Press Releases

Video highlights, below, on the harms of predatory rent-a-bank schemes WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Development held a hearing, “The Reemergence of Rent-a-Bank?,” focused on legislation to rescind a bank regulator rule that facilitates this predatory lending scheme. The regulation, issued by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), can...

Data reflects dire need for down payment assistance and student debt relief that would help support path to homeownership WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) released a new report “ Hardship for Renters: Too Many Years to Save for Mortgage Down Payment and Closing Costs.” The report calculates how long it would take for a typical...

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the U.S. Senate confirmed Vanita Gupta to be Associate Attorney General at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). Gupta is the first woman of color to hold the position. Center for Responsible Lending President Michael Calhoun issued the following statement: Vanita Gupta is an accomplished advocate and litigator who has led the Civil Rights Division at...

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, a jury convicted former police officer Derek Chauvin of the murder of George Floyd, finding him guilty on all three counts. Center for Responsible Lending President Michael Calhoun issued the following statement: We all watched in horror last year as Derek Chauvin denied George Floyd the breath of life with a knee to his neck. While...

Washington, D.C. – Former Vice President Walter Mondale, an outspoken supporter of civil rights and co-author of the landmark Fair Housing Act of 1968, which sought to end racial discrimination in housing and create inclusive communities, died yesterday at the age of 93. Center for Responsible Lending Executive Vice President Nikitra Bailey issued the following statement: Vice President Walter Mondale...

Washington, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee this week heard testimony from Kristen Clarke, President Biden’s nomination for Justice Department Civil Rights Chief. Ms. Clarke, who appeared Wednesday during a 2 1/2-hour nomination hearing, is president of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law. She would be the first Black woman to hold the position since the Justice...

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), led by Secretary Marcia Fudge, announced steps to restore two key fair housing rules that the Trump Administration had gutted: (1) a regulation on the "disparate impact" standard for proving discrimination and (2) a regulation for the dismantling of segregation, as required by the Affirmatively Furthering Fair...

Washington, D.C. — Today, over 415 organizations sent an updated letter to President Biden and Vice President Harris, calling on them to use executive authority to cancel federal student debt immediately. In the letter, the 416 advocacy groups highlight that cancelling student debt would stimulate the economy, help reduce racial wealth gaps, and could have a positive impact on health...

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Yesterday, a 20-year-old unarmed Black man was killed during a traffic violation stop in a suburb of Minneapolis. Center for Responsible Lending President Michael Calhoun made the following statement: We offer the family of Daunte Wright, who was a beloved father and son, our sympathy, as we support the Black community and their allies who are expressing their...

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate voted overwhelmingly to extend the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) through June 30, 2021. Center for Responsible Lending Director of Advocacy Ashley Harrington issued the following statement: We applaud the U.S. Senate for joining the House in extending the Paycheck Protection Program, and urge President Biden to quickly sign the bill into law. The...