Congress moves to restore medical debt protections CFPB tried to kill
H.J.Res. 168 — 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 2022-01: Medical Debt Collection and Consumer Reporting Requirements in Connection with the No Surprises Act". · Filed by Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) · Introduced Apr 30, 2026 · Referred to committee
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What it does
This resolution blocks the CFPB's attempt to withdraw a 2022 rule protecting consumers from surprise medical debt collection and unfair credit reporting. The CFPB tried to rescind that protection in May 2025; this resolution voids that rescission, restoring the consumer protections that were in place.
Why we flagged it
The resolution uses the Congressional Review Act (CRA) disapproval mechanism to undo a regulatory withdrawal, restoring consumer protections against medical debt collection abuse. It is a straightforward accountability measure, not a substantive policy change.
What the text implies
- If enacted, this resolution would lock in Bulletin 2022-01 protections unless the CFPB resubmits a new withdrawal rule and Congress fails to disapprove it again—creating a procedural hurdle for future deregulation.
- The resolution does not address whether the CFPB's May 2025 withdrawal was legally sound; it is a political override, not a judicial review. The underlying legal question remains open.
The full analysis lists 3 implications of this text.
Who it affects
Ordinary people regain protection against predatory medical debt collection practices and credit-reporting abuse tied to surprise medical bills. The resolution restores a rule designed to shield consumers from debt collectors exploiting the No Surprises Act gap.