Policy, Perspective, and Advocacy: Highlights from ACA's Washington, D.C. Fly-In
From June 3rd – 5th, Attorney Justin Conner had the opportunity to attend ACA International's Washington, D.C., Insight Fly-In. It was an engaging few days of networking, policy discussions, and direct advocacy with lawmakers and staff shaping the regulatory landscape of our industry. Now, Justin is sharing his top takeaways – see below!
Day 1: Setting the Stage
The Fly-In kicked off Tuesday evening with remarks from Ohio Representative Warren Davidson, who shared his views on economic policy and regulation.
Day 2: Agency Insights & Industry Challenges
Wednesday was packed with valuable discussions. James Bergeron, Deputy Under Secretary at the U.S. Department of Education, presented sobering statistics on student loan repayment—only 30–40% of borrowers are currently repaying. The Department is even considering a shift back to private collection.
We also heard from Senate Banking Committee staff, with a focus on the STABLE Act and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) funding, as well as a presentation from the SBA Office of Advocacy. Their team provided a deep dive into the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA), offering resources for cutting through red tape and encouraging outreach to their agency for help navigating any federal agency issues.
ACA leadership gave important updates on:
- The medical debt rule and nonbank registry stays
- A reminder that these stays may be temporary
- Ongoing efforts to improve handling of consumer complaints, particularly invalid or duplicate filings
Later, South Carolina U.S. Representative Ralph Norman addressed the group. With a background as a real estate developer, he emphasized the need for accurate credit reporting and voiced concern over legislation that could erode creditor confidence.
On the Hill: Ohio Delegation Meetings
Later in the afternoon of our second day, Justin had the chance to meet with staff from Ohio Senator Bernie Moreno’s office and Ohio Senator Jon Husted’s office. These meetings were a chance to share industry concerns and offer insight on the practical impacts of proposed policies.
Day 3: Policy and Perspective
Thursday began with Kentucky U.S. Representative Andy Barr, who discussed the importance of using AI for credit accuracy, restoring due process for creditors, and strengthening oversight of the CFPB. He outlined a two-phase plan: pursue a reconciliation bill now and CFPB reform next.
Other speakers included:
- Rep. Janelle Bynum (OR): Shared personal stories and emphasized the importance of access to affordable credit. She positioned herself as a moderate voice focused on practical policy.
- Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (WI): Speculated on CFPB overreach and underscored the need for regulatory restraint.
Conclusion
The Fly-In was an incredible opportunity to connect with peers, deepen my understanding of key regulatory issues, and advocate for thoughtful, balanced policymaking.
If you have questions about any of these topics, feel free to connect with Justin at any time to learn about Weltman’s many collections solutions and/or commitment to compliance.
These blogs are not a solicitation for business and are not intended to constitute legal advice on specific matters, create an attorney-client relationship, or be legally binding in any way.
