Trade Associations
Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
Featured Stories
Top Air Show Performers Commit to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026
OSHKOSH, Wisconsin, Jan. 9 -- The Experimental Aircraft Association issued the following news release on Jan. 8, 2026:
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Top air show performers commit to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026
More performers to be added in coming weeks to initial all-star roster
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Some of the world's top air show performers have made commitments to fly at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 - the World's Greatest Aviation Celebration - as part of the afternoon and night air show lineups.
Performers at the 73rd Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention, scheduled for July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport, include
... Show Full Article
OSHKOSH, Wisconsin, Jan. 9 -- The Experimental Aircraft Association issued the following news release on Jan. 8, 2026:
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Top air show performers commit to EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026
More performers to be added in coming weeks to initial all-star roster
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Some of the world's top air show performers have made commitments to fly at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 - the World's Greatest Aviation Celebration - as part of the afternoon and night air show lineups.
Performers at the 73rd Experimental Aircraft Association fly-in convention, scheduled for July 20-26 at Wittman Regional Airport, includeaerobatic champions and longtime Oshkosh favorites. The event features nine air shows over seven days, including night air shows on July 22 and 25. Daily afternoon air shows are presented by Daher, while the July 22 night air show is presented by Covington Aircraft and July 25 night air show is presented by Hartzell Propeller.
"Each year, we build the air show roster for EAA AirVenture Oshkosh based on welcoming some of the best air show performers in the world, along with suggestions from attendees that include past favorites and new performers emerging on the scene," said Rick Larsen, EAA's vice president of communities and member programs, who coordinates AirVenture features and attractions. "This year the air shows will also be celebrating America's 250th birthday and already feature the best of the best, with even more confirmations to come."
Among the performers and aircraft already on the schedule include:
* Randy Ball (MiG-17)
* Vicky Benzing (P-51)
* Jeff Boerboon (Extra 330SC)
* Bob Carlton (Jetfox twin-engine sailplane)
* The Chuters (skydiving)
* Class of '45 (Corsair/P-51)
* Greg Colyer (2 T-33s)
* Susan Dacy (Stearman)
* Erik Edgren (Taylorcraft)
* Kyle Fowler (Long-EZ)
* Kyle Franklin (Super Cub)
* Michael Goulian (Extra)
* RJ Gritter (Decathlon)
* Ed Hamill (Folds of Honor Pitts)
* Jack Aces (3 P-51s)
* Greg Koontz (Decathlon)
* Nathan Hammond (Super Chipmunk)
* International Aerobatic Club demo
* Jerry Kerby (T-28s)
* Frank Kimmel (Corsair)
* Tom Larkin (Sonex Mini Jet)
* Britt Lincoln (Extra 330SC)
* Jarrod Lindemann (Jet Waco)
* David Martin (Aircraft TBD)
* Northern Stars (Pitts Specials)
* Jim Peitz (F-33 Bonanza)
* Red Bull Air Force (Chambliss/Fitzgerald/Coleman)
* Jeff Shetterly (T-6)
* Skip Stewart (Prometheus 2)
* Team Redline (RV-8s)
* Tinstix of Dynamite (Stewart/Burns)
* Titan Aerobatic Team (T-6s)
* USAF F-16 Viper Demo
* USAF F-22 Raptor Demo
* U.S. Army Golden Knights (skydiving)
* Bernie Vasquez (P-47 Thunderbolt)
* Matt Younkin (Beech 18)
These early confirmations are in addition to the previously announced P-38 and DC-6 from The Flying Bulls from Austria. Many more performers will be announced, including some only-in-Oshkosh performers and aircraft. Exact days for each performer and complete daily air show lineups will be announced as they are finalized.
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About EAA AirVenture Oshkosh
EAA AirVenture Oshkosh is "The World's Greatest Aviation Celebration" and EAA's membership convention. Additional information, including advance ticket and camping purchase, is available at www.EAA.org/airventure. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to www.EAA.org.
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Original text here: https://www.eaa.org/eaa/about-eaa/eaa-media-room/airventure-news-releases/airventure-2026-air-show-performers
[Category: Aerospace]
National MS Society: Wisconsin Launches Data-Driven Initiative to Cut MS Diagnosis Delay and Expand Access to Care
NEW YORK, Jan. 9 -- The National Multiple Sclerosis Society issued the following news:
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Wisconsin Launches Data-Driven Initiative to Cut MS Diagnosis Delay and Expand Access to Care
Wisconsin pilot is part of the National MS Society and Genentech partnership to address MS care gaps
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The National Multiple Sclerosis Society together with the Wisconsin Collaborative for Healthcare Quality (WCHQ), is launching a new statewide effort aimed at reducing delays in multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis and expanding access to care for people with MS across Wisconsin. More than 14,500 people in Wisconsin
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Jan. 9 -- The National Multiple Sclerosis Society issued the following news:
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Wisconsin Launches Data-Driven Initiative to Cut MS Diagnosis Delay and Expand Access to Care
Wisconsin pilot is part of the National MS Society and Genentech partnership to address MS care gaps
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The National Multiple Sclerosis Society together with the Wisconsin Collaborative for Healthcare Quality (WCHQ), is launching a new statewide effort aimed at reducing delays in multiple sclerosis (MS) diagnosis and expanding access to care for people with MS across Wisconsin. More than 14,500 people in Wisconsinare currently living with MS.
For people with MS--a chronic, disabling disease of the central nervous system--time matters. Early diagnosis and treatment can significantly slow disease progression, reduce neurological damage and improve long-term outcomes. The initiative, titled "Bridging the Gap: Reducing Delays in Multiple Sclerosis Diagnosis and Expanding Access to Care in Wisconsin," draws on feedback from people with MS, care partners, health professionals, and health systems across the state who have identified persistent barriers to timely diagnosis and care.
"Time is precious in MS. Early diagnosis is critical to improving health outcomes," said Leslie Ritter, Vice President of Healthcare Access at the National MS Society. "Too many people spend months or even years navigating uncertainty--seeing multiple doctors, undergoing tests, and searching for answers. This partnership allows us to take a data-driven approach to confirm the lived expertise of those with MS in Wisconsin and uncover where delays are happening. We look forward to working alongside our local partners and health systems to equip healthcare professionals with the tools they need to improve MS diagnosis and health outcomes."
The initiative will leverage WCHQ's and the National MS Society's expertise to identify barriers to timely MS diagnosis and develop solutions for healthcare providers and systems in Wisconsin. WCHQ, with its comprehensive clinical data from member health systems across the state, is uniquely positioned to identify these delays and barriers to MS diagnosis and treatment.
This 12-month partnership will deliver:
* Wisconsin specific diagnostic timelines that show average time from initial MS-related symptoms to diagnosis, segmented by geography, race/ethnicity, and insurance type.
* Identification of where delays in MS diagnosis are most severe to pinpoint high-priority intervention zones.
* A statewide provider education series for primary care providers, general neurologists, and emergency room clinicians to improve recognition of early MS symptoms and streamline referral pathways.
* Partnership opportunities with health systems, policymakers, and communities
* Tools and resources such as a digital toolkit with training materials and referral pathway guidance.
The initiative kicks off with a free educational webinar on January 15, 2026, featuring Dr. Ahmed Obeidat, a leading MS expert from the Medical College of Wisconsin. Primary care teams will learn to recognize early MS signs and intervention strategies that can improve patient outcomes. Registration is available via Zoom. The importance of early MS diagnosis and treatment will also be highlighted during WCHQ's February 2026 event, "Advancing Prevention: Using Quality Data to Improve Outcomes." Registration information is available here.
"Our unique statewide clinical data repository gives us the ability to track delays in care at a population level." said Gabrielle Rude, President and CEO of WCHQ. "Partnering with the National MS Society allows us to pair that insight with patient experience to identify the most important opportunities for improvement. This collaboration will help health systems across Wisconsin reduce diagnostic delays and strengthen care for people living with MS."
This initiative is part of the National MS Society's broader MS Care Deserts Initiative, made possible through a historic sponsorship from Genentech, a member of the Roche Group. Building on more than 10 years of collaboration, this partnership represents Genentech's largest corporate commitment to date for the Society's healthcare access initiatives. The initiative is addressing critical gaps in MS care across the United States, with pilot programs in Wisconsin, South Carolina, and Mississippi focused on regions where specialty MS care is limited. The Wisconsin effort will help to inform future strategies to improve access to high-quality care in rural communities and other areas with limited access to MS specialty care nationwide.
"The work being done in Wisconsin is critical to better understand how we can help patients get faster access to the specialty care they need and deserve across the nation," said David Jones, Senior Medical Director at Genentech. "Genentech is proud to support the National MS Society and WCHQ in this critical, data-driven effort, recognizing that reducing diagnostic delays is essential for improving long-term health outcomes for people living with MS in Wisconsin."
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About WCHQ
Founded in 2004 by visionary leaders from Wisconsin's healthcare community, the Wisconsin Collaborative for Healthcare Quality (WCHQ) is a voluntary, clinician-led organization committed to transparency, innovation, and collaboration. WCHQ publicly reports on the quality and affordability of healthcare services and provides its members--ranging from rural hospitals to integrated health systems--with actionable insights that drive performance improvement.
About Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system. Currently there is no cure. Symptoms vary from person to person and may include disabling fatigue, mobility challenges, cognitive changes, and vision issues. An estimated 1 million people live with MS in the United States. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to minimize disability. Significant progress is being made to achieve a world free of MS.
About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
The National MS Society, founded in 1946, is the global leader of a growing movement dedicated to creating a world free of MS. The Society funds cutting-edge research for a cure, drives change through advocacy and provides programs and services to help people affected by MS live their best lives. Connect to learn more and get involved: nationalmssociety.org, Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram, YouTube or 1-800-344-4867.
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Original text here: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/news-and-magazine/news/breaking-news-3
[Category: Health Care]
Governor's State of the State Missed Critical Opportunity to Address Threats to Health Care
SACRAMENTO, California, Jan. 9 -- The California Medical Association issued the following statement on Jan. 8, 2026:
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Governor's State of the State missed critical opportunity to address threats to health care
In response to Governor Gavin Newsom's State of the State address, California Medical Association (CMA) President Rene Bravo, M.D., issued the following statement:
Governor Newsom's State of the State missed a critical opportunity to address health care at the moment Californians need leadership most. As a pediatrician and president of the California Medical Association, I was concerned
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, Jan. 9 -- The California Medical Association issued the following statement on Jan. 8, 2026:
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Governor's State of the State missed critical opportunity to address threats to health care
In response to Governor Gavin Newsom's State of the State address, California Medical Association (CMA) President Rene Bravo, M.D., issued the following statement:
Governor Newsom's State of the State missed a critical opportunity to address health care at the moment Californians need leadership most. As a pediatrician and president of the California Medical Association, I was concernednot only by the cursory mention of health care, but by the absence of any plan for how California will respond to looming federal cuts that threaten to drive up costs and strip coverage from families across our state. The address also failed to acknowledge troubling federal changes to vaccine recommendations and the growing challenge of vaccine hesitancy, which place children and public health at risk. When patients lose coverage, face higher costs, or are left confused about vaccines, care is delayed, outcomes worsen, and children suffer. California must confront these challenges head-on with clear solutions to protect access to affordable care and evidence-based medicine for every community."
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Original text here: https://www.cmadocs.org/newsroom/news/view/ArticleId/51101/Governor-s-State-of-the-State-missed-critical-opportunity-to-address-threats-to-health-care
[Category: Medical]
Clean Fuels Asks EPA to Maintain RFS Compliance Deadline
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Jan. 9 -- Clean Fuels Alliance America issued the following news release on Jan. 8, 2026:
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Clean Fuels Asks EPA to Maintain RFS Compliance Deadline
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Clean Fuels Alliance America sent a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, asking the agency to maintain the 2025 Renewable Fuel Standard compliance deadline on March 31, 2026, to mitigate the impacts of rulemaking delays. Under existing EPA rules, the compliance deadline will automatically shift to June 1 if the agency fails to finalize the 2026 Renewable Volume Obligations by the end of January.
... Show Full Article
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Jan. 9 -- Clean Fuels Alliance America issued the following news release on Jan. 8, 2026:
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Clean Fuels Asks EPA to Maintain RFS Compliance Deadline
WASHINGTON, DC - Today, Clean Fuels Alliance America sent a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, asking the agency to maintain the 2025 Renewable Fuel Standard compliance deadline on March 31, 2026, to mitigate the impacts of rulemaking delays. Under existing EPA rules, the compliance deadline will automatically shift to June 1 if the agency fails to finalize the 2026 Renewable Volume Obligations by the end of January.The shift will compound the negative economic effects that biomass-based diesel producers and farmers are already experiencing from the rulemaking delay.
"Ongoing delays in the rulemaking are creating intolerable uncertainty for biomass-based diesel producers and for farmers," Clean Fuels writes in the letter. "Biomass-based diesel producers and soybean processors are currently negotiating feedstock contracts, fuel production and offtake agreements, and investment decisions for 2026. The lack of certainty in the RFS program is even now impacting those market decisions."
Biomass-based diesel production is idling at the start of this year, because the annual volumes are not in place, the letter points out. The slowdown in production will impact the crop prices soybean farmers receive and undermine significant U.S. investments in oilseed processing and fuel production capacity.
A copy of the letter is available on cleanfuels.org.
Kurt Kovarik, Clean Fuels' Vice President of Federal Affairs, added, "EPA has proposed the most robust volumes in the history of the RFS program. EPA, USDA and other administration leaders know that the RFS is driving investment in American energy production, creating jobs in rural communities, and building desperately needed new markets for American farmers. Finalizing the 2026 rules in a timely manner is crucial to ensuring those economic and energy security benefits are delivered."
"Automatic RFS compliance delays were put in place by prior administrations to mitigate the harm to refiners from continual rulemaking delays," Kovarik continued. "As EPA now works to get the RFS program back on track, it should mitigate the harm to biomass-based diesel producers and farmers by maintaining timely compliance deadlines."
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ABOUT CLEAN FUELS ALLIANCE AMERICA
Made from an increasingly diverse mix of resources such as recycled cooking oil, soybean oil, and animal fats, the clean fuels industry is a proven, integral part of America's clean energy future. Clean Fuels Alliance America is the U.S. trade association representing the entire biodiesel, renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel supply chain, including producers, feedstock suppliers and fuel distributors. Clean Fuels receives funding from a broad mix of private companies and associations, including the United Soybean Board and state checkoff organizations.
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The Hon. Lee Zeldin, Administrator, Environmental Protection Agency, Office of the Administrator, 1101A, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20460
January 8, 2026
Dear Administrator Zeldin,
Clean Fuels and its members appreciate the robust Renewable Fuel Standard volumes proposed last June. This is the first proposal in the history of the program that accurately represents the potential of biomass-based diesel. The industry generates $42.4 billion in economic activity, supports 107,400 jobs and $5.8 billion in wages paid. The proposed RFS volumes and emphasis on domestic production will increase the benefits to $50.2 billion in economic activity and 122,500 jobs. The direct economic benefit to farmers would be $18.2 billion, according to a report from GlobalData.
We are grateful for your and your staff's efforts to get the RFS program back on track, after prior administration missed the November 2024 statutory deadline. We acknowledge that the 2025 government shutdown impacted EPA's timeline for the RFS rule. And we recognize the complexity of the proposed program changes combined with the necessary reallocation of small refinery exemptions.
Nevertheless, the ongoing delays in the rulemaking are creating intolerable uncertainty for biomass-based diesel producers and for farmers. America's farmers are already making planting decisions for next season. Biomass-based diesel producers and soybean processors are currently negotiating feedstock contracts, fuel production and offtake agreements, and investment decisions for 2026. The lack of certainty in the RFS program is even now impacting those market decisions.
Producers cannot navigate the complex program changes and fuel volumes without final rules.
News sources report that, because of the uncertainty, biodiesel producers are idle or planning to idle.1 Refineries that converted capacity to renewable diesel production are reverting to petroleum processing.2 The biomass-based diesel industry's investments and planned growth are at risk with the delay in the RFS volumes for the current year.
Delays in the rulemaking compound uncertainty throughout the RFS program for producers. Under existing EPA regulations, the 2025 compliance deadline will be automatically delayed until June 1 if the proposal is not finalized by January 30. The provision was implemented to provide certainty and legal reliance to refiners. However, the delay in compliance will delay signals to the market needed to coordinate feedstock supply chains and fuel demand and bring biomass-based diesel production back online. Biomass-based diesel producers and farmers will be materially harmed by the delay.
Biomass-based diesel is essential to America's farm and energy security. As Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has consistently said, "The RVO gives the markets the incentive to invest in American products for American consumers and to export around the world. America's national security depends on our energy security, and biofuels are a crucial asset that brings more jobs and helps farmers in rural America."3
Domestic biodiesel and renewable diesel production represents 10% of the value of every bushel of soybeans grown in the United States. U.S. soybean growers continue to increase farm productivity, harvesting 4.3 billion bushels of soybeans this season worth $45 billion. And with more than $6 billion of investment, U.S. soybean processors are expected to crush a record 2.5 billion of those bushels this year. A slowdown in biomass-based diesel production caused by uncertainty in the market-setting RFS program will harm farmers and undermine investments in processing capacity.
We ask EPA to publish the rule in the Federal Register by the end of January to ensure that it comes into full effect during the first quarter of the year, enabling compliance to remain on track. In the absence of a final rule by January 30, we ask EPA to maintain the March 31 compliance deadline to mitigate harm to biofuel producers, oilseed processors, and farmers.
Sincerely,
Kurt Kovarik, Vice President, Federal Affairs, Clean Fuels Alliance America
CC: Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence Ave., S.W., Washington, DC 20250
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1 See for example: Williams P. "Crimson Renewables to pause California biodiesel output." Argus, Dec. 8, 2025.
2 E.g., CVR Energy. "CVR Energy Reports Third Quarter 2025 Results." Oct. 29, 2025.
3 USDA Farm Services Agency. Trump Administration Announces $12 Billion Farmer Bridge Payments for American Farmers Impacted by Unfair Market Disruptions, Dec. 8, 2025. USDA. "Secretary Rollins Supports EPA's Record Setting Biofuels Blending Requirements," June 13, 2025.
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Original text here: https://cleanfuels.org/clean-fuels-asks-epa-to-maintain-rfs-compliance-deadline/
[Category: Energy]
CMS Establishes Office of Rural Health Transformation
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Jan. 9 -- The Missouri Hospital Association posted the following news:
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CMS Establishes Office of Rural Health Transformation
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services officially established the Office of Rural Health Transformation (ORHT) to lead the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), an initiative developed to strengthen rural health systems and expand access to care through 2031.
Missouri secured a $216 million initial award -- one of the nation's top 10 -- through the federal program, which will benefit rural Missourians' access to
... Show Full Article
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Jan. 9 -- The Missouri Hospital Association posted the following news:
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CMS Establishes Office of Rural Health Transformation
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services officially established the Office of Rural Health Transformation (ORHT) to lead the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), an initiative developed to strengthen rural health systems and expand access to care through 2031.
Missouri secured a $216 million initial award -- one of the nation's top 10 -- through the federal program, which will benefit rural Missourians' access tocare and health outcomes through a range of health care and community services organizations, including Missouri's hospitals.
Learn more about the ORHT and RHTP.
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About Missouri Hospital Association
The Missouri Hospital Association is a nonprofit association in Jefferson City that represents 136 Missouri hospitals. In addition to representation and advocacy on behalf of its membership, the association offers continuing education programs on current health care topics and seeks to educate the public about health care issues.
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Original text here: https://www.mohospitals.org/newsroom/cms-establishes-office-of-rural-health-transformation
[Category: Health Care]
American Society of Pension Professionals & Actuaries: Lackluster 1st Year for Student Loan Match
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Jan. 9 -- The American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries issued the following news on Jan. 8, 2026:
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Lackluster 1st Year for Student Loan Match
By Paul Mulholland
The student loan match was one of the most anticipated features of the SECURE 2.0 Act--but its performance has not met expectations.
According to the PSCA 68th Annual 401(k) Survey, the student loan match had a very low usage rate in its first year. Fewer than 2% of 401(k) and 403(b) plans had implemented a student loan match by the end of 2024.
According to the PSCA only 1.9% of 401(k) plans
... Show Full Article
ARLINGTON, Virginia, Jan. 9 -- The American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries issued the following news on Jan. 8, 2026:
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Lackluster 1st Year for Student Loan Match
By Paul Mulholland
The student loan match was one of the most anticipated features of the SECURE 2.0 Act--but its performance has not met expectations.
According to the PSCA 68th Annual 401(k) Survey, the student loan match had a very low usage rate in its first year. Fewer than 2% of 401(k) and 403(b) plans had implemented a student loan match by the end of 2024.
According to the PSCA only 1.9% of 401(k) planshave implemented the feature by the end of 2024; and according to the PSCA 2025 403(b) Survey, only 1.9% of 403(b) plans (yes, the same percent) have adopted it.
SECURE 2.0 permits plans to make matching contributions to a participant's plan based on payments a participant makes to service debt related to their education. This feature became available by statute at the beginning of 2024, but regulatory guidance has been slower. Interim regulations for the student loan match were issued in August 2024.
403(b) Uptake
When 403(b) plan sponsors in the survey were asked "Are you undertaking any measures to help your workforce deal with student loan debt?" only 1.9% answered that they had a student loan match.
Besides the 1.9% with a match, 8.7% of 403(b)s have a Section 127 plan whereby they assist their participants with education expenses; 27.7% are considering adding a student loan debt feature of some sort, and 53.4% have no plans to add a student loan feature.
There was marginally more uptake among the largest plans, but still not significant: 3.8% of plans with 1,000 or more participants had a student loan match.
401(k) Uptake
Curiously, the proportion of 401(k) plans with an implemented student loan match was also 1.9% by the end of 2024.
Like with 403(b) plans, there is more usage among larger plans: 5.7% of plans with 1,000 or more participants had a student loan match.
For 401(k)s, 9.4% had a Section 127 plan, 27.5% are considering adding a feature to help with student debt, and 47.1% are not considering it.
SECURE 2.0 Optional Features
SECURE 2.0 had many mandates, but it also came with optional features, and the student loan match is an example of an "optional" that hasn't quite taken off yet. In part, this could be due to the product being young, fiduciaries are just waiting for further rulemaking, or fiduciaries prioritizing mandatory features such as the infamous Roth catch-up provision.
Another optional feature documented in the PSCA 401(k) survey were pension-linked emergency savings accounts (PLESA) which were used by 1.3% of plans at the end of 2024.
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Paul Mulholland
Content Writer and Reporter
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Original text here: https://www.asppa-net.org/news/2026/1/lackluster-1st-year-for-student-loan-match/
[Category: Human Resources/Personnel]
American Fintech Council Announces 2026 Federal Priorities Focused on Responsible Innovation and Consumer Access
WASHINGTON, Jan. 9 -- The American Fintech Council, an organization that says it promotes a transparent, inclusive, and customer-centric financial system, issued the following news release on Jan. 8, 2026:
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American Fintech Council (AFC) Announces 2026 Federal Priorities Focused on Responsible Innovation and Consumer Access
Building on 2025 successes and progress, AFC calls for legislative focus on increased regulatory clarity, modernized supervision, and policies that expand access to safe and affordable financial products
AFC stands in support of Chairman Hill and Subcommittee Chairman
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Jan. 9 -- The American Fintech Council, an organization that says it promotes a transparent, inclusive, and customer-centric financial system, issued the following news release on Jan. 8, 2026:
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American Fintech Council (AFC) Announces 2026 Federal Priorities Focused on Responsible Innovation and Consumer Access
Building on 2025 successes and progress, AFC calls for legislative focus on increased regulatory clarity, modernized supervision, and policies that expand access to safe and affordable financial products
AFC stands in support of Chairman Hill and Subcommittee ChairmanBarr's recently announced community banking package
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The American Fintech Council (AFC), the premier industry association representing both responsible fintech companies and innovative banks, today announced its 2026 federal legislative priorities, reaffirming its commitment to advancing responsible innovation and ensuring consumers have access to affordable, transparent, and modern financial products. AFC's priorities build on strong momentum in the 119th Congress and reflect the continued need for pragmatic, bipartisan solutions.
"As consumers increasingly rely on innovative financial tools to manage everyday expenses, our 2026 agenda is focused on delivering regulatory clarity, strengthening bank-fintech partnerships, and modernizing oversight frameworks to reflect how financial services are actually delivered today," said Phil Goldfeder, CEO of the American Fintech Council. "These priorities are essential to ensuring that responsible innovation continues to expand access to safe and affordable financial products, particularly for working families and underserved communities who need them most."
AFC looks forward to continued collaboration with Chairman French Hill (R-AR) and Ranking Member Maxine Waters (D-CA) of the House Financial Services Committee, as well as Chairman Tim Scott (R-SC) and Ranking Member Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) in the Senate Banking Committee. As the 119th Congress begins its second session, AFC urges thoughtful consideration and swift passage of three crucial pieces of legislation:
* True Lender Legislation: AFC urges action on legislation that provides clear federal standards for bank-fintech partnerships, including true lender clarity, to preserve access to responsible and affordable credit nationwide. In 2025, AFC was encouraged by the withdrawal of the FDIC amicus brief in its Colorado DIDMCA lawsuit, a crucial dissenting opinion, and an outpouring of amicus briefs from the FDIC, OCC, 12 Attorneys General, and multiple industry associations. These actions place lawmakers in a strong position to pass true lender legislation and prevent a patchwork of state laws from creating ambiguity in bank-fintech partnerships.
* Innovative Community Banking Agenda: AFC will continue to advocate for passage of the House Financial Services Committee's package of innovative community banks bills, which would codify improvements to bank examination processes. These bills were reported favorably out of Committee - most with bipartisan support. AFC also applauds the work already done by the regulators to implement Chairman Hill and Subcommittee Chairman Barr's community banking agenda and recognizes the importance of passing legislation to ensure long-term and sustainable durability.
* The Earned Wage Access (EWA) Consumer Protection Act: AFC supports a bespoke federal framework that recognizes EWA for what it is--a non-credit product that allows workers to access wages they have already earned--and ensures these tools remain available, consumer-friendly, and subject to appropriate guardrails. Clear policy in this area is critical to preventing misclassification that could eliminate safe options and push consumers toward high-cost alternatives. The CFPB's new Advisory Opinion on EWA was a constructive first step to bring greater clarity to a product that millions of workers rely on to manage their finances. By formally rescinding the 2024 proposed interpretive rule, which never had legal standing, the CFPB appropriately acknowledged the inaccuracies in that proposal and provided the perfect opportunity for Congress to codify strong industry rules in 2026.
"Sound public policy starts with meeting consumers where they are and protecting access to affordable, innovative products while making sure policy is clear, consistent, and built for how modern financial services actually work," said Ian P. Moloney, Chief Policy Officer at the American Fintech Council. "We look forward to continuing to work with federal regulators and legislators to clarify rules, modernize supervision, and encourage continued, responsible innovation in financial services."
In addition, AFC strongly supports a slate of AI-related bills introduced by the House Financial Services Committee in late 2025 and applauds the committee's ongoing, pragmatic approach to policy around responsible AI implementation. In 2026, AFC will build further on the previous year's progress regarding digital asset regulation as well as the congressional role in the ongoing conversation around data privacy and open banking.
A standards-based organization, AFC is the premier trade association representing the largest financial technology (Fintech) companies and innovative banks offering embedded finance solutions. AFC's mission is to promote a transparent, inclusive, and customer-centric financial system by supporting responsible innovation in financial services and encouraging sound public policy. AFC members foster competition in consumer finance and pioneer products to better serve underserved consumer segments and geographies.
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Original text here: https://www.fintechcouncil.org/press-releases/american-fintech-council-afc-announces-2026-federal-priorities-focused-on-responsible-innovation-and-consumer-access
[Category: Financial Services]
