We can't lose sight of the majority who are fighting for us. Light a candle rather than curse the darkness, keep fighting.
House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi spoke today on the House floor in opposition to Republican legislation that would make it harder for millions of Americans to declare bankruptcy.
“It is our duty to speak up for those who will be hurt by this bill. And this duty is paramount because we have been shut out of the legislative process to bring any amendments to the floor.
“That would have been an amendment on identity theft, which this week’s news accounts demonstrate, is a real problem. A responsible amendment was rejected. We tried to take a legislative course of action in our previous question, which is a procedure here on the floor, but we were unable to get any Republican support to address the issue of identity theft and how individuals can be protected from identity theft under the bankruptcy bill.
“According to the sponsors, the 1.6 million Americans who filed for bankruptcy last year are deadbeats who are avoiding their debts. That’s really the essence of what they are saying with this bill. Proponents claim that there is a ‘bankruptcy tax’ in which honest Americans are footing the bill for abusive users of credit cards.
“We should be vigilant for any abuse of any legal process. There is no evidence, however, of widespread bankruptcy abuse. In fact, a recent study indicated that 45 percent of those filing for bankruptcy had skipped a needed doctor’s visit, 25 percent had utilities shut off, and nearly 20 percent went without food. They are not using this money they should be paying in for luxuries; they simply don’t have money to survive."
Complete Remarks:
http://democraticleader.house.gov/press/releases.cfm?pressReleaseID=932