Federal Union Leader Affirms: Legal System and Public Demand Ensures Survival of Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), a vital organisation established in response to the 2008 financial crisis, is facing unprecedented challenges from the executive branch. The bureau, which enforces consumer financial laws, supervises the financial services industry, and educates consumers, is being targeted in a series of actions that some claim expose a disregard for the laws passed by Congress, the voters they represent, and the CFPB's mission.

The controversy surrounding the CFPB stems from the executive branch's approach, which has been criticised for a lack of respect for the separation of powers. A lawsuit to save the CFPB from these actions is based on this premise.

Doreen Greenwald, the national president of the National Treasury Employees Union, is leading the charge in defence of the CFPB. Greenwald represents frontline employees at the CFPB and 36 other federal agencies and offices. In a statement, Greenwald emphasised the importance of the CFPB's work, particularly its undeniable record of success, which has seen over $20 billion in compensation returned to victims.

The executive branch's actions, according to Greenwald, oppose the wishes of the people. If a president objects to a federal law, they should take it up with Congress, not fire those hired to implement it. This sentiment is shared by many, who argue that if certain laws are seen as burdensome, a president should petition Congress for a new law, not undermine the very institutions tasked with enforcing them.

The CFPB's employees, who prioritise public service, often foregoing higher-paying jobs in the private sector to help vulnerable groups like seniors, veterans, and college students, are at the heart of this debate. Special interests opposing a strong consumer watchdog have turned to the executive branch as a last resort.

The DOGE (Department of Government Efficiency), which has been accused of destroying various aspects of government, including the Clean Air Act, tax code, and EPA experts' roles, is at the centre of these actions. There are allegations that a DOGE aide involved in CFPB cuts owns stock prohibited by ethics laws, further fuelling concerns about the motives behind these actions.

In a positive development, a judge is inclined to further pause layoffs at most major agencies, indefinitely barring them from issuing mass layoffs. This decision provides a temporary reprieve for the CFPB and its employees, who continue to work tirelessly to protect consumers from financial exploitation.

As the debate surrounding the CFPB's future continues, it is clear that the branch of government closest to the people is being railroaded by the executive branch. The CFPB's mission, which is to ensure that consumers are protected from unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices, is more important now than ever. The public's support for the CFPB is a testament to its importance, and it is hoped that common sense will prevail, ensuring the CFPB's continued existence and success.