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Dear MAveRiC, Thank you for writing to me about proposed bankruptcy legislation. I appreciate your letter on this important issue and I welcome the opportunity to respond.
Congress has considered various forms of bankruptcy legislation over the past seven years, and the Senate is again taking up bankruptcy reform in the 109th Congress. After careful consideration, I have come to the conclusion that too many people are abusing the current system. We need bankruptcy reform that is balanced and requires both debtors and creditors to act responsibly.
However, while I do believe reform is needed, and have supported it in the past, it is essential that current legislation being considered contain language not actually included in it. Specifically, I am a firm supporter of an amendment proposed by Senator Charles Schumer's efforts to amend the bill, so that extremist anti-abortion protesters will not be allowed to shield their assets from court imposed sanctions by simply declaring bankruptcy. This amendment protects both a woman's right to choose and the ongoing effectiveness of the Freedom to Clinic Entrances Act that has led to successful cases against those who employ violence or intimidation to prevent women from obtaining or providing reproductive health services. Also, I believe that any bankruptcy reform needs to sufficiently account for serious medical costs that are so high that it is literally impossible for people to ever pay them off. If a court decides the person is unable to repay the medical debt over his or her lifetime, I feel that the law should recognize that fact.
Recently, the Senate Judiciary Committee, of which I am a member, sent bankruptcy reform legislation to the entire Senate for debate. Please be assured that I will keep your thoughts in mind as Congress considers this important topic.
Once again, thank you for writing. I hope you will continue to write to me on issues of importance to you. If you have any more questions or comments, please feel free to contact my office in Washington, D.C. at (202)224-3841.
Whaddaya think?
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