November 2020 Washington Letter

Federal Government

The 116th Congress’ Final Stretch

Most 2020 elections are almost over. Both chambers of Congress are back in session. Twelve legislative days currently remain scheduled for the rest of the 116th Congress. So, what do we expect Congress to focus on? First and foremost, appropriations. On Nov. 10, the Senate Appropriations Committee released its version of the 12 annual appropriations bills required to fund federal operations and programs in Fiscal Year (FY) 2021. There have been no hearings or markups on these bills.

Federal Government

ABA Urges Continued Student Debt Relief

On Nov. 16, the ABA sent letters to House and Senate leaders urging Congress to include debt relief on federally held student loans in its next stimulus relief bill, pointing out that many of those with student loans are still struggling. “The pandemic continues to create severe economic hardships for millions of Americans, including many in the legal profession who incurred substantial debt in pursuit of professional licensure,” the letters said.

Federal Government

CFPB Final Debt Collection Practices Rule Avoids Imposing New Litigation Rules on Creditor Attorneys

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau issued its final Debt Collection Practices Rule on October 30 without the controversial “safe harbor for meaningful attorney involvement” provision contained in its original proposal that would have imposed special due diligence requirements just on creditor litigation attorneys.

Antitrust

Legislators favor stronger antitrust enforcement laws

November 16, 2020

Sen. Amy Klobuchar, ranking member of the Senate Antitrust Subcommittee, and U.S. Rep. David Cicilline, chair of the House Antitrust Subcommittee, both say they will work across the aisle to get bipartisan support to pass major comprehensive antitrust legislation in the next Congress.