Senate moves to restore medical debt protections CFPB tried to kill
S.J.Res. 148 — 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 2022-01: Medical Debt Collection and Consumer Reporting Requirements in Connection with the No Surprises Act". · Filed by Patty Murray (D-WA) · Introduced Mar 26, 2026 · Referred to committee
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What it does
This resolution blocks the CFPB's decision to withdraw a 2022 rule protecting consumers from surprise medical debt collection and unfair credit reporting. By disapproving the CFPB's withdrawal, Congress restores the original consumer protections that were set to be eliminated.
Why we flagged it
The resolution uses the Congressional Review Act (CRA) disapproval mechanism to undo an agency withdrawal, functionally restoring a consumer-protection rule. It is a procedural instrument with a straightforward protective purpose.
What the text implies
- If passed, this resolution would prevent the CFPB from withdrawing the rule without a new rulemaking process, effectively locking in the 2022 protections unless Congress or a future administration explicitly overrides this disapproval.
- The resolution targets a May 2025 withdrawal notice, suggesting the CFPB attempted to rescind the 2022 rule during the current administration—a reversal of prior consumer-protection policy.
The full analysis lists 3 implications of this text.
Who it affects
Ordinary people regain protections against surprise medical debt collection practices and unfair credit reporting tied to medical debt. The resolution restores guardrails that prevent debt collectors from exploiting the No Surprises Act and damaging consumers' credit without transparency.