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119th Congress
Independent · Nonpartisan · Reader-supported
SENATES. 3977· 119th Congress

Bill Raises Bankruptcy Debt Limits for Small Business

Bankruptcy Threshold Adjustment Act of 2026

Sponsor
Chuck Grassley (R-IA)
Introduced
Mar 3, 2026
Last Action
Aug 10, 2026
Passage
72%
Introduced
Mar 3, 2026
Committee
Floor Vote
Aug 10, 2026
4
Both Chambers
5
Enacted
01 — The Text

What.

  • Increases small business reorganization bankruptcy debt limit from $3.4M to $7.5M.
  • Raises wage earner bankruptcy debt limit from $2.1M to $2.75M.
  • Combines secured and unsecured debt toward one Chapter 13 limit instead of tracking separately.
02 — The Stakes

So what?

  • Small business owners can now restructure larger debts without liquidating—affects firms with $3.4M-$7.5M debt.
  • Self-employed workers and wage earners with higher debts gain more reorganization options instead of forced liquidation.
  • These higher thresholds had expired in 2024; bill restores temporary protections that lapsed.
03 — The Path

Now what?

  • Senate passed it unanimously Aug. 3; House received it Aug. 10 and currently holds it at the desk—awaiting House floor action.
  • No amendments passed; bill moves forward as written.
  • Contact your House representative to track their position on small business bankruptcy relief.
Legislative History

Actions.

  • Aug 10, 2026Held at the desk.
  • Aug 10, 2026Received in the House.
  • Aug 10, 2026Message on Senate action sent to the House.
  • Aug 3, 2026Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S4412; text: CR S4412)
  • Aug 3, 2026Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent.
  • Mar 4, 2026Read the second time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 347.
  • Mar 3, 2026Introduced in the Senate. Read the first time. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under Read the First Time.
  • Mar 3, 2026Introduced in Senate