VoterlyH.R. 4544: American Access to Banking Act
119th Congress · Sponsored from California · In committee
What this bill does
American Access to Banking ActThis 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.
Key facts
- Status In committee
- Introduced 2025-07-17
- Policy area Finance and Financial Sector
- Cosponsors 0
- Latest action Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
Sponsor
Who funds the sponsor?
Rep. Waters, Maxine [D-CA-43] introduced H.R. 4544. On Voterly you can see their top campaign donors from public Federal Election Commission records — individuals, PACs, and industry groups (follow the money) — and compare that with how they vote.
See Rep. Waters, Maxine [D-CA-43]'s donors & voting record →
Campaign donations show who helps fund the sponsor's election; they are not the same as who drafted or lobbied for the bill text. Lobbying disclosures are separate public records.
Take a position & compare alignment
Agree or disagree with H.R. 4544? Go to the homepage to record your view and compare your stance with how your representatives vote. See Rep. Waters, Maxine [D-CA-43]'s profile to vote on their bills and check your alignment % with the sponsor.
Read the official text on Congress.gov →
Frequently asked questions
What does H.R. 4544 do?
American Access to Banking ActThis 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 prac…
Who sponsored H.R. 4544?
Rep. Waters, Maxine [D-CA-43] (D) of California is the lead sponsor.
How do I find out who funds or lobbies for H.R. 4544?
Campaign-finance records (Federal Election Commission) show who funds the bill's sponsor. Separately, federal lobbying disclosures filed under the Lobbying Disclosure Act list the companies and lobbyists who reported lobbying on specific bills. Voterly links the sponsor's donors; lobbying records are public at the U.S. Senate and House lobbying databases.
Is H.R. 4544 now law?
Not yet. The current status is "In committee." See the latest action above for details.