Today, Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), the top Democrat on the House Financial Services Committee, released this fact sheet with information and resources available for Federal workers, servicemembers, and others affected by the government shutdown as a result of President Trump and Congressional Republicans refusal to negotiate with Democrats to protect healthcare for millions of Americans. Their actions have already plunged public servants and working families into needless uncertainty and disruption.

Normally, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) would be on the front lines helping consumers in these kinds of emergencies, however the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans have sought to curtail this effective Federal watchdog, including by seeking to fire 90% of the staff and cutting their budget by nearly half. Congressional Democrats continue to fight against these moves in Congress, in the courts, and on the street. In the meantime, Ranking Member Waters has urged Federal regulators and financial institutions, including banks, credit unions, and fintechs, to provide relief for affected consumers.

Here is a link to past regulator guidance to financial companies urging them to help affected consumers in a past government shutdown. In general, it encouraged financial institutions to consider modifying terms on existing loans or providing new credit, and regulators encouraged consumers to contact your bank, credit union, or other lender immediately should you encounter any difficulty in making payments. In the meantime, below are a list of additional resources if you, a friend, or loved one is affected by the Federal Government shutdown and may have any difficulty making loan or other credit payments on time.

Fact Sheet For Consumers Affected By Trump-Republican Government Shutdown