Mr. Speaker, let me start by saying that we all care about community banks and credit unions. For that reason, I was pleased to work with Chair Hill on a package of community bank provisions included in our landmark housing bill, the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act. Now, even though Trump refused to sign it, that legislation has become the law of the land. That law not only will get America back in the business of building housing, but it will help community lenders provide mortgages and other types of financing to support the American Dream of homeownership.
2026 MidtermsSolid SeatD+50R shift +5$432K raised
Maxine Waters
Representative · California · Democrat
Maxine Waters
House Floor
Recent comments in the House
Mr. Speaker, we know how to support community banks and credit unions. We just did that with our landmark housing bill, and I was pleased to work with the chairman of that committee, Mr. Hill. It became law just a few days ago and included five Republican bills and four Democratic ones that were focused on supporting community banks. Now, here come Republicans to push for what they and their allies want: financial deregulation. This bill has 24 Republican provisions compared to just 2 from Democrats.
Mr. Speaker, a wide variety of labor, consumer, and civil rights groups are strongly opposed to this bill. Let me read from one of the letters we received: ``The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) and our network of 700+ community organizations urge Members to oppose H.R. 6955, the Main Street Capital Access Act and vote no on the House floor.'' That is what we are being urged to do by our supporters. ``H.R. 6955 is a broad bank deregulation package that would weaken fair lending transparency, community accountability, bank supervision, and merger review.
Biography
Maxine Waters began her career as a community organizer and advocate for economic justice in Los Angeles. Elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for California’s 43rd District in 1990, she has focused on affordable housing, financial reform, and civil rights. Waters authored the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform Act provisions and has chaired the House Financial Services Committee, overseeing critical banking and housing policies. Her leadership is marked by direct advocacy and legislation that aims to address inequality and empower underserved communities in her district.
Education
- B.A. in Sociology, California State University at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA1971
Professional History
U.S. Representative
1991-PresentRepresenting California's 43rd district
Member, California Assembly
1976–90Chief Deputy, Staff of Los Angeles City Councilman David S. Cunningham, Jr.
1973Teacher
Policy Focus
Finance and Financial Sector32%
Housing and Community Development16%
Health13%
International Affairs9%
Notable Legislation
Key legislative actions from Maxine Waters's record in Congress.
Dodd-Frank Act Leadership
Played a key role in crafting and passing the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act in 2010.
Chair of House Financial Services Committee
Became the first woman and African American to chair the House Financial Services Committee in 2019.
Homeless Assistance Funding
Secured increased federal funding for homeless assistance programs, including the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Grants.
Haiti Debt Relief Advocacy
Led efforts to secure debt relief for Haiti after the 2010 earthquake through U.S. and international financial institutions.
Committee Assignments
View details →- House Committee on Financial ServicesRanking Member
Rep. Maxine Waters FAQ
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