CEI Leads Coalition Letter Opposing House Vote on Resolution to Overturn OCC “True Lender” Rule
Dear Speaker Pelosi and Minority Leader McCarthy,
As leaders of conservative and free-market groups who stand firm against regulatory barriers that impede opportunities for consumers and small businesses, we write in opposition to House passage of Senate Joint Resolution 15, the Congressional Review Act resolution to overturn the “True Lender” rule issued last year by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency.
The True Lender rule aims to clear away the red tape that has prevented community banks from offering credit products, such as installment loans, made in partnership with innovative fintech firms to consumers throughout the country. By clearing these barriers, the rule has helped smaller banks compete with big banks to give consumers more credit choices.
For decades, the National Bank Act allowed large federally-chartered banks to issue credit cards throughout the country without being subject to numerous state rules. But courts would often slam the door to this protection for smaller banks if they partnered with outside firms to offer consumers credit by deeming the partnering firm as responsible for the loan. The True Lender rule makes it clear that smaller banks that adhere to the rules of the federal government and their home states will not be subject to the red tape of other states regardless of whether they partnered with an outside firm to make the loan.
The True Lender Rule creates more choices for consumers and advances true federalism. Many of our groups have long advocated that consumers should be free to buy health plans across state lines, as the sovereignty of consumers should take precedence over that of arrogant state governments that issue excessive regulations. We believe American consumers should also have this freedom when shopping for the best credit products for themselves and their families.
For these reasons, the undersigned groups oppose S.J.Res. 15 and urge a “No” vote should the measure be brought to the floor. Thank you for consideration of our views.
Sincerely
John Berlau
Senior Fellow
Competitive Enterprise Institute
Adam Brandon
President
FreedomWorks
James L. Martin
Founder/Chairman
60 Plus Association
Saulius “Saul”Anuzis
President
60 Plus Association
Richard Manning
President
Americans for Limited Government
Brent Wm. Gardner
Chief Government Affairs Officer
Americans for Prosperity
Grover Norquist
President
Americans for Tax Reform
Ron Paul
Chairman
Campaign for Liberty
Chair, Subcommittee on Monetary Policy, House Financial Services Committee 2011-2012
Ryan Ellis
President
Center for a Free Economy
Andrew F. Quinlan
President
Center for Freedom and Prosperity
Jeffrey Mazzella
President
Center for Individual Freedom
Ray F. Chadwick
Chairman
Granite State Taxpayers
Garrett Bess
Vice President
Heritage Action for America
Heather Higgins
CEO
Independent Women’s Voice
Andrew Langer
President
Institute for Liberty
Tom Giovanetti
President
Institute for Policy Innovation
Seton Motley
President
Less Government
Connor Boyack
President
Libertas Institute
Paul Gessing
President
Rio Grande Foundation
Karen Kerrigan
President & CEO
Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council
David Williams
President
Taxpayers Protection Alliance
Jenny Beth Martin
Honorary Chairman
Tea Party Patriots Action