Russ Feingold: “first, I want to correct the record. The Senator from Utah is incorrect that I never supported a version of the…”

“first, I want to correct the record. The Senator from Utah is incorrect that I never supported a version of the bankruptcy bill. I did, in 2002 when there was a vote on the Senate floor. Our late colleague from Minnesota and I used to have a little contest about who was the only one to vote ``no'' on a bill the most. This was a case where Senator Wellstone voted ``no'' and I actually voted ``aye'' for a version--a reasonable, balanced version--of a bankruptcy bill when it appeared on one occasion during the past 7 years. Unfortunately, that bill was not accepted and was basically rejected out of hand by those in the House who insisted on an unbalanced, unfair bill. That is exactly what we have before us today. I reject the argument that this amendment in any way, shape, or form endangers this bill. How can that be the case? The Senator from Utah has said this bill affects States rights with regard to the homestead exemption. This bill does affect the rights of Florida and Texas to have an unlimited homestead exemption, as it should. The Federal Government has an interest here in making sure wealthy people cannot abuse the system. I support that goal of stopping fraud. The Federal Government also has an interest in making sure our senior citizens have absolute minimum protection for their homes when they are forced into bankruptcy, particularly because of unanticipated health care costs. I am not creating some new precedent in this bill.”