Executive Vice President & Head of Western Region, Eastgroup Properties
Search every verified Ryan Collins interview, podcast appearance, and on-the-record quote — each transcript cross-checked by AI and human review to confirm speaker identity. In a 2019 opening statement before a House Judiciary subcommittee, Ryan Collins, then a member of Congress, discussed several bankruptcy-related bills. He praised the Small Business Reorganization Act, which he co-sponsored, describing it as a reform to Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code that would help small businesses reorganize debt and preserve jobs. Collins also expressed support for bills offering flexibility for service members, increasing debt reorganization limits in Chapter 12, and improving transparency regarding firms handling Puerto Rico's insolvency. Collins addressed proposed legislation to expand student loan debt discharge in bankruptcy, stating that while he was concerned about rising higher education costs and student debt, he believed the focus should be on reducing costs rather than making it easier to discharge loans. He argued that discharging federal student loans in bankruptcy would leave taxpayers "holding the bag" and called for a comprehensive approach to the issue.
“The bankruptcy system is a critical component of the economy; it provides an important safety net for entrepreneurs and households when they need a fresh start. It also stabilizes and encourages lending because it is a tried-and-true way for creditors to recover as much as feasible when things go wrong for borrowers.”
“I particularly applaud this subcommittee for considering today the Small Business Reorganization Act, an important bill that offers long-term and long-needed reform to Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code to help small businesses.”
“Chapter 11 has for many years been the key to survival for firms that need to reorganize their debt so they can continue in business. Reorganization preserves jobs, investments, and valuable contributions to our economy.”
“Chapter 11's terms have been poorly suited to allow small businesses and their creditors to take full advantage of the relief it promises. This bill takes up as a model for small business the provisions of Chapter 12 that help small family farmers to reorganize their enterprises when needed.”
“I was proud to have introduced a Small Business Reorganization Act last term with the subcommittee chairman Cicilline and am proud to be an original co-sponsor this term. This bill promises to finally make Chapter 11 work for the entrepreneurs whose small businesses form the backbone of job creation and communities acr...”
“We also consider today several other bills that offer more flexibility in bankruptcy for service members and their families, an increase in the amount of debt they can be reorganized in Chapter 12 bankruptcies, and increased transparency concerning firms helping to resolve Puerto Rico's insolvency.”
“Chairman Nadler proposed legislation to expand the amount of student loan debts that can be discharged in bankruptcy. Like many members, I am deeply touched by the skyrocketing cost of higher education and the massive amounts of debt students are taking on to shoulder these costs.”
“Congress must find ways to stop the explosion of cost in higher education. The answer needs to be about the costs themselves and the institutions with a firm look at the total picture. Simply making it easier to end up in bankruptcy court is not the solution.”
“Since the vast majority of student loans are now federal loans answered to taxpayers, taxpayers shouldn't be left holding the bag in response to unbearable student loan levels. Increasing the ways in which taxpayers bear the cost is not a sustainable solution.”
“I ask all my colleagues to join in real search and real solutions so that we can find a total picture of this problem. It is something that needs to be fixed, but sometimes the best answer is not free; it is how we get in and dig and find our important answer.”
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