Weltman Attorney Justin Conner had the opportunity to attend the 2026 Association of Credit and Collection Professionals (ACA) Washington Insights Fly-In. Below is a summary of his experience at the Fly-In and key takeaways.
A key topic was the Taking Account of Bureaucrats' Spending Act (TABs Act) and the structure of Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) leadership. Haridopolos highlighted the need for greater consistency and insulation from political swings, arguing that predictable oversight ultimately reduces regulatory volatility. On data privacy, he expressed caution toward sweeping federal rules crafted without sufficient industry experience, noting that premature regulation could stifle innovation rather than protect consumers.
While current legislation primarily targets the telecommunications sector, the FCC signaled interest in expanding certain definitions and requirements. This raised important concerns for our industry, as overly broad interpretations risk sweeping legitimate debt collection activity into frameworks designed to combat fraud and spam.
Wisconsin Congressman Scott Fitzgerald added to this theme by discussing the scope of CFPB authority, the distinction between opinions and lawful rulemaking, and the need for clearer definitions of Unfair, Deceptive, or Abusive Acts or Practices (UDAAP). His comments reflected a broader congressional concern about regulatory overreach and ambiguity.
A major point of emphasis was the misuse of the CFPB complaint portal. I explained that complaint volume has surged, mirroring the rise of online “finfluencers”, and that consumers can currently file repetitive or unlimited complaints without verification. I advocated for reforms such as attestation requirements and duplicate complaint prevention to ensure the portal remains a tool for genuine consumer protection rather than a mechanism for abuse.
I also stressed that new AI legislation should be carefully defined to avoid overreach onto existing technologies. Similarly, FCC definitions aimed at robocalls and scams should not be expanded to include legitimate debt collection communications. These distinctions matter, both for regulatory clarity and for ensuring that enforcement remains targeted at bad actors.
Barr also touched on broader topics: AI, cryptocurrency, and housing - reflecting Congress’s growing focus on emerging technologies and economic pressures.
The Fly In reaffirmed the importance of industry engagement. By sharing real world examples, highlighting unintended consequences, and advocating for balanced solutions, we help shape policies that protect consumers while preserving the essential work our industry performs.
Our team is constantly monitoring changes within the industry. If you have questions about any of these topics, would like to learn more about Weltman’s Solutions or Compliance Department, feel free to connect with me at any time.
This blog is not a solicitation for business, and it is not intended to constitute legal advice on specific matters, create an attorney-client relationship or be legally binding in any way.
Federalism, Regulation, and the Role of Industry Expertise
The Fly-In opened with remarks from Florida Congressman Mike Haridopolos, who emphasized a philosophy of limited federal interference in private industry. His focus centered on preventing fraud, ensuring responsible government spending, and respecting voter intent. He also offered a balanced view of federalism - acknowledging both the benefits of national consistency and the value of state level autonomy.A key topic was the Taking Account of Bureaucrats' Spending Act (TABs Act) and the structure of Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) leadership. Haridopolos highlighted the need for greater consistency and insulation from political swings, arguing that predictable oversight ultimately reduces regulatory volatility. On data privacy, he expressed caution toward sweeping federal rules crafted without sufficient industry experience, noting that premature regulation could stifle innovation rather than protect consumers.
FCC Priorities: Robocalls, Imposter Scams, and Offshore Activity
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) panel underscored its ongoing focus on robocalls, imposter scams, and consumer consent - issues that continue to dominate the agency’s enforcement agenda. A significant portion of the discussion centered on offshore call activity, including data sharing practices, storage requirements, and the potential for marking calls originating overseas.While current legislation primarily targets the telecommunications sector, the FCC signaled interest in expanding certain definitions and requirements. This raised important concerns for our industry, as overly broad interpretations risk sweeping legitimate debt collection activity into frameworks designed to combat fraud and spam.
State vs. Federal Authority
Montana Congressman Troy Downing offered a thoughtful comparison of state and federal regulatory roles. He emphasized that states like Montana differ significantly from states like California, and state level laws allow for tailored approaches that reflect local economic realities. At the same time, he acknowledged the value of federal baselines that prevent fragmentation and ensure minimum standards across the country. His remarks on the Housing for the 21st Century Act (Housing Bill) and the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act (CLARITY Act) further illustrated how emerging issues often require both state innovation and federal guardrails.Wisconsin Congressman Scott Fitzgerald added to this theme by discussing the scope of CFPB authority, the distinction between opinions and lawful rulemaking, and the need for clearer definitions of Unfair, Deceptive, or Abusive Acts or Practices (UDAAP). His comments reflected a broader congressional concern about regulatory overreach and ambiguity.
Hill Meetings: Advocacy, Accountability, and Emerging Technologies
My meetings with the offices of Senator John Husted and Senator Bernie Moreno built on relationships established during last year’s Fly In. It was energizing to share updates on the hard work their constituents are doing at our office and to discuss several pressing policy issues.A major point of emphasis was the misuse of the CFPB complaint portal. I explained that complaint volume has surged, mirroring the rise of online “finfluencers”, and that consumers can currently file repetitive or unlimited complaints without verification. I advocated for reforms such as attestation requirements and duplicate complaint prevention to ensure the portal remains a tool for genuine consumer protection rather than a mechanism for abuse.
I also stressed that new AI legislation should be carefully defined to avoid overreach onto existing technologies. Similarly, FCC definitions aimed at robocalls and scams should not be expanded to include legitimate debt collection communications. These distinctions matter, both for regulatory clarity and for ensuring that enforcement remains targeted at bad actors.
Congressman Andy Barr: Funding, Oversight, and CFPB Reform
Fresh off his Kentucky Senate election victory, Congressman Andy Barr shared his priorities regarding CFPB oversight. He expressed interest in reducing CFPB funding through reconciliation, restoring congressional control over the “power of the purse,” and limiting the agency’s punitive authority. He also echoed concerns about UDAAP ambiguity and reiterated the need for meaningful reform of the complaint portal, including mechanisms to limit false or unverified submissions.Barr also touched on broader topics: AI, cryptocurrency, and housing - reflecting Congress’s growing focus on emerging technologies and economic pressures.
Top Takeaways
Across all meetings and panels, one message resonated: policymakers are actively seeking clarity. Whether discussing AI, robocalls, data privacy, or consumer protection, lawmakers want to ensure that regulations target genuine risks without hindering legitimate business operations.The Fly In reaffirmed the importance of industry engagement. By sharing real world examples, highlighting unintended consequences, and advocating for balanced solutions, we help shape policies that protect consumers while preserving the essential work our industry performs.
Our team is constantly monitoring changes within the industry. If you have questions about any of these topics, would like to learn more about Weltman’s Solutions or Compliance Department, feel free to connect with me at any time.
This blog is not a solicitation for business, and it is not intended to constitute legal advice on specific matters, create an attorney-client relationship or be legally binding in any way.
