US Federal Senate Bill SJR151

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/26/26
• Refer: 3/26/26

Caption

A joint resolution 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 2023-01: Unfair Billing and Collection Practices After Bankruptcy Discharges of Certain Student Loan Debts".

Summary

SJR151 is a joint resolution under the Congressional Review Act that would disapprove a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau rule withdrawing Bulletin 2023-01. That bulletin addressed unfair billing and collection practices involving certain student loan debts after those debts have been discharged in bankruptcy. If enacted, the resolution would nullify the CFPB’s withdrawal rule and leave the bulletin in place as a matter of federal policy. The measure does not create a new regulatory program or amend the bankruptcy code directly. Instead, it uses Congress’s disapproval authority to block the CFPB’s attempt to rescind guidance related to student loan debt collection after bankruptcy discharge. Its practical effect would be to preserve the agency’s prior position on how creditors and collectors should treat discharged student loan obligations, especially in the context of billing and collection practices.

Impact

If adopted, the resolution would make the CFPB’s withdrawal of Bulletin 2023-01 have no force or effect, thereby preserving the bulletin’s guidance on unfair billing and collection practices after bankruptcy discharges of certain student loan debts. It would affect the Bureau’s regulatory posture and the conduct of student loan servicers, debt collectors, and other creditors handling discharged student loan accounts, but it would not itself change underlying bankruptcy statutes or create new statutory rights.

Sentiment

Based on the bill’s introduction and referral history, the resolution appears to be framed as a consumer-protection measure aimed at maintaining safeguards for borrowers after bankruptcy. No vote data or committee transcript is available, so there is no recorded floor or committee debate to gauge broader support or opposition. The available context suggests the sponsor’s intent is to preserve protections rather than relax them.

Contention

The main point of contention is likely whether the CFPB should retain or withdraw guidance limiting unfair billing and collection practices for student loan debts after bankruptcy discharge. Supporters would view the bulletin as an important consumer safeguard for borrowers who have obtained bankruptcy relief, while opponents may argue that the CFPB should not maintain or expand guidance that affects student loan servicing and collection practices. Because there are no transcripts or votes provided, specific member positions are not documented in the available record.