Gregory Meeks: “I rise today to support the Democratic Substitute--the Nadler amendment. Specifically, I would like to point out that…”

“I rise today to support the Democratic Substitute--the Nadler amendment. Specifically, I would like to point out that this amendment eliminates a provision of H.R. 833 which would have allowed landlords to evict debtors once they have filed for bankruptcy. This provision is key because of the assistance it gives to battered women as they seek financial support for themselves and for their children. Many times, battered women must file for bankruptcy in order to not get evicted from the homes they once shared with their spouses. They may have no financial means because they are not the sole providers of their family's income. When their spouse leaves the home, these women have no choice but to file for bankruptcy in order to delay eviction. We must not roll back provisions that have assisted women who are victims of domestic violence. We must help them reconstruct their life by first making certain they maintain a place to live. Since the Bankruptcy code was enacted, the automatic stay that becomes effective upon the filing of a bankruptcy petition has always prohibited a landlord from evicting a tenant unless the landlord obtains permission from the bankruptcy court. The stay serves several purposes: In chapter 13, a tenant has a right to assume a lease and to cure a default. In chapter 7, the debtor receives a short 'breathing spell'--which is very much needed in domestic violence cases.”