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 "Bulletin 2022-06: Unfair Returned Deposited Item Fee Assessment Practices".

119th Congress Introduced by Nikema Williams

The resolution would nullify the BCFP’s withdrawal rule on Unfair Returned Deposited Item Fee Assessment Practices, preventing it from taking effect.

Introduced in House

Overview

What it is: Joint resolution under the congressional disapproval process (Chapter 8 of Title 5, United States Code) aimed at disapproving a Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (BCFP) rule.

Bill identifier: H.J.Res.171 (119th Congress, 2nd Session)

Sponsor: Representative Williams (GA) with a co-sponsor noted as Nikema Williams

Introduced: April 30, 2026

Committee referral: House Committee on Financial Services

Purpose and intent

The bill seeks to nullify a specific BCFP rule related to the withdrawal of a prior rule described as “Bulletin 2022–06: Unfair Returned Deposited Item Fee Assessment Practices.”

In practical terms, if enacted, the joint resolution would use the congressional disapproval process to remove the BCFP rule from effect, effectively preventing the withdrawal rule from having legal force.

Key provisions

Congressional disapproval: The resolution states Congress disapproves the rule submitted by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection concerning the withdrawal of the rule titled “Bulletin 2022–06: Unfair Returned Deposited Item Fee Assessment Practices.”

Regulatory status: Upon enactment, the rule would have no force or effect due to Congressional disapproval.

Affected parties and scope

Federal agency: Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (BCFP)

Rule in question: The withdrawal of the rule associated with “Bulletin 2022–06: Unfair Returned Deposited Item Fee Assessment Practices” (as published in the Federal Register: 87 Fed. Reg. 66940, November 7, 2022; and the withdrawn or amended references in 90 Fed. Reg. 20084, May 12, 2025).

Stakeholders potentially affected by the withdrawn rule/its withdrawal: financial institutions, consumers, and others subject to returned deposited item fee assessment practices as interpreted by the BCFP.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Process: This is a joint resolution under the Congressional disapproval mechanism (the same mechanism used to disapprove agency rules under 5 U.S.C. chapter 8).

Impact timing: If enacted, the disapproval resolution would render the targeted rule null and void from the point of enactment; no force or effect for the rule as disapproved.

Status: Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services as of April 30, 2026. Introduced on the same date.

Context and practical implications

The bill represents congressional check on an agency rulemaking action involving the withdrawal of a prior regulation or guidance related to unfair fee assessment practices for returned deposited items.

If enacted, financial institutions and consumers would rely on existing statutes and regulations rather than the withdrawn rule’s framework, potentially reinstating prior positions or leaving the status quo without the withdrawn rule’s effect.

The use of the congressional disapproval process ties the measure to a specific policy outcome regarding how the BCFP administers or withdraws guidance related to fee assessments.