Bankruptcy Reform Act

Senator Bill Frist
03/04/2005

Back in Washington D.C. after a six-day swing through Tennessee, Ohio, Illinois and Michigan. Great trip! Eager and ready to get back to work in the Senate.

Next up on the agenda is the Bankruptcy Reform Act. Too many folks in America have come to look at bankruptcy as a first stop ... not the last resort that it was intended to be. These days, it's not uncommon for folks to actually plan a bankruptcy filing. After, of course, they go out and buy an expensive house, luxury car, furniture and other items that they KNOW they will never ultimately pay for.

Right now, the FBI estimates that 10% of all filings in America involve fraud.

This affects ALL of us. Every bill you and I pay includes a hidden 'bankruptcy tax.' From phone bills to electrical bills.

And it needs to STOP.

This legislation will put an end to the abuse. The principle is simple ... those who have the means should REPAY their debts. Period.

Honest and hard-working Americans should NOT have to do it for them

* * *

Also on the agenda ... I introduced legislation last Wednesday that seeks to make access to safe water and sanitation for developing countries a specific policy objective of our overseas initiatives.

Every 15 seconds, a child dies because of a disease contracted from unclean water.

Every 15 seconds!

So many innocent people die everyday in the world because they lack access to the very water that we take for granted here in America.

And I think the United States should do something about it.

This legislation will bring help and hope to millions. And I hope you will stand with me in supporting it.

* * *

What a thrill it was yesterday to welcome the great Jackie Robinson's wife to the Capitol as we honored her late husband. She is an inspiration to us all.

Jackie Robinson inspired change in our society. He said to segregated America that ALL people -- regardless of the color of their skin -- are created equal.

And Thank God he did.

His courage changed a nation. He is a true hero ... as much so as anyone honored with a statue or portrait in the Rotunda I will pass through in just a few minutes.
A great day indeed.

****

And finally ... it looks like one more of the Frist's will be back home in Tennessee soon. I am proud to announce that Jonathan has been accepted at Vanderbilt. Unlike his older brother who bolted North to Princeton ... it seems the prospect of being a little closer to Mom and Dad was not such a bad thing for Jonathan! 

We're proud of him. 

All for now ...




Bill Frist

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