Washington, DC -- The political tug of war over the nation's top federal consumer watchdog group continues in our nation's capital. But the origins of that agency hits close to home, with one of North Carolina's former congressmen helping to create the consumer federal protection bureau.
Mick Mulvaney came to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on Monday as the named acting director by President Donald Trump. But, the deputy director, who had been recently promoted, also said the job was hers.
“Congress intended the agency to be strong and independent and not easily captured by the industry, not easily influenced by their allies in Congress, or by a new administration,” says Brad Miller, a former NC member of Congress.
He helped created CFPB after the financial crisis about a decade ago, as an entity to stop abusive practices by financial institutions.
“People know that there is a lot of gouging going on,” says Miller. “There is a really lot of dishonest conduct and they want someone standing between them and the people who want to cheat them.”
Some conservative groups say the CFPB has too much autonomy and has been stifling the industry.
“If what you are concerned about is the power that is wielded by the biggest financial companies, you don't want more regulation,” says Thaya Brook Knight, with the Cato Institute. “Because more regulation makes it difficult for smaller institutions to successfully compete against the big banks. “
Brook Knight says she believes the agency needs to be re-done from its leadership structure, to what it oversees. She also says that consumers should be concerned about its current form.
“I think the biggest thing they should be concerned about is how this agency in its structure has muted their own voice in government as a voter and also has prevented potentially wonderful products from coming out for them to lose,” says Brook Knight.
The lawsuit against Mulvaney’s nomination was shot down in court on Tuesday, but her legal team says they have multiple next steps to consider, including filing for an injunction, or filing an appeal.