Congresswoman April McClain Delaney Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Lower Costs for Servicemembers
For Immediate Release
May 1, 2025
Congresswoman April McClain Delaney Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Lower Costs for Servicemembers
Washington, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman April McClain Delaney (MD-06) introduced the bipartisan Improving SCRA Benefit Utilization Act to help lower costs for Maryland servicemembers and their families. If passed into law, this legislation would seek to expand access to financial protections and benefits available to the active duty military community. Companion legislation was introduced in the U.S. Senate by Senators Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Rick Scott (R-FL).
The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides legal and financial protections to active duty servicemembers, including National Guard and reserve members, and their families; unfortunately, this benefit is often underutilized, according to a Consumer Financial Protection Bureau report.
The bipartisan bill would expand existing financial literacy programs to include information about these protections; require the Department of Defense’s annual survey to include information about these programs; include benefit information on all activation orders; and require creditors to apply a 6 percent cap to all eligible accounts under their jurisdiction once a servicemember invokes their SCRA rights.
“The SCRA grants our servicemembers well-earned interest rate reductions on credit cards, loans, and mortgages. Sadly, these benefits too often go unused due to a lack of awareness or overly complicated processes,” said Rep. McClain Delaney. “So, I’m proud to join Senators Ossoff and Scott in introducing the bipartisan Improving SCRA Benefit Utilization Act, a common-sense bill that will improve outreach and streamline access so our military can focus on their mission—not financial red tape.”
“Georgia’s servicemembers and their families deserve the very best, yet many are unaware of key benefits to help them save money. I’m introducing this new bipartisan bill to expand access to these key financial protections for our heroic servicemembers and help them save money and build wealth,” said Senator Ossoff.
Senator Scott said, “The members of our Armed Forces are heroes who put their lives on the line for their fellow Americans, and they deserve every benefit earned through this incredible service. The Improving SCRA Benefit Utilization Act is a critical step toward ensuring our servicemembers have the financial knowledge and legal protections provided through their service and sacrifice for our nation. By embedding these safeguards into required financial literacy training, we can support those who serve and make it easier for them to access protections for personal, auto, and student loans. I’m proud to join my colleague in leading this bipartisan effort to protect the financial well-being of those who defend our nation, during and after their time in uniform.”
Endorsing Organizations: The American Legion, U.S. Army Warrant Officers Association, Fleet Reserve Association (FRA), Platoon22
Niki Falzone, Executive Director of Platoon 22 in Frederick, MD, said, “At Platoon 22, we believe that protecting those who protect us starts with ensuring they have the knowledge and tools to defend their financial well-being. The Improving SCRA Benefit Utilization Act is a critical step toward empowering servicemembers with the information they need and removing unnecessary barriers. By streamlining access to interest rate protections and increasing awareness through education and transparency, this legislation honors their service with the dignity and support they deserve.”
House co-sponsors for the 119th Congress: Bishop (D-GA-02), Brownley (D-CA-26), Carson (D-IN-07), Don Davis (D-NC-01), DelBene (D-WA-01), Deluzio (D-PA-17), Fitzpatrick (R-PA-01), Gottheimer (D-NJ-05), Moulton (D-MA-06), Moylan (R-GU-AL), Strickland (D-WA-10), Titus (D-NV-01).
Click here to read the Improving SCRA Benefit Utilization Act.
For updates, follow Rep. McClain Delaney at @RepAprilDelaney.
Congresswoman April McClain Delaney was elected in 2024 to serve Maryland’s 6th Congressional District, which encompasses Upcounty Montgomery County and all of Frederick, Washington, Allegany and Garrett Counties. In Congress, McClain Delaney is focused on improving US competitiveness and innovation, protecting our natural environment and championing policies that represent the values and priorities of Maryland’s 6th District.