WHAT THE LAW DOINCongress, in plain words

H.R. 4544 · 119th Congress

American Access to Banking Act

Passed HouseFinance and Financial Sector
IntroducedJul 17, 2025
Passed HouseMay 20, 2026
Passed SenateNot yet
To PresidentNot yet
Became lawNot yet

Where it stands

Passed House. Latest step, May 21, 2026: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. The House passed it 405–4. It would change 0 sections of existing law and would add 6 new provisions of its own.

How this bill changes the law

Sourced

H.R. 4544 doesn't change any existing section of law. It would create 6 new provisions of its own. Read from the bill text as sent to the Senate (May 21, 2026).

New provisions of the bill's own

  • Sec. 2 Streamlining application process and review of capital raising by de novo regulated institutions
  • Sec. 3 Improving communication with de novo regulated institutions
  • Sec. 4 De Novo Mentor-Protégé partnerships
  • Sec. 5 State and stakeholder engagement plan
  • Sec. 6 Definitions
  • Sec. 7 Discretionary Surplus Fund
What the words would change: every change, in place (0)

Today's wording of each part of the law, with what would be struck out and added. Each change also gives the bill's own instruction, word for word.

    From the bill's official text on GovInfo and the U.S. Code, latest edition, which may not yet show changes made since.

    What it does

    Sourced

    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.

    Official summary by the Congressional Research Service (Introduced in House, Jul 17, 2025).

    Our plain-language breakdown, with what it means for you and the case for and against, is written once a bill starts to move.

    What has happened

    Sourced
    1. May 21, 2026Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.Senate
    2. May 20, 2026Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.House floor actions
    3. May 20, 2026On 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). Roll call recordHouse floor actions
    4. May 20, 2026Passed/agreed to in House: 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). Roll call recordLibrary of Congress
    5. May 20, 2026Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H3645)House floor actions
    6. May 19, 2026At 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 floor actions
    7. May 19, 2026DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4544.House floor actions
    8. May 19, 2026Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3584-3586; text: CR H3584-3585)House floor actions
    9. May 19, 2026Mr. Hill (AR) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.House floor actions
    10. Sep 8, 2025Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 210.House floor actions
    11. Sep 8, 2025Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Financial Services. H. Rept. 119-253.House floor actions
    12. Sep 8, 2025Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Financial Services. H. Rept. 119-253.Library of Congress
    13. Jul 23, 2025Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by the Yeas and Nays: 49 - 0.House committee actions
    14. Jul 23, 2025Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session HeldHouse committee actions
    15. Jul 22, 2025Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session HeldHouse committee actions
    16. Jul 17, 2025Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.House floor actions
    17. Jul 17, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress
    18. Jul 17, 2025Introduced in HouseLibrary of Congress

    Show key steps only

    Recorded votes

    Sourced
    1. May 20, 2026 · HousePassed 405–4
      On Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended · needed two-thirds
      R 199 yes, 4 noI 1 yes, 0 noD 205 yes, 0 noEach member · Record