CBA Applauds House Passage of Small Business Lending Bill

WASHINGTON – Consumer Bankers Association President and CEO Richard Hunt issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Small Business 7(a) Lending Oversight Reform Act of 2018 (H.R. 4743), which will authorize the SBA Administrator to increase the 7(a) Loan Program’s authorization cap by 15 percent during periods of high demand, among other reforms:

“CBA members are dedicated to assisting small business owners across the country serve their customers and this bill will help many receive the funding needed to grow their businesses and local economies. We would like to thank Representatives Steve Chabot and Nydia Velázquez for introducing the legislation and House leadership for bringing the bill to the floor for a vote.”

BACKGROUND

The Small Business 7(a) Lending Oversight Reform Act of 2018 (H.R. 4743) will ensure qualified small business owners have access to needed capital through the SBA 7(a) program. Specifically, the bill will authorize the SBA Administrator to increase the 7(a) Loan Program’s authorization cap by 15 percent during periods of high demand; improve the Office of Credit Risk Management (OCRM) lender review process; provide needed clarity to the SBA’s Credit Elsewhere Test; allow lenders to appeal enforcement actions to the SBA directly for timely dispute resolutions; and establish a Lender Oversight Committee within the SBA to oversee the program and the actions of the OCRM Director. The bill was introduced by Representatives Steve Chabot (R-Ohio) and Nydia Velázquez (D-N.Y.).

Note: Ahead of the vote, CBA sent a letter in support of the bill to Speaker Paul Ryan and Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi.