A joint resolution 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 "Debt Collection Practices (Regulation F); Pay-to-Pay Fees".
- Bill Number
- S.J.Res. 125
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Finance and Financial Sector
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-13: Motion to proceed to consideration of measure rejected in Senate by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S2269)
- Last Updated
- 2026-05-14T18:25:55Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
This joint resolution (S.J. Res. 125) uses the Congressional Review Act (CRA)—a law that lets Congress overturn certain federal agency rules—to block the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (CFPB) from withdrawing its 2022 rule on "Pay-to-Pay Fees" in debt collection practices.
Key Provisions
- Disapproval of withdrawal rule: Congress explicitly disapproves the CFPB's May 12, 2025, notice (published at 90 Fed. Reg. 20084) that sought to withdraw the original rule (published at 87 Fed. Reg. 39733 on July 5, 2022).
- No force or effect: The withdrawal notice is nullified, meaning it cannot take effect.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Reinforces original rule: The 2022 CFPB rule, part of Regulation F (rules governing debt collection under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act), remains in place. This rule limits "pay-to-pay" fees—charges debt collectors impose when consumers pay via third-party services like apps or kiosks.
- No direct changes to statutes, but overrides the agency's decision to scrap the rule without new rulemaking.
Potential Impacts
- Consumers: Greater protection from surprise fees when paying debts through convenience services, potentially lowering collection costs.
- Debt collectors and financial firms: Must continue complying with fee limits, which could increase operational costs or limit revenue from such fees.
- Government agencies: Signals Congress's oversight power over CFPB actions; may deter agencies from withdrawing rules if CRA disapproval is likely.
- No direct impact on international relations.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Consumers with debts: Benefit from fee protections.
- Debt collection agencies: Face ongoing restrictions on charging pay-to-pay fees.
- CFPB: Loses ability to withdraw the rule, affecting its regulatory flexibility.
- Financial technology companies: Those offering payment services (e.g., apps) may see altered business with collectors.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Invokes CRA's fast-track process (committee discharge by petition under 5 U.S.C. 802(c)), bypassing normal committee review; if passed and signed/enacted, it's immune from judicial review.
- Constitutional: Reinforces Congress's oversight of executive agencies under Article I, checking administrative rulemaking.
- Political: Highlights partisan divides on consumer protection vs. business regulation; placed on Senate calendar April 27, 2026, after introduction March 17, 2026, by Sen. Alsobrooks.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Sen. Alsobrooks, Angela D. [D-MD]
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-13: Motion to proceed to consideration of measure rejected in Senate by Voice Vote. (consideration: CR S2269)
- 2026-04-29: Star Print ordered on the reported joint resolution.
- 2026-04-27: Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 381.
- 2026-04-27: Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs discharged, by petition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c).
- 2026-04-27: Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs discharged, by petition, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 802(c).
- 2026-03-17: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
- 2026-03-17: Introduced in Senate
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 Debt Collection Practices (Regulation F); Pay-to-Pay Fees. — issued 2026-03-17 — PDF (2 pages)
- 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 Debt Collection Practices (Regulation F); Pay-to-Pay Fees. — issued 2026-04-27 — PDF (4 pages)