US Federal 2023-2024 Regular Session

US Federal Senate Bill SB887

Introduced
3/21/23  

Caption

A bill to amend the Federal Reserve Act to prohibit the Federal reserve banks from offering certain products or services directly to an individual, and for other purposes.

Impact

Should SB887 be enacted, it would significantly alter the operational framework of Federal Reserve banks, restricting their ability to engage directly with individual customers. This may influence the broader banking industry as it sets a precedent for how Federal Reserve authorities can interact with the public and manage digital currency initiatives. Critics argue that such limitations could hinder innovation in financial services, particularly in the realm of digital payments and personal banking solutions.

Summary

SB887 seeks to amend the Federal Reserve Act by introducing a prohibition on Federal Reserve banks from offering certain products or services directly to individuals. This includes the establishment of individual accounts and the issuance of central bank digital currency (CBDC) directly to individuals. The bill is introduced in the context of increasing scrutiny around digital currencies and the roles of central banks in providing services in the evolving financial landscape.

Contention

The crux of the contention surrounding SB887 revolves around the implications for consumer access to banking services as well as the potential for innovation in digital currencies. Some legislators and financial experts express concerns that restricting Federal Reserve banks from offering direct services may limit the advantages of having a central authority manage digital assets and could push individuals towards less regulated financial entities. On the other hand, supporters of the bill may argue that such measures are necessary to maintain the integrity of the banking system and prevent potential misuse of a central bank's ability to interact with individuals.

Companion Bills

US HB1122

Related CBDC Anti-Surveillance State Act

Previously Filed As

US HB24

Federal Reserve Transparency Act of 2023 This bill establishes requirements regarding audits of certain financial agencies performed by the Government Accountability Office (GAO). Specifically, the bill directs the GAO to complete, within 12 months, an audit of the Federal Reserve Board and Federal Reserve banks. In addition, the bill allows the GAO to audit the Federal Reserve Board and Federal Reserve banks with respect to (1) international financial transactions; (2) deliberations, decisions, or actions on monetary policy matters; (3) transactions made under the direction of the Federal Open Market Committee; and (4) discussions or communications among Federal Reserve officers, board members, and employees regarding any of these matters.

US HR580

Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 4016) making appropriations for the Department of Defense for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3633) to provide for a system of regulation of the offer and sale of digital commodities by the Securities and Exchange Commission and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 1919) to amend the Federal Reserve Act to prohibit the Federal reserve banks from offering certain products or services directly to an individual, to prohibit the use of central bank digital currency for monetary policy, and for other purposes; providing for consideration of the bill (S. 1582) to provide for the regulation of payment stablecoins, and for other purposes; and waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules.

US SB1647

ROI of the Federal Reserve Act Regular Order for Investments of the Federal Reserve Act

US HB4

To prohibit the use of Federal funds to propose, establish, implement, or enforce any requirement that an individual wear a mask or other face covering, or be vaccinated, to prevent the spread of COVID-19, and for other purposes.

US HB146

Prohibition on IOER Act of 2025This bill prohibits a Federal Reserve bank from paying interest to a depository institution on reserve balances in excess of minimum requirements. 

US SB1575

RESERVE Federal Land Act Review and Evaluation of Strategies for Equitable Reservations for Visitor Experiences Federal Land Act

US HB162

National Digital Reserve Corps Act This bill establishes a National Digital Reserve Corps in the General Services Administration (GSA) to address the digital and cybersecurity needs of executive agencies. The GSA must establish standards for reservist eligibility and must ensure reservists have the necessary resources and security credentials for service. Reservists must agree to serve for three years and for at least 30 days per year as an active reservist, with up to $10,000 in annual compensation; reservists who fail to accept an offered appointment or complete required duties are subject to fines. The GSA may cover the costs of continuing education for reservists to support their service. The Department of Labor must issue regulations that ensure the reemployment, continuation of benefits, and nondiscrimination in reemployment of active reservists. In August 2021, President Joe Biden established the U.S. Digital Corps within the GSA to support the technological needs of executive agencies, including cybersecurity needs. The corps offers entry-level positions through two-year fellowships, with the option to convert to full-time career positions after completion of the fellowship.

US HB22

Protecting America's Strategic Petroleum Reserve from China Act This bill prohibits the sale and export of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR) to China. Specifically, the bill prohibits the Department of Energy (DOE) from selling petroleum products (e.g., crude oil) from the SPR to any entity that is under the ownership, control, or influence of the Chinese Communist Party. Further, DOE must require as a condition of any sale of crude oil from the SPR that the oil not be exported to China.

US SB1646

Rein in the Federal Reserve Act

US SB1648

Right-size the Federal Reserve Act

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.