At a Financial Institutions Subcommittee field hearing in Kentucky, Subcommittee Chairman Andy Barr outlined how the House-passed Main Street Capital Access Act would revise the federal regulatory framework for community banks. Barr argued that capital and supervisory requirements designed for large global banks impose disproportionate costs on smaller institutions, restrict lending and contribute to consolidation. The bipartisan legislation would make bank charter applications more transparent and predictable, align capital, leverage and enhanced prudential standards more closely with risk, and require clearer supervisory rules and testing. It would also seek greater predictability in bank merger and resolution processes, remove outdated requirements and allow community banks greater scope to partner, modernize and compete.
2026-09-18U.S. Financial Services Committee
U.S. House Financial Services Committee examines community bank regulatory relief under Main Street Capital Access Act
The U.S. House Financial Services Committee examined how the House-passed Main Street Capital Access Act would reduce regulatory burdens on community banks. The legislation would promote risk-based capital and supervision, clarify chartering, merger and resolution processes, and remove barriers to modernization.