US Federal Senate Bill SJR173

US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/13/26
• Refer: 4/13/26

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 "Consumer Financial Protection Circular 2022-07: Reasonable Investigation of Consumer Reporting Disputes".

Summary

S.J. Res. 173 is a congressional disapproval resolution under the Congressional Review Act. It would nullify a Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection rule that withdrew Consumer Financial Protection Circular 2022-07, which addressed the “reasonable investigation” standard for consumer reporting disputes. If enacted, the resolution would make the CFPB’s withdrawal of that circular have no force or effect, effectively restoring the prior guidance or policy position associated with the circular. The measure does not create a new regulatory program; instead, it uses Congress’s CRA authority to overturn an agency action. Its practical effect would be on federal consumer finance oversight, especially how consumer reporting agencies and furnishers of credit information handle disputes and investigations under the Fair Credit Reporting Act framework and related CFPB guidance.

Impact

The resolution would affect federal administrative law by disapproving a CFPB rule and preventing the withdrawal of Circular 2022-07 from taking effect. That would preserve the agency’s prior interpretation of what constitutes a reasonable investigation of consumer reporting disputes, with downstream effects for credit bureaus, furnishers, consumers disputing inaccurate credit information, and compliance obligations in the consumer reporting industry.

Sentiment

Based on the bill’s text and available procedural history, the resolution appears to be a policy reversal aimed at maintaining stronger consumer protections in credit reporting disputes. No committee debate or recorded votes are provided, so there is no direct evidence of broader bipartisan support or opposition in the available record. The introduction by Senator Duckworth suggests an intent to preserve CFPB guidance favorable to consumers.

Contention

The main point of contention is likely whether the CFPB should retain or withdraw guidance that defines how thoroughly consumer reporting disputes must be investigated. Supporters of the resolution would generally favor keeping the circular in place to protect consumers and ensure robust dispute handling, while opponents would likely argue that the CFPB’s withdrawal was appropriate, perhaps to reduce regulatory burden or clarify agency policy. The dispute centers on consumer protection standards versus regulatory flexibility for credit reporting entities.