[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 36 (Friday, March 12, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E372]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    BANKRUPTCY JUDGESHIP ACT OF 2010

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. GRACE F. NAPOLITANO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 10, 2010

  Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4506, the Bankruptcy Judgeship Act 
of 2010, will authorize the appointment of additional bankruptcy judges 
into the courts.
  Personal bankruptcy filings have increased by 32 percent in 2009 due 
to the recent economic downturn and skyrocketing unemployment and home 
foreclosure rates. This unprecedented rise has put an increased strain 
on the legal system to respond to bankruptcy claims. This is the first 
piece of legislation that addresses the judicial problems caused by the 
economic turmoil of the past two years.
  The U.S. Judicial Conference, whose membership includes the Chief 
Justice, provided the basis for this legislation which will create 13 
new judgeships and make 22 currently temporary judgeships permanent. 
The bill will pay for these new appointments by increasing the cost for 
corporate bankruptcy.
  The passing of H.R. 4506 would relieve considerable strain on the 
nation's bankruptcy courts through matching the increased workload with 
an expanded judiciary. American law exists to encourage economic growth 
and facilitate new business. The ability for the law to respond 
effectively and fairly is paramount to the turnaround of the country's 
economy.

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