Remarks of Deputy Director/General Counsel Ramona D. Elliott for the 60th Annual Seminar of the National Association of Chapter Thirteen Trustees

# USTP Leadership Addresses Chapter 13 Trustees on Budget Cuts and Program Changes

Deputy Director and General Counsel Ramona D. Elliott of the U.S. Trustee Program addressed the National Association of Chapter Thirteen Trustees at their 60th Annual Seminar on July 10, 2025. Speaking virtually from Washington, D.C., Elliott discussed significant operational changes affecting the bankruptcy system oversight agency.

The USTP will face substantial staffing reductions under the President's Fiscal Year 2026 Budget Request, with staffing levels declining to 670 employees. Many Program staff have already chosen to retire or resign by the end of September. Elliott emphasized that despite these cuts, trustee supervision remains a priority and the Program will consolidate functions across regions to maintain efficiency and consistency nationwide.

Elliott highlighted two critical areas for continued collaboration with Chapter 13 Trustees: criminal referrals and trustee budget submissions. She urged trustees to continue reporting suspected criminal activity to their local field offices, with escalation options available through the Assistant U.S. Trustee or U.S. Trustee if staffing changes have occurred. The Program pledged ongoing commitment to addressing trustee budget season submissions while refocusing resources on core statutory duties.