In Re: First Merchants Acceptance Corporation, Debtor v. J. C. Bradford & Co.

OPINION OF THE COURT

SLOVITER, Circuit Judge.

This appeal raises a statutory interpretation question of first impression in this court and, as far as can be ascertained, in any of the courts of appeals. At issue is whether the 1994 amendment to § 503 of the Bankruptcy Code which added the authorization for reimbursement of expenses to a member of a creditors committee thereby also authorized reimbursement of attorney’s fees incurred by such a member. The District Court 1 ruled that the Code prohibits any reimbursement of professional fees incurred by committee members. The creditor appeals.

I

Firs…