Subject: Unfair! Larry, the new federal bankruptcy bill passed by the Senate and waiting approval in the House will have devastating effects on consumers. After its first overhaul in more than 25 years, the law will put the burden on the backs of working-class people, families, the elderly and businesses. In 2003, more than 25,000 consumers filed for bankruptcy in the Eastern District of our area. The vast majority were not abusing the system or running from debt; they were people who had been subjected to a significant life-changing event like a medical illness or sudden job loss. Under this new law, many consumers will be shut out or unable to file for Chapter 7 bankruptcy protection. Instead of hurting working-class families who need bankruptcy protection, Congress should enforce existing laws and take a hard look at aggressive credit-card companies that overextend credit. The current bankruptcy code has many protections against abuse and fraud, including a provision that prohibits the use of credit cards or other credit when there is no intent to pay. WH

RESPONSE: Ammendments to the bill which would have allowed those who were financially ruined by illness to file bankrutcy as is now the case were voted down by "compassionate Republicans" Just another aspect of the Republi CON!! ...There is no compassion, just a sell out to corporate big business. Anyone in the middle class can face a family illness that robs one's fiscal health -- and now, thanks to those "family values" Republicans talk about but so clearly act against...you too can experience poverty through no fault of your own and experience the specious compassion and epiphany of what Republicans really are about.... $$$$ GREED $$$$; ain't no compassion in this bill or any family or moral values...yep, you've been conned again!