsibility. CHAIR SEEKINS said so far, no one has sought any active participation in 15 years. Ms. Hancock responded, "To the best of my knowledge." CHAIR SEEKINS speculated that people were more apt to make the oil company pay more than less. He speculated that the Ninth Circuit Court was going to decide the punitive damages soon. SENATOR FRENCH indicated he was not up to date on that information. CHAIR SEEKINS suggested that the committee roll SJR 17 and HJR 9 together and present it as one resolution. 10:38:22 AM CHAIR SEEKINS held the HJR 9 in committee.