Banks get wider leeway to invest in community projects—but no guarantee they will.
H.R. 5913 — Community Investment and Prosperity Act · Filed by Michael Lawler (R-NY) · 8 cosponsors · Introduced Nov 4, 2025 · Referred to committee
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What it does
This bill raises the cap on how much money national banks and state member banks can invest in community development and public welfare projects from 15% to 20% of their capital and surplus. It allows banks to dedicate a larger share of their investment portfolios to affordable housing, small business lending, and similar community-focused activities.
Why we flagged it
The bill's sole operative mechanism is a numerical amendment raising a regulatory cap on permissible bank investment in community development. It is a straightforward deregulatory adjustment with no hidden riders or misdirection.
What the text implies
- The bill does not mandate community investment — it only permits banks to allocate up to 20% rather than 15%. Actual deployment to underserved communities depends on bank discretion and profitability incentives, which may not align with public welfare.
- Raising the cap may allow banks to count more activities as 'public welfare' investments, potentially including projects that generate returns or serve affluent areas, depending on how regulators define the term in implementing guidance.
The full analysis lists 3 implications of this text.
Who stands to gain
national banks; state member banks; community development financial institutions (CDFIs) receiving bank investment