[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 39 (Thursday, March 11, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E400]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 THREE-MONTH EXTENSION OF REENACTMENT OF CHAPTER 12, TITLE 11, UNITED 
                              STATES CODE

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                               speech of

                           HON. PATSY T. MINK

                               of hawaii

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 9, 1999

  Mrs. MINK of Hawaii. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 
808, the Chapter 12 Farm Bankruptcy Bill, of which I am a cosponsor.
  During the farm crisis of the 1980's, Congress recognized that the 
bankruptcy code failed to address the needs of most family farmers. In 
an effort to fill this void, Congress in 1986 enacted Chapter 12 of the 
bankruptcy code providing relief designed specifically for family 
farmers. Chapter 12 enabled family farmers to reorganize their debt and 
continue to operate, rather than having to liquidate, when they 
declared bankruptcy.
  Chapter 12 is scheduled to expire in 3 weeks, on April 1, 1999. The 
Chapter 12 Farm Bankruptcy Bill, will extend Chapter 12 of the 
bankruptcy code for 3 additional months and continue this much needed 
bankruptcy option until it can be made permanent with the bankruptcy 
reform legislation that will be heard later this year.
  Family farmers, the backbone of our country, deserve an opportunity 
to reorganize their debts and continue operating after they have 
declared bankruptcy. I support H.R. 808 and urge it's immediate 
passage.

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