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Newly appointed House Financial Services Committee (HFSC) Chairman Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-N.C., told NAFCU President and CEO Dan Berger Thursday that he will focus heavily on economic “innovation, opportunity, and oversight” under his leadership on the committee.

“We also need to enable small businesses to link up and get the capital they need to grow and survive,” McHenry told Berger, reiterating the importance of a competitive and robust financial marketplace, especially for smaller financial institutions like credit unions.

McHenry remarked on the CFPB’s “terrible” regulatory enforcement strategy, stating that the bureau must be held “accountable for their decision making” and bring “clarity to the marketplace so that firms and consumers have (the type) of protections they need.”

Berger also inquired of the Chairman on his plan for federal data privacy standard to which he responded that we must “enhance…and update our data privacy.”

Of note, McHenry, who recently announced his fellow Republicans who will serve on the committee, discussed renewed focus on cryptocurrency. NAFCU has supported a clear regulatory framework for cryptocurrency and other financial technologies but has warned against the creation of a central bank digital currency (CBDC), noting that costs of CBDC outweigh the benefits and that credit unions represent a safer and more trusted alternative for advancing financial inclusion goals and promoting affordable access to payments. The association has shared its concerns with the Federal Reserve, Treasury Department, Commerce Department, and Congress.

McHenry also praised the credit union industry for “making sure there is a diverse array of options and real competition” in the financial marketplace. McHenry has engaged credit unions regularly and previously discussed the future of the HFSC at NAFCU’s 2022 Congressional Caucus. 

NAFCU’s award-winning advocacy team continues to work with lawmakers to fight for the betterment of the credit union industry. Stay tuned to NAFCU Today for the latest out of Washington.