Mr.
Gordon W. Watts 821 Alicia Rd Lakeland, FL 33801-2113
Dear Mr. Watts:
Thank you for taking the time to
contact me about the Supreme Court's decision to deny hearing the
appeal of a case to make it easier to erase student loans in
bankruptcy. I appreciate your continued correspondence on
issues related to student loans and welcome the opportunity to
respond.
As you know, on January 11, 2016, the Supreme
Court stated they would not take up the appeal of a Wisconsin man
who attempted to discharge his student loan debts through
bankruptcy.
According to the Congressional Research
Service, in most instances, federal student loans may not be
discharged through personal bankruptcy actions brought under
either Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 of the bankruptcy code. However,
if after filing for bankruptcy, a borrower successfully petitions
a bankruptcy court and the court finds that repayment constitutes
an undue hardship on the borrower and his dependents, federal
student loans may be discharged in bankruptcy.
While I
have not changed my position on student loan bankruptcy, I am
honored and grateful you continue to maintain a dialogue with me
about your thoughts on this issue. Please continue to write and
call my office to keep me informed about your opinions.
Also,
should legislation like the Discharge Student Loans in Bankruptcy
Act of 2015, which would make student loans dischargeable
under bankruptcy, reach the House floor for a vote, I will
be sure to keep your support in mind.
It is an honor and a
privilege to represent constituents like you of the 15th District
of Florida. To learn more on how I may serve you, please
visit http://dennisross.house.gov. Please
feel free to continue to contact me in the future.
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