Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to the withdrawal of the rule relating to "Bulletin 2022-06: Unfair Returned Deposited Item Fee Assessment Practices".
- Bill Number
- H.J.Res. 171
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-30: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-01T09:48:52Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This joint resolution (H.J. Res. 171) uses the Congressional Review Act (a law allowing Congress to overturn certain federal agency rules) to block the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (CFPB) from withdrawing its earlier guidance on unfair bank fees for returned checks or deposits.
Key Provisions
- Disapproves the CFPB's rule (published May 12, 2025, at 90 Fed. Reg. 20084) that withdrew "Bulletin 2022-06."
- Bulletin 2022-06 (published November 7, 2022, at 87 Fed. Reg. 66940) addresses "unfair returned deposited item fee assessment practices," which are fees banks charge consumers when a deposited item (like a check) is returned unpaid.
- Once approved by Congress, the withdrawal rule has no force or effect, effectively keeping Bulletin 2022-06 in place.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Reverses the CFPB's decision to pull back its own 2022 bulletin.
- No new rules are created; it restores the status quo of the original bulletin as enforceable guidance.
Potential Impacts
- Financial institutions: Banks and credit unions must continue following the bulletin, potentially limiting their ability to charge certain fees for returned deposits (e.g., non-sufficient funds fees on deposited items).
- Consumers: May protect bank customers from what the CFPB views as unfair fees, reducing unexpected charges.
- Government agencies: Reinforces Congress's oversight of the CFPB, limiting the agency's flexibility to retract prior guidance.
- No direct impact on international relations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Consumers: Benefit from ongoing protections against specific bank fees.
- Banks and financial institutions: Face continued regulatory scrutiny on fee practices.
- CFPB: Loses authority to withdraw its bulletin, affecting its rulemaking autonomy.
- Congress (Financial Services Committee): Exercises direct control over agency actions.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Invokes the Congressional Review Act (5 U.S.C. Chapter 8), a streamlined process for quick disapproval of agency rules, requiring simple majorities in both chambers and presidential signature (or veto override).
- Constitutional: Highlights separation of powers, with Congress checking executive branch agencies like the CFPB.
- Political: Introduced by Rep. Williams (D-GA) on April 30, 2026; signals partisan or bipartisan interest in consumer financial protections versus bank flexibility; if passed, it could set precedent for reviewing agency withdrawals, not just new rules.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Williams, Nikema [D-GA-5]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-30: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
- 2026-04-30: Introduced in House
- 2026-04-30: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to the withdrawal of the rule relating to "Bulletin 2022–06: Unfair Returned Deposited Item Fee Assessment Practices". — issued 2026-04-30 — PDF (2 pages)