Political Quotes

On the recordJuly 27, 2010
Mr. President, today I introduce legislation to create an express exemption in the Federal Bankruptcy Code for personal firearms. Given the place that firearms occupy in our culture for law-abiding Americans, I believe it makes sense for the Federal Bankruptcy Code to reflect these values. The Supreme Court has confirmed that the Second Amendment protects a fundamental right. I agree that the right protected by the Second Amendment is ``deeply rooted in this Nation's history and tradition.'' One needs to look no further than the woods of Vermont in the autumn to know this is true. Amending the Code to expressly include this exemption will not only allow more Americans to participate in these traditions, but will further the exercise of the Second Amendment right itself. Under the Bankruptcy Code, debtors are permitted to exempt from the bankruptcy estate a wide variety of household goods and other personal effects. For example, a debtor using the Federal bankruptcy exemptions may exempt furniture, musical instruments, jewelry, and other household goods. The code defines ``household goods'' to include items such as linens, china, and a television or other entertainment equipment. All of this is subject to limitations on monetary value, which is important to ensure that the exemptions are not abused to the detriment of creditors.…
Said by
Patrick Leahy
Democratic · Vermont

Share & report

More from Patrick Leahy

Jun 21, 2022

Mr. President, I have another matter to speak of, and before I do, I wish to commend my colleague and neighbor from New England, the distinguished Presiding Officer. As President pro tempore, I am always delighted to see somebody step into…

govinfo.gov
Jun 21, 2022

Mr. President, on June 20, yesterday, we commemorated World Refugee Day. It is an important reminder that we have to rededicate ourselves to a cornerstone of our Nation's founding: providing refuge to the persecuted and oppressed. Since…

govinfo.gov
Jun 21, 2022

Mr. President, I understand there is a bill at the desk that is due for a second reading. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will read the bill by title for the second time. The legislative clerk read as follows: A bill (S. 4431) to…

govinfo.gov
Jun 23, 2022

Mr. President, as Senators are preparing to return home to their home States over the Fourth of July, it is frustrating to me that we once again kick the can down the road on providing needed funding to address the ongoing COVID pandemic…

govinfo.gov

Other voices in this conversation