CEI Leads Coalition Letter Opposing House Vote on Resolution to Overturn OCC “True Lender” Rule

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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