Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to the withdrawal of the rule relating to "Fair Credit Reporting; Permissible Purposes for Furnishing, Using, and Obtaining Consumer Reports".

119th Congress Introduced by Brittany Pettersen

It would nullify the withdrawal of the 2022 consumer reporting rule and reinstate its framework for permissible purposes in furnishing, using, and obtaining reports.

Introduced in House

Overview

Bill: H.J.Res.165

Session: 119th Congress, 2nd Session

Title: Providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to the withdrawal of the rule relating to “Fair Credit Reporting; Permissible Purposes for Furnishing, Using, and Obtaining Consumer Reports”

Introduced: April 30, 2026

Sponsor: Rep. Brittany Pettersen (co-sponsor)

Status: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services

Purpose and intent

The joint resolution uses the Congressional disapproval process under the Small Business Regulatory Flexibility Act procedures (chapter 8 of title 5, U.S.C.) to disapprove a specific Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (BCFP) rule.

It targets the BCFP rule that withdraws the previously issued rule on “Fair Credit Reporting; Permissible Purposes for Furnishing, Using, and Obtaining Consumer Reports.”

If enacted, the resolution would nullify the withdrawal rule and restore the prior rule to have no force or effect, effectively preventing the withdrawal from standing.

Key provisions and changes

Legislative action: Provides for congressional disapproval of a federal agency rule through a joint resolution.

Targeted rule:

The withdrawal thereof of the rule titled “Fair Credit Reporting; Permissible Purposes for Furnishing, Using, and Obtaining Consumer Reports.”
Original rule reference: 87 Fed. Reg. 41243 (July 12, 2022) and the withdrawal action noted at 90 Fed. Reg. 20084 (May 12, 2025).

Effect if enacted:

The rule withdrawing the 2022 rule would have no force or effect.
The previously existing rule (the 2022 rule) would remain in effect (i.e., the withdrawal would be overturned).

Who or what would be affected

Federal regulation on consumer reporting:

The BCFP rulemaking regarding permissible purposes for furnishing, using, and obtaining consumer reports.

Stakeholders impacted by the rule:

Consumers, individuals whose consumer reports are accessed or shared.
lenders, employers, insurers, and other entities that rely on consumer reports.
Consumer reporting agencies that collect, furnish, and use consumer information.

The resolution would ensure continuity or reinstatement of the 2022 rule’s framework governing permissible purposes for consumer reports, rather than allowing the 2025 withdrawal.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Mechanism: Congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, U.S.C. (established for expedited disapproval of agency rules).

Process steps (implied):

Joint resolution introduced in the House (and Senate action would follow per the normal process for this disapproval mechanism).
If passed by both chambers and enacted, the rule would be treated as having no force or effect.

Current status as of the message:

Introduced and referred to the House Committee on Financial Services (April 30, 2026).

Related regulatory timeline:

The rule being disapproved concerns a withdrawal action from May 12, 2025, and the original rule publication July 12, 2022.

Potential implications

Regulatory certainty: Restores the 2022 rule framework for permissible purposes for furnishing, using, and obtaining consumer reports.

Enforcement and compliance: Affected entities may revert to compliance obligations under the reinstated rule, with associated oversight by the BCFP.

Policy and balance: The resolution reflects a legislative stance on how consumer-reporting rules should be administered, potentially impacting privacy safeguards, data-sharing practices, and risk management for entities relying on consumer reports.