OCC: Rodney E. Hood Announced as Acting Comptroller of the Currency
Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury announced the appointment of Rodney E. Hood as Acting Comptroller of the Currency, effective February 10, 2025. U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent designated Mr. Hood pursuant to his authority in 12 U.S.C. 4. “I am grateful for the trust of Secretary Bessent and will work diligently…
FEMA: One Month Later, Federal Support for Wildfire Survivors Nears $700 Million
On January 7, when wildfires first struck Los Angeles County and adjacent areas, more than 200,000Californians were evacuated. State and local governments responded quicky to fight the blazes, employing more than 2,000 pieces of firefighting equipment – 80-plus aircraft, 200-plus bulldozers and more – which were soon bolstered by the governor’s activation of 2,500 National Guard troops and a request for a federal disaster declaration. …
HUD: Scott Turner Confirmed as Secretary of Housing and Urban Development
Today, Scott Turner was confirmed by the United States Senate to be the 19th Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Secretary Turner was confirmed by a bipartisan vote of 55-44 and sworn in by Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court, the Honorable Clarence Thomas. “I am honored and…
FDIC: Documents Released Related to Supervision of Crypto-Related Activities
Today, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) released 175 documents related to its supervision of banks that engaged in, or sought to engage in, crypto-related activities. Acting Chairman Travis Hill issued the following statement in connection with the release: “I have been critical in the past of the FDIC’s approach to crypto assets and blockchain….
Federal Reserve: Governor Bowman Delivers Speech on Bank Regulation in 2025 and Beyond
At the Kansas Bankers Association Government Relations Conference, Topeka, Kansas Speech Text Follows: Thank you for the invitation to speak to you today.1 It is a pleasure to be with you. I always enjoy the opportunity to meet bankers from across the country to learn about the issues that are important to you. Recently, I have…
ABA: Banks and Credit Unions Issue Joint Letter Highlighting Harm Credit Card APR Cap Legislation Would Have on Consumers
Seven leading financial groups that represent banks and credit unions of all sizes today sent a letter to Senators Bernie Sanders (D-Vt.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) to oppose their proposed legislation that would create an annual percentage rate (APR) cap for credit cards at 10 percent. This measure would severely restrict the availability of this type of credit for…
ABA: ABA Offers Congressional Testimony on the Community Banking Landscape
The American Bankers Association today provided testimony to the House Financial Services Committee on the state of U.S. community banking, as well as potential legislative reforms to ensure smaller financial institutions can continue meeting the needs of their customers, clients and communities going forward. Cathy Owen, chair, president and CEO of State Holding Company and executive chair…
Congressman Williams Introduces 1071 Repeal to Protect Small Business Lending Act
Today, Congressman Roger Williams (TX-25) introduced legislation to repeal the small business loan data collection requirements established under Section 1071 of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act. This bill seeks to eliminate costly regulatory burdens on financial institutions, ensuring greater access to credit for small businesses. “Small businesses are the backbone of the American…
Senators Scott, Hagerty, Lummis, and Gillibrand Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Establish a Stablecoin Regulatory Framework
Today, Chairman Tim Scott (R-S.C.) joined Senate Banking Committee members Senators Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), as well as Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), in introducing the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act, legislation to establish a clear regulatory framework for payment stablecoins. “Stablecoins enable faster, cheaper, and competitive transactions in our…
Senators Bernie Sanders and Josh Hawley Introduce Bipartisan Bill Capping Credit Card Interest Rates at 10%
As millions of working class families struggle to afford the high prices of groceries, gas, rent and other basic necessities, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) introduced bipartisan legislation to cap credit card interest rates at ten percent. “During the campaign, President Trump pledged to cap credit card interest rates at ten percent,” Sanders…