119-HJRES-180 Journalist Public Summary

Headline Summary

A House resolution aims to undo the CFPB’s 2025 mass‑withdrawal of guidance and keep the Bureau’s 2023 “abusive acts or practices” policy in place. (govinfo.gov)

What It Does

H.J.Res. 180 would nullify the CFPB’s rule titled “Interpretive Rules, Policy Statements, and Advisory Opinions; Withdrawal” (90 FR 20084, May 12, 2025), specifically its withdrawal of the 2023 “Statement of Policy Regarding Prohibition on Abusive Acts or Practices” (88 FR 21883, Apr. 12, 2023). Under the Congressional Review Act, disapproving a repeal generally has the effect of restoring the prior policy or rule, though implementation details can be contested. (govinfo.gov)

Why it matters: the 2023 policy explains how the CFPB interprets “abusive,” including conduct that materially interferes with a consumer’s understanding or takes unreasonable advantage of them—guidance used by enforcers and firms to assess compliance. (consumerfinance.gov)

Who’s For It

• Sponsors and consumer‑protection advocates say restoring the 2023 guidance gives clearer standards to identify and stop abusive conduct and helps honest firms know the rules. (consumerfinance.gov)
• A multistate group of state attorneys general publicly endorsed the 2023 policy as a useful enforcement framework. (oag.ca.gov)

Who’s Against It

• Banking and credit‑union trade groups argued the 2023 policy is vague or overbroad and invites “regulation by enforcement,” urging major revisions or withdrawal. (aba.com)
• Analysts warned the Bureau’s approach could create uncertainty and face legal challenges when applied in practice. (spglobal.com)

What’s Next

The resolution has been introduced in the House and referred to the Financial Services Committee. To take effect, a CRA measure must pass both chambers and be signed by the President (or enacted over a veto). A closely related Senate resolution on the same CFPB withdrawal (S.J.Res. 147) is already on the Senate calendar (April 27, 2026). (congress.gov)