PolicyBrief
H.RES. 287
119th CongressApr 1st 2025
Providing for the consideration of S.J. Res. 18, S.J. Res 24, H.R. 1526, and H.R. 22.
IN COMMITTEE

This resolution establishes special House procedures for considering four specific legislative items, including resolutions disapproving CFPB rules and bills regarding court injunctions and voter registration citizenship proof.

W. Steube
R

W. Steube

Representative

FL-17

LEGISLATION

House Fast-Tracks Four Bills: Expedited Votes on Overdraft Rules, Digital Payments, Court Injunctions, and Voter ID

Alright, let's talk about something that's less about a new law and more about the legislative equivalent of hitting the fast-forward button. This particular resolution isn't creating new policy itself, but it's setting up the House of Representatives to quickly consider four other legislative items. Think of it as the 'express lane' pass for these specific bills and resolutions, allowing them to zip through procedural hurdles and get to a vote much faster.

The 'Fast Pass' to a Vote

So, what does this resolution actually do? Essentially, it clears the decks for four separate measures to be debated and voted on with minimal fuss. Normally, bills can get bogged down in procedural objections or endless debate. This resolution basically says, "Nope, not for these ones." It waives pretty much all procedural objections against considering these items and even against their specific contents. It also limits debate to a mere hour for each, split between committee leaders, and allows for only one motion to send the bill back to committee. After that, it’s straight to a final vote.

What's on the Express Lane Menu?

This resolution is clearing the way for a pretty diverse set of legislative items. Here’s a quick rundown of what the House will be fast-tracking:

  • Overdraft Lending Rules: One joint resolution aims to disapprove a rule from the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection (CFPB) concerning "Overdraft Lending: Very Large Financial Institutions." If you’ve ever been hit with an overdraft fee, this is the kind of rule that impacts your wallet directly. Disapproving it could mean different rules for how banks handle those charges.
  • Digital Payment Apps: Another joint resolution is looking to disapprove a CFPB rule titled "Defining Larger Participants of a Market for General-Use Digital Consumer Payment Applications." This one is all about how big digital payment platforms, like Venmo or Cash App, are regulated. Disapproving this rule could change the oversight landscape for these services that many of us use daily.
  • Federal Court Injunctions: There's also a bill that wants to amend Title 28 of the U.S. Code to limit the power of federal district courts to issue injunctions. In simple terms, an injunction is a court order that tells someone to do something or stop doing something. Limiting this power could have big implications for everything from environmental protections to business disputes, as it changes how courts can intervene.
  • Voter Registration and Citizenship: Finally, a bill is on the fast track to amend the National Voter Registration Act of 1993. This amendment would require proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration in federal elections. This is a significant change that could impact how millions of people register to vote, potentially adding a new layer of documentation for citizens to prove their eligibility.

Why the Fast Track?

For those of us juggling work, family, and everything in between, understanding these procedural moves can feel a bit like watching paint dry. But this resolution is a big deal because it signals that these four issues are priorities for a quick vote. By waiving objections and limiting debate, the House is ensuring these specific items get a direct shot at becoming law or being overturned. It’s a procedural maneuver that speaks volumes about what legislative actions are being prioritized, and it's worth keeping an eye on how these quick votes play out.