01-29-2000

BANKRUPTCY: Bankruptcy Bill Enjoys a Senate Revival

Key Senators unexpectedly worked out a unanimous consent agreement on Jan.
24 that clears the way for a final vote on comprehensive bankruptcy reform
legislation on Feb. 2. The Senate was unable to wrap up debate on the bill
last fall because of a slew of Democratic amendments. Under the consent
agreement, the Senate will consider two Republican amendments and a series
of Democratic ones, including controversial proposals to force
perpetrators of violence at abortion clinics to pay legal judgments
against them, even in the event of bankruptcy, and to hold gun
manufacturers to the same standard. The underlying bill, which is designed
to make it more difficult for individuals declaring bankruptcy to avoid
paying certain debts, is expected to cruise to Senate passage; the House
approved a similar bill last year. The Senate bill, however, includes
Republican language to raise the minimum wage by $1 over three years,
rather than two years, as Democrats prefer, and tax breaks for businesses.



Pamela Barnett/CongressDaily

National Journal