Toomey Says to Strengthen Agency Guidance Plan
Financial regulators proposed in October codifying a policy statement that supervisory guidance does not create legally binding obligations. Senator Toomey (R-Pa) doesn’t think that goes far enough.
Senate Proposes No Funding for NCUA Revolving Loan Fund
The Senate Appropriations Committee has released all of its FY21 spending measures. The Financial Services bill eliminates all funding for the Community Development Revolving Loan Fund. Proposed spending on CDFIs remains the same as the past year.
Sen. Brown Questions Whether Financial Regulators Are Prepared for Pandemic Impact
As the financial health of consumers deteriorates due to the pandemic, Senate Banking Committee ranking Democrat Sherrod Brown of Ohio said he is concerned that financial services regulators, including the National Credit Union Administration, are not prepared for a possible financial crisis.
As Stimulus Talks Drag On, Crapo Asks NCUA & Others for Regulatory Help
Due to federal programs, credit unions and banks have experienced major changes to their balance sheets, which may push them across regulatory thresholds. Sen. Crapo wants regulators, including the NCUA, to use their discretion to minimize the impact of this problem.
Sanders, Gillibrand Renew Fight Over Postal Banking
Sens. Bernie Sanders and Kirsten Gillibrand introduced S.4614, legislation that would permit banking services in post offices. The services would include ATMs, low-cost checking accounts, low-cost savings accounts and low-interest loans.
Senate Fails to Advance ‘Skinny’ Stimulus Containing New PPP Loans, Liability Protection
The Senate Republican “skinny” economic stimulus bill failed to get the necessary votes to open debate on the bill. Since the bill failed, it is unclear whether Congress will enact any of the credit union priorities before leaving at the end of the month.
Senate GOP ‘Skinny’ Stimulus Bill Includes Liability Protection, New PPP Round
Senate Republicans on Tuesday unveiled a “skinny” economic stimulus bill that calls for another round of Payroll Protection Program loans, a simplified loan forgiveness process and limited liability for businesses reopening during the coronavirus economic crisis.
The Senate is likely to vote on the bill later this week. It is unlikely the measure has the votes to pass, but it could serve as the next step in the haggling over the next stimulus legislation.
Democratic Senators Call Coronavirus Business Immunity ‘Unconscionable’
Senate Republican plans to provide liability immunity to businesses as they reopen following the pandemic are “unconscionable,” 42 senators said this week in a letter to Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.). The group, which includes Democrats and Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), would be enough to block Senate consideration of pandemic-related legislation if the senators decide it is a large enough issue to oppose the overall bill. Due to the filibuster rule it often takes 60, rather than 51 senators, for controversial legislation to pass the Senate. The immunity provisions remain a sticking point as lawmakers and the Trump Administration try
Sen. Schatz Introduces Legislation to Create CDFI Emergency Fund
Amid signs that federal pandemic assistance funds have not reached businesses that need them the most, Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) this week introduced legislation creating a new $2 billion emergency fund for Community Development Financial Institutions.
The legislation, S. 4430, would automatically provide capital for CDFIs during a natural disaster or economic crisis. The legislation is cosponsored by nine Democrats and Independent Bernie Sanders of Vermont.
Senate Republican Stimulus Bills So Far Ignore Credit Union Proposals
The Senate Republican pandemic economic stimulus plan, a three-bill package released Monday, would simplify the loan forgiveness process for Paycheck Protection Program loans, but the measure so far contains few other priorities that credit union trade groups have been pushing.