CBA Letter of Support for H.R. 4119, Student Loan Disclosure Modernization ACT

October 25, 2017

 

 

The Honorable Luke Messer

U.S. House of Representatives

1230 Longworth House Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20515

The Honorable Emanuel Cleaver, II

U.S. House of Representatives

2335 Rayburn House Office Building

Washington, D.C. 20515

 

 

Dear Congressmen Messer and Cleaver:

 

On behalf of the Consumer Bankers Association (CBA), I write to express our strong support for H.R. 4119, The Student Loan Disclosure Modernization Act.  CBA is the voice of the retail banking industry whose products and services provide access to credit to millions of consumers and small businesses.  Our members operate in all 50 states, serve more than 150 million Americans and collectively hold two-thirds of the country’s total depository assets.  In addition, CBA membership includes private sector lenders who make the majority of private student loans to help families finance a college education. 

 

For many students and families, a college education will be one of the most important investments they ever make.  The bipartisan Student Loan Disclosure Modernization Act will help ensure borrowers have the information necessary to make informed decisions about financing higher education.  Today, the ironically named Plain Language Disclosure provides users of federal student loan products six pages of legal jargon in fine print to show only generic loan costs and repayment terms.  Your important legislation would streamline the disclosure and clearly explain the costs and terms of the federal student loan specific to the individual borrower.  Private student lenders already offer their customers a clear, know-before-you-owe disclosure form that is welcomed by the borrower.  CBA strongly believes better disclosure of federal loan costs and terms will promote informed decision-making and discourage the over borrowing that is fueling the high cost of college. 

 

Thank you for your leadership on this issue. CBA welcomes the opportunity to work with you in passing this important legislation to empower students and families with the information necessary to make sound financial decisions in their pursuit of their higher education goals.

 

 

Sincerely,

 

Richard Hunt

President and CEO

Consumer Bankers Association