During debate on the Obama-Reid government-run health care bill this afternoon, U.S. Senator Arlen Specter (D-PA) reversed another previously-held position when he helped Democrats block an effort that would discourage frivolous malpractice lawsuits by capping the compensation available to trial attorneys.

The amendment, which Specter voted for 14 years ago, was taken directly from a Democratic amendment offered by U.S. Senator Edward Kennedy (D-MA) in 1995. Unfortunately, Specter voted against the same measure that was offered by U.S. Senator John Ensign (R-NV) today, which would have placed limits on high trial attorney fees that contribute to litigation abuse and drive up the cost of health care and liability premiums.

“Once again, Arlen Specter is playing politics with Pennsylvanians’ health care costs and flip flopped on a critical provision that would have helped curb frivolous lawsuits and lowered health care costs for families and seniors in his state,” said National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) spokeswoman Amber Wilkerson Marchand.

Earlier today, Specter helped pass a provision offered by fellow Democrat U.S. Senator Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) that will restrict compensation for certain health care professionals.

“While Specter is evidently happy to limit the compensation of some health care professionals, he’s unwilling to support limits on the pay for trial lawyers who bring malpractice lawsuits. Pennsylvanians will hold Specter accountable for this hypocrisy if he makes it to the General Election next November,” Wilkerson Marchand concluded.