H.R. 4544: American Access to Banking Act
Sponsor
Maxine Waters
Democrat · CA-43
What H.R. 4544 does
H.R. 4544, the American Access to Banking Act, is aimed at making it easier to start a new bank or credit union. Federal financial regulators would have to review and streamline their application processes, collect information from other agencies where practicable to cut down requests to applicants, and review how new institutions raise capital while keeping investor protections in place.
On request, an applicant could get a caseworker to help through the process and a list of similar institutions willing to act as mentors. Each regulator would also develop an engagement plan to help states and other interested parties understand its regulatory process.
How the House voted
Passed · May 20, 20264 Republicans broke with their party to vote no
Andy Biggs
Clay Higgins
Mary Miller
Keith SelfOn Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended: H R 4544 American Access to Banking Act · Roll no. 178 · Official record
HR4544 Legislative Journey
Committee Action
May 21, 2026
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
House: Vote: 405-4
May 20, 2026
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 405 - 4 (Roll no. 178).
House: Vote Held
May 19, 2026
At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
House: Committee Action
Sep 8, 2025
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Financial Services. H. Rept. 119-253.
House: Vote: 49-0
Jul 23, 2025
Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 49 - 0.
House: Committee Action
Jul 22, 2025
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
House: Committee Action
Jul 17, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
About the Sponsor
Maxine Waters
Democrat, California's 43rd congressional district · 35 years in Congress
Committees: Financial Services
View full profile →
Committee Sponsors
Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs Committee
0 of 24 committee members cosponsored
No committee members have cosponsored this bill
Financial Services Committee
0 of 54 committee members cosponsored
No committee members have cosponsored this bill
35 Democrats across these committees haven't cosponsored yet. Mobilize their constituents
H.R. 4544 Quick Facts
- Committee
- Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs
- Chamber
- House
- Policy
- Finance and Financial Sector
- Introduced
- Jul 17, 2025
Passed the House, received in Senate
May 21, 2026
H.R. 4544 Bill Text
“To direct certain Federal banking and credit union agencies to promote the formation of de novo regulated institutions through the review of application processes, the review of capital raising by de novo regulated institutions, and the establishment of various outreach programs, and for other purposes.”
Source: U.S. Government Publishing Office
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