DeSaulnier Passes Measure to Examine How Credit Scores are Used in Housing Discrimination

Washington DC – Today, Congressman Mark DeSaulnier (CA-11) passed a measure that would study how credit scores are being used in housing decisions and examine whether individuals are being discriminated against in those decisions based on race, gender, age, sexual orientation, or other factors. The amendment was included in the Comprehensive CREDIT Act (H.R. 3621), which passed the U.S. House of Representatives by a vote of 221-to-189.

"Credit scores impact our lives in so many ways – from rates on car loans and mortgages to whether you get hired or can find a place to live. Credit reporting agencies, however, are notoriously under-regulated and unaccountable to consumers," said Congressman DeSaulnier. "With credit being so important, we have to take the next step to get to the bottom of how inaccuracies come up and how they can cause negative repercussions now and in the future."

The Comprehensive CREDIT Act addresses America's outdated, broken, and mistake-riddled credit reporting system. Congressman DeSaulnier's amendment would require the non-partisan Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study the ways in which credit scores are weaponized to discriminate against borrowers and segregate communities along racial and economic lines. Congress last enacted comprehensive reform of the credit reporting system over 15 years ago.

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