Miller statement on Bankruptcy Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. George Miller (D-Martinez) issued this statement today after the House passed a bill to change federal bankruptcy law:
“Through no fault of their own, people can fall on hard economic times. When they do, they deserve a second chance – a chance to start fresh, put their difficulties behind them, and restore their own financial security. Unfortunately, the bankruptcy bill passed by the House today will deprive them of an opportunity for an honest and fresh start.
“Bankruptcy filings in the U.S. have increased to record levels, and there is legitimate concern that some debtors abuse the system and that reform is needed. But the bill passed by the House today punishes people in dire economic straits and does little to curb creditors’ abusive lending practices, which often lead to economic hardship in the first place.
“This bill will make it easier for credit card companies and other creditors to force people who declare bankruptcy to go to court, an expense many debtors cannot afford. And it won’t matter if those debtors were forced into bankruptcy because of a medical emergency, job loss, or divorce.
“Major corporations have been pushing for this legislation for almost a decade to trim their own costs. Now, they have found a willing ally in the White House, House and Senate, all controlled by the Republican majority. But average Americans experiencing genuine financial hardship will suffer under this overreaching legislation.”
The bill, S. 256, passed the House today by a vote of 302 to 126.
Posted by Intern, CA07 at 07:01PM | | Comments ()
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