May 3, 1999

The Honorable David Dreier
Chairman
House Committee on Rules
H-312 Capitol Building
Washington, DC 20515-6269

Dear Chairman Dreier:

America’s Community Bankers (ACB) respectfully requests that the House Rules Committee provide a rule that expedites consideration of H.R. 833, The Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1999. As you are aware, despite economic growth, low unemployment and rising personal income, personal bankruptcies continue to increase. Last year the total number of bankruptcy filings reached 1.42 million. This trend is continuing in 1999.

Accordingly, it is imperative that Congress pass legislation that will encourage a reduction in the number of bankruptcy filings by reducing the incentive to file. H.R. 833 achieves this objective. It provides for a needs-based bankruptcy system that requires debtors who have the ability to repay all, or a portion of their debt obligations to do so. This legislation should, therefore, move as quickly as possible to the House floor.

It is also essential that H.R. 833 reach the House floor unencumbered by extensive and dilatory amendments. This bankruptcy reform package has been extensively debated in the House Judiciary Committee. ACB recommends that the Rules Committee approve a rule that limits the number of amendments that each side will be permitted to offer to H.R. 833. Such a rule would preserve the integrity of the debate with respect to bankruptcy reform and enhance the chances of final passage of this significant legislation in the l06th Congress.

Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,

Robert R. Davis
Director of Government Relations