Speaking to ABA’s Mutual Community Bank Forum today, Rep. Keith Rothfus (R-Pa.) announced that he has reintroduced legislation that would help mutual banks increase their capital levels. H.R. 1595, introduced on Friday and co-sponsored by Rep. Steve Stivers (R-Ohio), would create a new mutual capital certficate that would help mutuals satisfy capital requirements.
The American Bankers Association has long backed this legislation, which is very similar to legislation championed by Rothfus in the previous Congress. Rothfus has also reintroduced ABA-advocated legislation that would enhance flexibility for thrifts to meet community credit needs without giving up their unique charters.
“What is needed to today is not deregulation, not overregulation, but right regulation,” Rothfus said, noting that these bills are “another good step forward in the ‘right regulation’ process.” He added that he “look[s] forward to continuing to explore ways to ensure [the thrift charter] remains a way forward.”
