Census Bureau: New Data Released From Household Trends and Outlook Pulse Survey
The U.S. Census Bureau today released new data on employment, housing (energy expenses), mental health and other topics from the Household Trends and Outlook Pulse Survey (HTOPS). In addition to the data, the release includes a new infographic highlighting social connectedness for those age 18 and older. These data — collected from a sample of about 136,000 households…
ABA: National Survey Finds Americans Highly Value Their Credit Cards
Survey also finds consumers are skeptical of government price controls A strong majority of U.S. consumers are happy with their credit cards and the significant benefits they provide including helping manage their daily household finances, according to a new survey conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of the American Bankers Association. The survey, conducted before…
HUD: Agency Action Ensures All HUD-Assisted Tenants Are Fully Eligible Under the Law
Government-Assisted Housing Benefits are for Eligible American Families Secretary Turner today announced that the Department finalized its Verification of Eligible Status rule, guaranteeing only American citizens and certain eligible noncitizens will reside in HUD-funded housing. “President Trump warned that the days of illegal aliens and ineligible noncitizens exploiting government-funded welfare programs would be over,” said Secretary Turner….
ICBA: As Credit Unions Continue Tax-Subsidized Acquisitions of Community Banks, Washington Should Respond
Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey issued the following statement on the latest reported acquisition of a tax-paying community bank by a multi-billion-dollar tax-exempt credit union. “The data on credit union acquisitions of community banks is clear: these deals harm small businesses and reduce lending capacity in local communities despite the…
SBA: Drone Entrepreneurship Pilot Launched with VetsinTech
Pilot leverages a 120,000-member national network to expand capital access, federal contracting, and tech training for veteran founders Today, on the first day of National Veterans Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced a $500,000 national pilot program with VetsinTech to back veteran entrepreneurs in the fast-growing drone and aerospace sectors. Building on the recently launched Smaller…
SBA: New 7(a) Equity Flexibility Established for Veterans’ Small Business Acquisitions
Flexible Financing Option Eliminates Personal Equity Requirement Today, on the first day of National Veterans Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced a major policy reform designed to make it easier for military veterans to buy a small business. Beginning this Veterans Day, the SBA is implementing new flexibility for veteran entrepreneurs who are…
SBA: Agency Doubles Federal Contracting Goal to Expand Opportunity for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses
10% Contracting Goal Emphasizes Veteran Entrepreneurs Today, on the first day of National Veterans Small Business Week, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced new Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 small business contracting goals to emphasize federal contracting with both veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs). Under the historic guidance, the agency-level goal for veteran prime contracting…
SBA: National Veterans Small Business Week 2026 Opens
Trump Administration Recognizes Contributions of Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, Highlights Their Role in the Defense Industrial Base Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) kicked off its 13th annual celebration of National Veterans Small Business Week (NVSBW), which is taking place Nov. 9–13, 2026. The annual event recognizes the veterans, service members, military spouses, and military families who continue their…
ICBA: ICBA Opposes OCC Approval of Coinbase’s National Trust Bank Charter Application
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today expressed opposition to the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency’s reported final approval of Coinbase’s application for a national trust bank charter for its Coinbase National Trust Company subsidiary. The approval comes amid a New York State Attorney General’s lawsuit alleging that a separate Coinbase subsidiary, Coinbase Financial…
OCC Issues Revised Comptroller’s Handbook Booklet on Homeownership Counseling
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) today issued version 1.0 of the “Homeownership Counseling” booklet of the Comptroller’s Handbook. This booklet replaces the “Homeownership Counseling Examination Procedures” booklet of the Comptroller’s Handbookdated June 2011. Note for Community Banks This booklet provides information to inform and educate examiners about homeownership counseling requirements for delinquent borrowers…