Maxine Waters

American Access to Banking Act

American Access to Banking Act This bill requires federal financial regulators to review and streamline the application process for the formation of de novo, or new, depository institutions or credit unions. Regulators must (1) review the application process; (2) to the extent practicable, collect necessary information from other agencies in order to minimize requests for applicant information; and (3) review how de novo financial intuitions raise capital while maintaining investor protections, including the impact of restrictions on raising capital. At the request of an applicant, regulators must (1) designate an employee as a caseworker to assist in the application process, and (2) provide a list of similar institutions interested in serving as a mentor. Each regulator must also develop a state and stakeholder engagement plan to assist interested parties with understanding the relevant regulatory processes.

GUIDANCE Act of 2026

The proposal would bring back guidance and rules that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau previously issued to regulate financial companies and protect consumers. These reinstated regulations would likely affect banks, credit card companies, payday lenders, and other financial institutions that offer products like loans and credit to everyday Americans. The measure is currently under review by the House Committee on Financial Services.

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 2022-04: Insufficient Data Protection or Security for Sensitive Consumer Information".

Congress would reject a decision by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to withdraw its 2022 guidance requiring companies to better protect sensitive customer financial information like Social Security numbers and bank account details. If passed, this would force the agency to keep the data security requirements in place rather than allowing them to be removed. The measure affects banks, credit card companies, and other financial firms that handle consumer personal information.

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 "The Fair Credit Reporting Act's Limited Preemption of State Laws".

Congress is considering blocking a decision by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau to withdraw a rule that limited how much state laws could override federal credit reporting protections. If approved, this would prevent the agency from rolling back those protections, keeping stronger state-level rules in place for how credit reporting companies handle consumer information. The measure affects credit reporting agencies, consumers who use credit, and states that have their own consumer protection laws.

DPA Transparency Act of 2026

This bill would require the government to be more transparent about how it uses the Defense Production Act, a law that lets the president direct companies to prioritize certain products during emergencies. The legislation would likely require public disclosure of which companies receive orders, what they're being asked to produce, and how much they're being paid, so Congress and the public can see how this emergency power is being used.

Closing the Enhanced Prudential Standards Loophole Act

This bill would strengthen banking regulations by closing a loophole that allows certain large financial institutions to avoid stricter oversight rules designed to prevent another financial crisis. The measure would require more banks and financial companies to follow enhanced safety standards that monitor their risk-taking and capital reserves, affecting major financial firms that currently operate with fewer restrictions than their largest competitors.

Incentivizing Safe and Sound Banking Act

Incentivizing Safe and Sound Banking Act This bill allows the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation to, during cease-and-desist proceedings for unsafe or unsound practices in an institution, prohibit the sale of stock in a bank or holding company by an officer or director of the bank or any bank-affiliated party who received stock as compensation. Further, the bill automatically prohibits the sale of such stocks by senior executive officers at large banks if the bank receives a certain risk management rating or if the bank is under an unresolved supervisory notice issued by a banking regulator.

Failed Bank Executives Accountability and Consequences Act

This bill would likely impose penalties or restrictions on executives whose banks fail or face serious financial problems, such as limiting their ability to work in banking again or requiring them to repay bonuses. The goal appears to be holding bank leaders personally accountable when their decisions lead to a bank's collapse, rather than allowing them to walk away without consequences. It would primarily affect bank executives and the financial industry.

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

This resolution expresses support for National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about how HIV and AIDS affect women and girls and promoting prevention and treatment efforts. The resolution aims to highlight the specific health challenges that women and girls face with HIV/AIDS and encourage public education and action on this health issue. It does not create new laws or programs, but rather serves as a statement of congressional support for the awareness day and its goals.

Honoring the life and legacy of Rev. Jesse Louis Jackson, Sr.

This resolution honors the life and legacy of Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr., recognizing his decades of work as a civil rights leader and activist who fought for racial equality and social justice. The measure celebrates his contributions to the civil rights movement and his efforts to advocate for marginalized communities throughout his career. While resolutions like this are primarily ceremonial and don't create new laws or policies, they allow Congress to formally acknowledge significant historical figures and their impact on American society.

Food for Palestinian Children and Families in Gaza Act of 2026

This bill would authorize the United States to provide food aid and humanitarian assistance to children and families in Gaza. The measure aims to address food insecurity in the region by directing resources toward feeding vulnerable populations, particularly children who lack adequate nutrition.

Supporting the goals and ideals of "National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day".

This resolution expresses support for National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, which aims to raise public awareness about HIV and AIDS in Black communities and encourage testing, prevention, and treatment efforts. The measure recognizes the disproportionate impact of HIV/AIDS on Black Americans and promotes education and resources to address this health disparity. While not creating new programs or funding, the resolution signals congressional support for efforts to combat HIV/AIDS in communities most affected by the disease.

Preventing Mass Casualties from Release of Hydrofluoric Acid at Refineries Act of 2026

This bill would require oil refineries to take stronger safety measures to prevent accidental releases of hydrofluoric acid, a highly toxic chemical used in the refining process that can cause severe injuries or deaths if it escapes into the air. The legislation aims to protect workers at refineries and nearby communities by setting stricter standards for how the chemical is stored, handled, and monitored. Refineries would need to implement better safety equipment and emergency response plans to reduce the risk of large-scale accidents.

Fair Competition for Small Business Act of 2025

This bill aims to help small businesses compete more fairly against larger corporations by likely addressing practices like predatory pricing, exclusive dealing, or other anticompetitive behavior that disadvantages smaller competitors. The legislation would probably give small business owners new legal tools or protections to challenge unfair competitive practices in court or through regulatory action. Small business owners, entrepreneurs, and potentially consumers who benefit from competitive markets would be the main groups affected by these changes.

FHA Small-Dollar Mortgages Act

The bill would let the federal government test a new program to help people with lower incomes or less savings get mortgages for smaller amounts, making it easier for them to buy homes without needing a large down payment. This pilot program would be run by the Department of Housing and Urban Development and would help first-time homebuyers and people who currently can't qualify for traditional mortgages access the housing market.

Housing Crisis Response Act of 2025

The bill aims to address the nation's housing shortage and affordability crisis through federal funding and policy changes, likely including measures to increase housing supply, help renters and first-time homebuyers, and support community development projects. It would affect housing developers, low-income families struggling with rent and homeownership, and local communities working to build more affordable housing. The proposal is currently being reviewed by two congressional committees to determine which parts fall under their respective areas of responsibility.

Databases of Publicly Owned Land Act

This bill would require the federal government to create and maintain public databases showing what land is owned by federal, state, and local governments, making it easier for developers, cities, and the public to identify available properties for housing and community projects. By making government land ownership transparent and accessible online, the legislation aims to help address housing shortages by streamlining the process of finding and developing publicly owned land for affordable housing and other community needs.

Head Start Shutdown Protection Act of 2025

This bill would protect Head Start programs—which provide early childhood education and services to low-income families—from being shut down during government funding disputes or budget crises. It likely aims to ensure that children in these programs can continue attending school and receiving meals and health services even when Congress is deadlocked over spending bills. The measure would affect millions of preschool-age children and their families who rely on Head Start for educational and developmental support.

Justice for Exonerees Act

Justice for Exonerees Act This bill increases the maximum amount of damages that an individual who was unjustly convicted and incarcerated may be awarded and requires that this amount be adjusted annually for inflation.

Strengthening Housing Supply Act of 2025

This bill aims to increase the supply of affordable housing across the country by likely removing regulatory barriers, streamlining approval processes, or providing incentives for developers to build more homes. The changes would affect housing developers, local governments, and people struggling to find affordable places to live, particularly in areas with tight housing markets. By making it easier or more profitable to construct new housing, the bill seeks to address the shortage of available homes that has driven up prices and rents nationwide.

Ending Homelessness Act of 2025

This bill would likely establish new federal programs and funding to help reduce homelessness through housing assistance, support services, and prevention efforts. It would affect homeless individuals, housing organizations, local governments, and potentially require funding from federal sources to expand shelter capacity, provide mental health and addiction services, and help people transition into permanent housing. The specific details of how the bill would work are still being determined as it moves through congressional committees.

Employee Paycheck and Small Business Protection Act

The legislation would protect workers' paychecks and help small businesses by establishing financial safeguards and regulations in the banking and financial sector. The bill aims to ensure that employees receive their wages reliably while reducing financial burdens on small business owners. It is currently under review by congressional committees to determine which provisions fall under their respective areas of responsibility.

Promoting Opportunities for Non-Traditional Capital Formation Act

Promoting Opportunities for Non-Traditional Capital Formation Act This bill expands the functions of the Securities and Exchange Commission's Office of the Advocate for Small Business Capital Formation. Specifically, the office must (1) provide educational resources and host (or participate in) events to promote capital-raising options for underrepresented small businesses, businesses in rural areas, and businesses affected by natural disasters; and (2) meet annually with representatives of state securities commissions to discuss opportunities for collaboration and coordination.

Downpayment Toward Equity Act of 2025

This bill would likely create or expand programs to help lower-income Americans and first-time homebuyers save money for down payments on homes, making it easier for people who struggle to afford the upfront costs of buying property. The legislation would probably involve government assistance, tax incentives, or matched savings accounts designed to reduce the financial barrier that prevents many working families from building wealth through homeownership.

Stop TRUMP in Crypto Act of 2025

Stop Trading, Retention, and Unfair Market Payoffs in Crypto Act of 2025 or the Stop TRUMP in Crypto Act of 2025 This bill prohibits certain government officials and their families from engaging in specified activities involving digital assets (including financial contracts, products, or instruments that derive their value from a digital asset). Specifically, the President, the Vice President, and Members of Congress (and their spouses, children, and children's spouses) are prohibited from owning a proportion of such an asset that allows the individual to unilaterally make changes to the asset; serving as an officer, director, or owner of an asset issuer; issuing, sponsoring, promoting, or receiving any direct or indirect compensation for the sale, marketing, or mining of such an asset in the United States or to a person in the United States; or trading assets while the official is in office if the individual has material non-public information about such assets. The bill also prohibits indirect engagement in such activities through intermediaries such as trusts or corporations or through other arrangements intended to conceal the individual’s beneficial ownership or control. Individuals who violate this bill are subject to penalties including fines and imprisonment.

Restoring Fair Housing Protections Eliminated by Trump Act of 2025

This bill would restore housing protections that were previously removed, likely addressing fair housing rules related to discrimination in lending, rental, and home sales. The legislation would affect renters, homebuyers, lenders, and real estate companies by reinstating safeguards that prevent discrimination based on factors like race, religion, national origin, or other protected characteristics. The bill is currently being reviewed by committees in Congress to determine which parts fall under their jurisdiction.

Supporting the goals and ideals of National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day.

This resolution recognizes domestic and global progress towards ending the HIV epidemic and calls for additional efforts, with a particular focus on reducing HIV-related vulnerabilities of women and girls.

Mamas and Babies in Underserved Communities Act of 2025

Mamas and Babies in Underserved Communities Act of 2025 This bill establishes Department of Health and Human Services grants for public or nonprofit private health care providers to expand and improve maternal health care services (including prenatal, postnatal, and postpartum care) and reduce disparities in access to such care. Health care providers are eligible to apply if they serve one or more minority, low-income, or medically underserved communities.