WASHINGTON-Senate Judiciary Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) commented last week that he plans to push bankruptcy reform legislation to the Senate floor, bypassing the committee process. The move "could save two or three months.because of the Judiciary Committee schedule," NAFCU Senior Legislative Representative Murray Chanow remarked. Bankruptcy abuse reform has been considered in Congress for six years now. In addition, Senate Democratic Whip Harry Reid (D-Nev.) recently released a memorandum naming bankruptcy reform legislation to the shortlist of items to be completed this legislative session. Chanow indicated that consideration of H.R. 975, Bankruptcy Abuse Prevention and Consumer Protection Act, by the full Senate could occur as soon as this month. The House passed the bill March 19 by an overwhelming vote of 315-113. Other items to be considered by the Senate before the end of the session include the president's jobs and growth package, global HIV/Aids, and unborn victims of violence, among others.