H.R. 4544 · Where this bill is now
Became law through another bill
Its text was included in H.R. 6644, Public Law 119-101 (per the Congressional Research Service). This bill number itself: In the Senate.
See H.R. 6644 on Congress.gov ↗
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryStreamlines new bank and credit union formation
Ever wondered what it takes to start a bank from scratch. This bill asks federal regulators to make it easier for people to create new depository institutions or credit unions—basically new places where people can put their money. Regulators would streamline the application process, combine information requests from different agencies so applicants don't have to answer the same questions repeatedly, and review how new institutions raise money while still protecting investors. They would also assign caseworkers to help applicants and connect them with experienced institutions that can mentor them.
How it affects you
If you're an entrepreneur or group interested in starting a new bank or credit union, this would make the process clearer and less burdensome. For most people just using existing banks or credit unions, there's no direct change, though supporters of this bill believe it could eventually lead to more banking options in their communities.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Jul 17, 2025)
American Access to Banking Act
This 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.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 4544
AN ACT
American Access to Banking Act
Sponsor: Rep. Maxine Waters (D-CA-43) · Introduced Jul 17, 2025 · Finance and Financial Sector · 4 versions of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action May 21, 2026: “Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.”
How Congress voted
Official roll callsHouse · On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended · May 20, 2026
Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended Passed 405–4
| Party | Yes | No | Didn’t vote |
|---|---|---|---|
| Democrats | 205 | 0 | 7 |
| Independents | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Republicans | 199 | 4 | 14 |
4 members voted against most of their party: 4 Republicans voted No.
Congress votes on whole bills and amendments, not on single sections.