US Federal Senate Bill SJR141

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/13/26
• Introduced: 3/19/26
• Refer: 3/19/26

Caption

A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection relating to the withdrawal of the rule relating to "Debt Collection Practices (Regulation F); Deceptive and Unfair Collection of Medical Debt".

Summary

SJR 141 is a joint resolution under the Congressional Review Act that would overturn a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rule withdrawing an earlier rule on debt collection practices involving medical debt. If enacted, it would nullify the CFPB’s withdrawal action and restore the underlying rule’s legal effect, specifically the rule addressing “Debt Collection Practices (Regulation F); Deceptive and Unfair Collection of Medical Debt.” The measure is narrowly focused on federal consumer-finance regulation and does not itself create a new regulatory framework; instead, it uses congressional disapproval to block the agency’s withdrawal of a prior rule. Its practical effect would be to affect debt collectors, consumers with medical debt, and the CFPB’s authority over how medical debt may be collected and reported under Regulation F.

Impact

The resolution would have no force unless passed by both chambers and signed, but if adopted it would invalidate the CFPB’s withdrawal rule and leave the earlier medical-debt debt-collection protections in place. The bill would affect federal administrative law under chapter 8 of title 5, U.S. Code, and could influence compliance obligations for debt collectors, credit reporting practices, and consumer protections related to medical debt.

Sentiment

The available legislative history suggests the bill is politically contested rather than broadly consensual. The Senate’s motion to proceed was rejected on a 50-50 vote, indicating a sharply divided chamber and partisan disagreement over whether Congress should overturn the CFPB’s action. The absence of committee debate in the provided record limits more detailed sentiment analysis, but the close vote shows significant support and opposition.

Contention

The main point of contention is whether Congress should use the Congressional Review Act to reverse the CFPB’s withdrawal of the medical-debt debt-collection rule. Supporters are likely to view the underlying rule as an important consumer protection against deceptive or unfair collection practices, while opponents may argue that the CFPB should retain flexibility to revise or withdraw the rule and that Congress should not intervene. The dispute centers on medical debt, debt collection regulation, and the scope of agency authority versus congressional oversight.