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Senators press nominees on Military Lending Act protections, CFPB staffing and medical-debt rule
Summary
Committee members asked CFPB nominee Brian Johnson to commit to restoring office resources for service members, defended the Military Lending Act's supervisory authority, and pressed whether the bureau can deliver relief amid proposed enforcement-staff cuts and litigation over agency structure.
Senators repeatedly asked Brian Johnson about protections for service members and the status of offices created by Dodd-Frank. Senator Cortez Masto asked whether he would commit to restoring the office of service member affairs; Johnson replied, "I'll happy to take a look if I'm confirmed and ensure that it's fulfilling its duties," and said he would inform the committee if additional staff or funding were needed.
Other senators raised whether the Military Lending Act authorizes supervision of lenders and noted prior CFPB legal conclusions that supervision is permitted; Johnson said protecting service members is important and pledged to make it a priority if confirmed. Lawmakers also returned to concerns about broad staffing reductions at the CFPB and asked whether the agency could achieve meaningful consumer protection with deep cuts to examiners; Johnson noted staffing plans are subject to litigation and said he would evaluate strategy and resources with an open mind.
