As part of a White conference titled, “Securing Our Economic Future,” President Bush addressed the conferees briefly on tort reform and then stayed for the rest of the session. Moderated by Secretary Evans, the panelists talked about the expansion and abuse of liability lawsuits, excessive jury awards and how these affect the U.S. economy. Topics included internalizing costs and raising prices of products and medical care, whether litigation increases safety and reduces harm, class action litigation reform, and disproportionately larger consequences for small businesses.