Bills of Congress by U.S. Congress

Bringing the Discount Window into the 21st Century Act

Summary

The "Bringing the Discount Window into the 21st Century Act" mandates a comprehensive review of the Federal Reserve's discount window operations. This review aims to assess the effectiveness, technology, cybersecurity, and communication aspects of the discount window. It also seeks to identify deficiencies and implement enhancements to improve its functionality.

Expected Effects

The act will likely lead to modernization of the discount window, making it more responsive to the needs of financial institutions. This includes improvements in technology, communication, and operational efficiency. The act also requires regular reporting to Congress, enhancing transparency and accountability.

Potential Benefits

  • Improved liquidity provision to financial institutions, especially during times of stress.
  • Enhanced cybersecurity measures for discount window operations.
  • Better communication and coordination among relevant agencies and financial institutions.
  • Increased transparency through regular reports to Congress.
  • Potential reduction in the stigma associated with using the discount window.

Potential Disadvantages

  • The review and implementation process may be lengthy and bureaucratic.
  • The costs associated with upgrading technology and implementing new procedures could be significant.
  • Confidential information may be at risk if cybersecurity measures are not fully effective.
  • The act may not fully address the underlying causes of financial instability.
  • There may be unintended consequences from changes to discount window operations.

Constitutional Alignment

This bill aligns with the constitutional power of Congress to regulate commerce and control the monetary system, as implied in Article I, Section 8. The Federal Reserve Act, which this bill amends, was established under this authority. The reporting requirements to Congress also align with the principle of oversight and accountability.

Impact Assessment: Things You Care About

This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).