Orrin Hatch: “Many Members have come to different conclusions as to the need for this amendment concerning the dischargeability of…”

“Many Members have come to different conclusions as to the need for this amendment concerning the dischargeability of debts related to abortion clinic violence. It is clear from today's debate, nobody in the Congress supports violence at abortion clinics, or at any other venue. Those of us who support bankruptcy reform do not believe that the bankruptcy laws should be used to shield any acts of violence. Many of us believe that current law already precludes those found guilty of violent activities at abortion clinics from discharging debts arising from such activity in bankruptcy. But apparently the sponsors of the amendment believe there is more than can be done in this area. Although I believe this amendment to be tremendously flawed, the majority leader, Senator Grassley, and I recommend that members on both sides vote for this amendment. We will, in good faith, in conference correct the amendment and resolve these problems at that time. With this amendment accepted, nobody will be able to politically demagogue this issue in the context of true bankruptcy reform. We pledge to work with our friends on both sides of the aisle who are interested in this issue during conference to make sure that the law is clear, that with due respect for the first amendment, debts arising from violent acts cannot be discharged in bankruptcy.”