Congress moves to block CFPB's rollback of digital steering protections
S.J.Res. 168 — 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 2024-01: Preferencing and Steering Practices by Digital Intermediaries for Consumer Financial Products or Services". · Filed by Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) · Introduced Apr 13, 2026 · Referred to committee
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What it does
This resolution blocks the CFPB's decision to withdraw its 2024 guidance on 'preferencing and steering' — practices where digital platforms steer consumers toward certain financial products. By disapproving the withdrawal, Congress restores the CFPB's original anti-steering guidance, protecting consumers from manipulative digital intermediary practices that may disadvantage them.
Why we flagged it
This is a Congressional Review Act disapproval resolution that restores a consumer-protection guidance the CFPB had withdrawn. It uses the CRA's procedural mechanism to reverse an agency action, not to deregulate or create new rules.
What the text implies
- If passed, this resolution would bind the CFPB to maintain the 2024 anti-steering guidance unless Congress explicitly approves a new withdrawal — raising the bar for future regulatory rollbacks in this area.
- The resolution targets digital intermediaries (fintech platforms, comparison-shopping sites, aggregators) that may have relied on the withdrawal to expand steering practices; those platforms face renewed compliance obligations.
The full analysis lists 3 implications of this text.
Who it affects
Ordinary consumers gain protection against digital intermediaries using dark patterns and algorithmic steering to push them toward worse financial products. The restored guidance establishes transparency and fairness standards in how digital platforms present consumer financial options.