Mr. President, I move to proceed to Calendar No. 389, S.J. Res. 133. Tariffs, a war, and a golden ballroom. We are in the middle of an economic crisis in America, but instead of working with us to…
Mr. President, I move to proceed to Calendar No. 389, S.J. Res. 133.
Tariffs, a war, and a golden ballroom. We are in the middle of an economic crisis in America, but instead of working with us to help bring down costs, this administration weakened the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, gutting protections and making it harder for Americans to afford daily life.
The unemployment rate is 4.3 percent and rising. Our housing market is in turmoil. Bottom line: Americans are struggling to get jobs, rent apartments, and secure mortgages. And the last thing they need to deal with is inaccurate background screening reports. This is especially true for those seeking a fresh start. My resolution would address that.
Now, we have all been there where you have submitted your paperwork, you sit for an interview, you provide references, and you are just waiting for the background check. This should be a breeze, right? Well, for many Americans it is not that easy--especially for our returning citizens.
That is why red States and blue States across the country have recognized the need to address a portion of this problem passing clean- slate legislation to give people a fair shot and a fresh start.
The Biden CFPB issued guidance to crack down on inaccurate background screening reports, but the Trump administration withdrew this guidance stating it was too onerous. You know what is onerous? Jumping through hoops to prove your background check was wrong while hoping to get an apartment that you applied for is still available. Or fighting with the credit bureau to prove you have a clean record to keep your job--that is onerous.
It has been proven that protecting consumers from error-filled background checks can be done. Equifax--one of the big three credit bureaus--recognized the importance and continued to handle customer complaints, despite the Trump administration's rescission of the rule.
The Federal Government should do the same, and I urge my colleagues to join us because nobody deserves to lose their job or their home because of false or outdated information.
I yield the floor.
Vote on Motion to Proceed
