Lawmakers Request CFPB Budget Details

CFPB

On May 2, Republican members of the House Financial Services Committee sent a letter to CPFB Director Cordray following up on their initial request and the CFPB’s response, seeking additional details regarding the CFPB’s budget and plans. Although Congress does not appropriate funds to the CFPB, the members argue that the CFPB still must provide the committee with detailed budget information.  The CFPB, according to the letter, cannot act as other non-appropriated federal banking regulators because the CFPB budget impacts the national debt while the others do not. In an attempt to exercise some oversight over CFPB spending, the members seek (i) a financial operating plan for the agency; (ii) a detailed fiscal year 2013 budget justification, (iii) performance measures, (iv) a commitment to notify Congress prior to seeking funds from the Federal Reserve Board, (v) information about the CFPB headquarters design and renovation, and (vi) the process for determining employment needs.