NEWS RELEASE

Posted: March 20, 2003

CASTLE: BILL GIVES STATE BANKRUPTCY JUDGES

WASHINGTON -- Delaware Congressman Michael N. Castle praised passage of comprehensive bankruptcy reform legislation, which was approved Wednesday by the U.S. House of Representatives.

The legislation will improve national bankruptcy standards and provide four new bankruptcy judges for Delaware.  The bill also needs Senate approval.

During debate on the legislation, Congressman Castle successfully led the fight to defeat an amendment, which sought to shift commercial bankruptcy cases away from Delaware.

Congressman Castle said, "Reform of our bankruptcy laws is necessary to protect both consumers and businesses.   Because of its strong reputation as a fair venue for hearing bankruptcy cases, it is clear that the State of Delaware has an overwhelming need for additional bankruptcy judges.  Delaware has more bankruptcy filings per judgeship than any other district in the United States.  The new judges will help to maintain the current reputation for service and quality."

In 1999, legal services contributed $443 million to the Delaware economy, but the high caseload burden has forced many bankruptcy cases out-of-state in recent years.

Castle has worked to secure additional bankruptcy judges for Delaware for a number of years.  In 1999, the Congressman testified before a joint hearing of House and Senate Judiciary Subcommittees regarding the need for additional bankruptcy judges in Delaware, saying the State's two judges are overloaded with cases.  Last year, Congressman Castle convinced House Judiciary Chairman Jim Sensenbrenner to include four additional judgeships for Delaware in the House Bankruptcy legislation.

"This legislation is a significant boost for the First State," said Congressman Castle.  "These judges will bring relief to our current bankruptcy judges, while bringing new jobs to Delaware."

Congressman Castle concluded, "Delaware's two current bankruptcy judges often spend over eight hours a day on the bench and countless hours researching and preparing for the cases.  I am pleased that the legislation passed today includes the additional judges that are so critical to help relieve our current caseload."

RETURN TO MORE NEWS RELEASES

RETURN TO COVER PAGE