September 21, 1999

GEKAS DECRIES SENATE CLOTURE VOTE ON BANKRUPTCY REFORM

WASHINGTON, D.C.--Congressman George W. Gekas (R-PA) condemned Senate Democrats for stalling the Bankruptcy Reform Act after a cloture vote this evening failed. "Bankruptcy Reform is too important to hold hostage to non-germane issues," said Gekas, referring to the threat of several Democrat amendments that forced Majority Leader Lott to file the cloture petition. The amendments included a minimum wage proposal by Senator Kennedy (D-MA).

The Bankruptcy Reform Act passed the House in May by a wide bipartisan margin, in a 313-108 vote. "What concerns me is that the Senate has shown support for Bankruptcy reform in the past, most significantly their passage of bankruptcy reform in the 105^th Congress by a vote of 97-1," said Gekas. "There is widespread acknowledgement that bankruptcy reform is desperately needed, yet some Senators insist on clouding this bill with controversial amendments that have nothing to do with the issue at hand."

Gekas also noted that Chapter 12, the bankruptcy provision dealing with farmers, is due to expire on October 1, 1999. "The Senate’s failure to take up Bankruptcy Reform will leave family farmers in limbo as Chapter 12 expires. After a season that was particularly difficult for many farmers, Chapter 12 protections will not be available because of Senate politics." The Bankruptcy Reform Act would permanently extend Chapter 12.

"With the dramatic increase in the number of bankruptcy filings during a time of economic prosperity it is critical that Congress take action. We cannot continue to allow American families to shoulder the burden for those who can afford to pay their debts but refuse to do so," said Gekas. "I am disappointed that some Senators have put partisan politics before easing that burden."

It is unclear when the Senate might reschedule action on the Bankruptcy Reform Act.

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