GOP "swiftly"pushing through consumer bankruptcy changes agst consumers

[BlueInRed]

From what I've read on this, the bankruptcy changes will affect everyone who files because you will now have to produce detailed evidence proving that you meet the financial threshold tests, meaning the atty's fees for a plain Jane, basic bankruptcy will go up for the very people who can't afford it.

From what happened last time, there are not enough Democrats in the Senate against it to stop it's passage.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A15399-2005Feb10.html

snip
Tighter Bankruptcy Law Favored
Bills Making It Harder to Erase Debt Set to Clear Congress

Republican leaders in Congress began clearing the way yesterday for swift passage of legislation backed by the credit card industry and opposed by consumer groups that would make it harder for consumers to wipe out debt through bankruptcy.

... Twice in the last seven years, bankruptcy bills have passed both the House and Senate, only to face ultimate defeat. In one case, President Clinton refused to sign the legislation, saying it was unfair to consumers. In 2002, House Republicans initially backed the bill but then voted it down after an amendment was attached that sought to prevent individuals from using bankruptcy to shield them from fines imposed for illegal antiabortion protests.

...."The timing of bringing it up now, that's a critical difference," said Edward L. Yingling of the American Bankers Association. The Republican majority in Congress has had the votes to overcome opposition but until now lacked time to combat the procedural delays opponents have used to stall the legislation, he said.
snip

[Anakin Skywalker]

1. Think the Red Staters who voted Rethug

who are affected by this will know or care? They all seem to have their heads in the sand or up their a$$es. Rethugs keep screwing them economically yet keep getting voted in because these yokels are sold on the "morals" crap.

[BlueInRed]

2. most won't figure it out until it's too late

[FloridaPat]

3. I had an idea this was coming soon. I looked into bankruptcy right

after the election. Tons of unemployment and more jobs being sent overseas - and by the credit card companies and banks. They say tax time is the big season for bankruptcy. This might get it going a little earlier. MBNA is one of Bush's biggest contributors.

[depakid]

4. "MBNA is one of Bush's biggest contributors"

That doesn't matter to the sell out Dems. In fact ALL of the financial institutions... many of whom are little better than loan sharks, gave overwhelmingly to Republicans.

Here's a look at how they voted last go around:

Akaka (D-HI), Yea
Baucus (D-MT), Yea
Bayh (D-IN), Yea
Biden (D-DE), Yea
Bingaman (D-NM), Yea
Boxer (D-CA), Not Voting
Breaux (D-LA), Yea
Byrd (D-WV), Yea
Cantwell (D-WA), Yea
Carnahan (D-MO), Yea
Carper (D-DE), Yea
Cleland (D-GA), Yea
Clinton (D-NY), Yea this even though Bill veto'd it as president.
Conrad (D-ND), Yea
Daschle (D-SD), Yea
Dorgan (D-ND), Yea
Edwards (D-NC), Yea Mr. Poor son of a Millworker.
Feinstein (D-CA), Yea
Graham (D-FL), Yea
Hollings (D-SC), Yea
Inouye (D-HI), Yea
Johnson (D-SD), Yea
Kohl (D-WI), Yea
Landrieu (D-LA), Yea
Leahy (D-VT), Yea
Levin (D-MI), Yea
Lieberman (D-CT), Yea
Lincoln (D-AR), Yea
Mikulski (D-MD), Yea
Miller (D-GA), Yea
Murray (D-WA), Yea
Nelson (D-NE), Yea
Reid (D-NV), Yea
Schumer (D-NY), Yea
Stabenow (D-MI), Yea
Torricelli (D-NJ), Yea
Wyden (D-OR), Yea

All Republicans voted "yea"

[BlueInRed]

5. Thanks for the list

I was really disappointed in this last time around. This is the kind of thing that can save a family at their wits end who has gotten in over their heads, especially on medical bills. There is no need to raise the bar right now. The banks are making money hand over fist.

[Cats Against Frist]

6. Well that's fucking awesome -- who are the braintrusts who voted for that?

Ignorant, motherfucking GOP voters. What a bunch of dumb motherfuckers.