Debbie Lesko on Corporations

Regulatory relief for smaller banks stimulates growth.

Congressional Summary:

Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief, and Consumer Protection Act
• TITLE I--IMPROVING CONSUMER ACCESS TO MORTGAGE CREDIT: [for small banks,] requirements are waived if a loan is originated by and retained by the institution
• TITLE II--REGULATORY RELIEF AND PROTECTING CONSUMER ACCESS TO CREDIT: [deregulate] reciprocal deposits [if they] do not exceed 20% of its total liabilities.
• TITLE III--PROTECTIONS FOR VETERANS, CONSUMERS, AND HOMEOWNERS
• TITLE IV--TAILORING REGULATIONS FOR CERTAIN BANK HOLDING COMPANIES
• TITLE V--ENCOURAGING CAPITAL FORMATION
• TITLE VI--PROTECTIONS FOR STUDENT BORROWERS

Supporting press release from Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN-6): This legislation will foster economic growth by providing relief to Main Street, tailor regulations for better efficacy, and most importantly it will empower individual Americans and give them more opportunity.

Opposing statement on ProPublica.org from Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY-5): The bill includes many provisions I support: minority-owned banks and credit unions in underserved communities have legitimate regulatory burden concerns. Unfortunately, exempting mortgage disclosures enacted to detect discriminatory practices will only assist the Trump Administration in its overall effort to curtail important civil rights regulations. I simply cannot vote for any proposal that would help this Administration chip away at laws that I and my colleagues worked so hard to enact and preserve.

Legislative outcome: Passed House 258-159-10 on May 22, 2018(Roll call 216); Passed Senate 67-31-2 on March 14, 2018(Roll call 54); Signed by President Trump. May 24, 2018

PVS:Lower corporate taxes promote economic growth.

Project Vote Smart inferred whether candidates agree or disagree with the statement, 'Economy: Do you support lowering corporate taxes as a means of promoting economic growth?' PVS self-description: "The Political Courage Test provides voters with positions on key issues. Historically, candidates have failed to complete our test due to the advice they receive from their advisors and out of fear of negative attack ads."

Voted NO on corporate transparency.

GovTrack.us Summary: Corporate Transparency Act (CTA): To ensure that persons who form corporations or limited liability companies disclose the owners, in order to prevent exploitation for criminal gain, to assist law enforcement against terrorism, money laundering, and other misconduct.

Statement in support by Rep. Charlie Crist (D-FL-13): This bipartisan bill closes the shell corporation loophole by requiring identification of the actual person or persons who stand to gain financially from the arrangement. "Each year, nearly two million corporations are formed in the U.S., often requiring less information about the owner of than is needed to open a bank account. Unfortunately, this has allowed bad actors to exploit our laws--establishing shell companies that are used as a vehicle for money launderers and human traffickers," said Rep. Crist.

Statement in opposition by The Heritage Foundation: Under the CTA, religious organizations and charities would be subject to fines unless they file a written certification with the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network. The CTA is easily and lawfully avoided by the sophisticated, and would do virtually nothing to achieve their stated aim of protecting society from illicit finance. The Improving Laundering Laws and Increasing Comprehensive Information Tracking of Criminal Activity in Shell Holdings Act [ILLICT CASH Act, the Republican-introduced alternative] makes meaningful improvements to other aspects of anti–money laundering laws.

Legislative outcome: Bill Passed House, 249-173-10 on Rollcall no. 577, Oct. 22, 2019. [The 116th Congress terminated with no Senate action on this bill].