Generated by Rank Math SEO, this is an llms.txt file designed to help LLMs better understand and index this website.

# Secure American Opportunity®

## Sitemaps
- [XML Sitemap](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/sitemap_index.xml): Includes all crawlable and indexable pages.

## Posts
- [State Bankers Associations Across the Country Advocating Against Controversial IRS Reporting Requirements on Behalf of Customers](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/state-bankers-associations-across-the-country-advocating-against-controversial-irs-reporting-requirements-on-behalf-of-customers/): As Congress considers a proposal requiring banks to report information to the IRS on gross inflows and outflows on customer accounts, state bankers associations opposed to the proposal are expressing concerns with the expanded IRS reporting requirements. State associations are amplifying the message that the proposal is an unwarranted infringement on the privacy of bank customers and will create an unnecessary compliance burden for all banks especially community banks. Check out these stories on how bankers across the country are advocating against this proposal on behalf of their consumers.
- [Mississippi Bankers and Businesses Reflect on Paycheck Protection Program](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/paycheck-protection-program-a-year-in-review-stories-from-bankers-and-the-businesses-who-were-saved-by-ppp-loans/): Amanda Manning Markow from the Mississippi Bankers Association shares stories from bankers and the businesses who were saved by Paycheck Protection Program loans. The program, started last year amid the COVID-19 pandemic, has been a popular lifeline for businesses in Mississippi.
- [Wisconsin Bankers Giving Back to their Communities](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/rose-oswald-poels-community-banks-stand-strong-with-consumers-small-businesses-and-farmers/): Wisconsin bankers have proven they are not for themselves but for the benefit of their communities. CEO and president of the Wisconsin Bankers Association, Rose Oswald Poels writes that despite the pandemic “Wisconsin’s bankers aided their local communities”. Bankers were “among the first to step forward and ask what they can do to help, from ensuring our health care heroes on the frontlines have the resources they need” to volunteering their time to “food drives to community clean-ups” and “donating to local efforts and making modifications to serve customers safely (for example, using the drive-up to complete loan paperwork).” Read more.
- [Seattle Banker: We’ve Seen Great Results’ from PPP Loans](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/seattle-banker-weve-seen-great-results-from-ppp-loans/): In an interview with NPR Marketplace, American Bankers Association Past Chair Laurie Stewart reveals how her bank has managed to help small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
- [Fed Reserve Should Exercise Discretion When Granting Nonbanks Access to Payments System](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/fed-reserve-should-exercise-discretion-when-granting-nonbanks-access-to-payments-system/): In an American Banker op-ed, ABA President and CEO Rob Nichols expresses concern that nonbank financial companies are seeking bank charters to access the nation's payment system but they are not  subjected to the same rules and regulations as traditional banks.
- [Texas Bankers Association Launches Media Campaign Alerting Borrowers to the Availability of PPP Funds](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/texas-bankers-association-launches-media-campaign-alerting-borrowers-to-the-availability-of-ppp-funds/): Congress reauthorized the Paycheck Protection Program in December as part of the latest $900 billion COVID-19 relief bill. The legislation set aside over $280 billion to help small businesses stay afloat throughout the pandemic and state bankers associations continue to provide resources and information to banks that are helping small business owners navigate the program and apply for new funding.
- [#BanksNeverAskThat – An Anti-phishing Campaign](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/banksneveraskthat-an-anti-phishing-campaign/): Phishing scams are getting more and more sophisticated. Recently banks across America joined forces in a  coordinated, industry-wide campaign to educate consumers about phishing scams and how to thwart them. The new #BanksNeverAskThat campaign uses attention-grabbing humor to reinforce the notion that banks do not text, call or email customers asking for sensitive information like their passwords and PIN. Banks are providing eye-catching and engaging short videos, animated GIFs and consumer tips on social media and in their bank branches to highlight common phishing schemes.
- [Banks Helping Small Businesses Survive and Local Economies Recover](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/banks-helping-small-businesses-survive-and-local-economies-recover/): Bankers across America played an important role in helping to keep small businesses open and preserve jobs across the country through the Paycheck Protection Program. Check out these stories of how banks across the country served their communities, helped to restart America’s recovery and helped small businesses get the capital they need to persevere.
- [Brokered Deposit Law ‘Woefully Outdated’](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/brokered-deposit-law-woefully-outdated/): ABA President and CEO Rob Nichols made the case for modernizing outdated laws governing brokered deposits in this American Banker op-ed.  Nichols wrote that “banking isn’t something that just happens in a branch anymore. Rather, it happens more often than not over the internet, on mobile phones and through bank partners” yet outdated laws stand in the way of a modern regulatory treatment of deposits. “Today, In order to reach customers and build a stable funding base, it is necessary for banks to use a variety of business services, platforms, technologies and other relationships.”  Read the op-ed. 
- [Highlighting Banks Efforts to Help their Communities and Customers](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/highlighting-banks-efforts-to-help-their-communities-and-customers/): Check out this video that highlights the many ways banks all across America are standing by their communities and serving as a critical delivery system for government relief programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. See how banks are helping.
- [Banks Help Small Businesses Access SBA Financial Lifeline](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/banks-help-small-businesses-access-sba-financial-lifeline/): Banks across the country have helped distribute more than $513 billion (as of May 16) in guaranteed loans through the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program. The program, which was created by Congress in response to the COVID pandemic, has extended a financial lifeline to the nation’s small businesses and preserved payroll for tens of millions of Americans. 
- [Banks and State Bankers Association are Helping Customers During Coronavirus Pandemic](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/banks-and-state-bankers-association-are-helping-customers-during-coronavirus-pandemic/): Below we are sharing a few examples of what state bankers associations are doing but you can view a complete list here.
- [Amid Turmoil, Banks Are Well Capitalized](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/amid-turmoil-banks-are-well-capitalized/): America’s banks are stronger now than during the last economic crisis in 2008.  They have  more capital and perhaps more important, they are more liquid and have unquestioned ability to support Americans in times of uncertainty.
- [Banks Are Delivering Better Advice Through Digital Tools](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/banks-are-delivering-better-advice-through-digital-tools/): With fewer bank customers visiting physical branches, retail banks have become increasingly skilled at connecting with their customers by offering financial advice digitally. According to the J.D. Power 2020 U.S. Retail Banking Advice Satisfaction Study, customer satisfaction with advice and guidance received through digital channels has increased significantly.
- [Bank Economists Foresee Continued Economic Growth, Stable Interest Rates](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/bank-economists-foresee-continued-economic-growth-stable-interest-rates/): The committee’s forecast reflects a balance of risks between the consumer and business side. Sustained job gains, low unemployment and strong wage growth will enable consumers to continue supporting the economy. Business investment is expected to increase as firms look to technology to improve efficiencies and enhance productivity amid tight labor markets.
- [Banks Stop $22.3 Billion in Fraud Attempts in 2018](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/banks-stop-22-3-billion-in-fraud-attempts-in-2018/): According to the American Bankers Association’s 2019 Deposit Account Fraud Survey, banks stopped $22.3 billion in attempted fraudulent transactions in 2018- that’s $9 out of every $10 of attempted fraud. Although total attempted check fraud increased to $15.1 billion, banks’ prevention measures stopped $13.8 billion—or 91%—of attempted check fraud. The survey demonstrates that banks are investing in sophisticated fraud prevention systems and continue to take extraordinary efforts to protect and safeguard customer accounts. Looking ahead, survey respondents flagged debit card, online banking, wire originations, check deposits and P2P transactions as the top five fraud threats on the horizon.
- [Kansas Banker Testifies on Agricultural Credit Issues in America](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/kansas-banker-testifies-on-agricultural-credit-issues-in-america/): Kansas banker Shan Hanes testified before the
House of Representatives Agriculture Committee’s Commodity Exchanges, Energy
and Credit Subcommittee, offering the banking industry’s perspective on
agricultural credit issues in rural America. Hanes, president and CEO of Heartland Tri-State Bank in
Elkhart, Kansas, acknowledged the current challenges facing the ag economy and
urged support for the Enhancing Credit Opportunities in Rural America Act, a
bill introduced by Rep. Steve Watkins (R-Kan.) earlier this year. “The most important fact about this bill is that it will
directly and almost immediately help all ag borrowers,” said Hanes. “It would
allow banks to lower interest rates on ag real estate loans to borrowers and
help ease cashflow needs, while still maintaining an acceptable profit margin
and return as monitored by regulators and shareholders.” Additionally, Hanes emphasized the critical role of the
country’s 1,772 farm banks as the primary source of credit to farmers and
ranchers in the United States.  “Banks like mine are proud of the work we do to support our
nation’s farmers and ranchers. The agricultural community is a critical part of
our economy and America’s banks remain committed to serve it through good times
and bad.” Read
Hanes’ full testimony.
- [Hiring Our Heroes](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/hiring-our-heroes/): America’s banks have a long and proud tradition of supporting those who serve, and today our industry benefits tremendously from having thousands of veterans serving in banking jobs across the country. A new partnership between the American Bankers Association and the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation is making it even easier for banks, especially community banks, to hire veterans and military spouses looking to launch a career in banking.  See how the program worked at one bank and get more information at HiringOurHeroes.org.
- [ABA’s Washington Visits](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/abas-washington-visit/): Since September over 600 bankers have traveled to Washington, D.C with their state bankers association as part of ABA’s Washington Visits program. Bankers were in DC to meet with federal regulators and their federal elected officials on a variety of issues that have an impact on their customers and communities.
- [Today’s Bankers](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/todays-bankers/): Today’s banking industry offers diverse and rewarding career opportunities to people of all backgrounds and experience levels.

## Pages
- [Record Your Story](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/record-your-story/): Real stories help shape better policy. Whether you're a consumer, small business owner, banker, or community member, your experiences matter. Tell us how banking issues have affected you and your community.
- [Blocks Test](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/blocks-test/)
- [Signature Test](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/signature-test/)
- [Get to Know Your Lawmakers](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/get-to-know-your-lawmakers/): Lawmakers pass bills that impact your bank, your customers, and your community. By getting to know them, you can play a key role in advocating for policy that strengthens the industry and supports consumers.
- [Resources](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/resources/): Find the resources you need to energize your advocacy.
- [Join Us](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/join-summit/)
- [Join Us](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/join-us-forum/)
- [Annual Conference 2024](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/annual-conference-24/): Welcome to Secure American Opportunity, ABA's grassroots website dedicated to keeping you informed on priority banking issues and a resource for you to engage with your lawmakers.
- [America’s Banks](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/americas-banks/): Whether it’s supporting small businesses and homeowners or providing rewarding careers, banks of all sizes are creating opportunity and serving customers and communities all across the country. Learn how America’s Banks are making a difference in your neighborhood.
- [Join Us](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/signup/): Sign up below to learn more about issues impacting our communities and economy and to be kept in the loop on opportunities to share your views with policymakers.
- [Join Us](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/join-us-bankers/): As a banker, you know that America’s banks are the bridge to economic renewal. 
- [Join Us](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/join-us-bankers-2/)
- [Reg. Adventure Test](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/reg-adventure-test/): At vero eos et accusamus et iusto odio dignissimos ducimus qui blanditiis praesentium voluptatum deleniti atque corrupti quos dolores et quas molestias excepturi sint occaecati cupiditate non provident, similique sunt in culpa qui officia deserunt mollitia animi, id est laborum et dolorum fuga. Et harum quidem rerum facilis est et expedita distinctio. Nam libero tempore, cum soluta nobis est eligendi optio cumque nihil impedit quo minus id quod maxime placeat facere possimus, omnis voluptas assumenda est, omnis dolor repellendus. Temporibus autem quibusdam et aut officiis debitis aut rerum necessitatibus saepe eveniet ut et voluptates repudiandae sint et molestiae non recusandae. Itaque earum rerum hic tenetur a sapiente delectus, ut aut reiciendis voluptatibus maiores alias consequatur aut perferendis doloribus asperiores repellat.
- [Small Business Poll](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/small-business-poll/)
- [GOTV Co-Branding Agreement](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/gotv-cobranding-agreement/)
- [COVID-19’s Impact on Elections](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/gotv/)
- [Modifications to Absentee/Mail-In Voting Procedures](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/modifications-to-absentee-mail-in-voting-procedures/): Voters in 11/3 general election allowed to cite concerns over COVID-19 is valid excuse for voting absentee. (See more.)
- [Banks Stand Ready To Help](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/covid-19/): For over 200 years, banks have been a trusted source of stability in communities. Here are a few of many examples of how banks are playing a critical role in helping to provide support and recovery from during the coronavirus pandemic.
- [Find Your Legislators](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/find-your-legislators/)
- [Primary Dates and Changes](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/primary-dates-and-changes/): Presidential and congressional primary has passed (3/3); Congressional primary run-off postponed to 7/14
- [Learn About the Issues](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/election-center-issues/): Learn about the issues being discussed this election season.
- [Join Secure American Opportunity](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/join-secure-american-opportunity/)
- [Tips & Tools](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/tips-tools/): Whether you’re a long-time industry advocate or are new to advocacy, Secure American Opportunity® provides you with all the useful tools to make advocating for banking easy.
- [Highlights](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/highlights/)
- [Issues](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/issues/)
- [Take Action](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/take-action/): What happens in Washington impacts every consumer and business throughout the nation. Make your voice heard and tell your federal lawmakers how their decisions will affect you and your community by taking action below!
- [About](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/about/): Secure American Opportunity® calls on all Americans to learn about and engage on the issues and policies affecting our country’s economy. A project launched by the American Bankers Association, Secure American Opportunity® believes a strong financial industry leads to a strong economy, and we all have a vested interest in ensuring we have policies that allow us to achieve our dreams. That’s why Secure American Opportunity® and its supporters engage our communities and government officials to advance and protect policies that keep the economy growing, providing the information and actions necessary to achieve the American dream for all.  
- [Home](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/): Bankers have always demonstrated their commitment to making a real difference in their local communities. They are one of the strongest partners for economic growth and stability. During the COVID-19 As the country moves forward in the wake of the pandemic, bankers across America are relentlessly working and partnering with members of their communities to extend financial lifelines to families and small businesses, as well as supporting and expanding charitable initiatives. They are standing by their communities to help their local economies remain vibrant and growing.

## Actions
- [Urge your lawmakers to oppose the 10 Percent Credit Card Interest Rate Cap Act](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/take-action/urge-your-lawmakers-to-oppose-the-10-percent-credit-card-interest-rate-cap-act-2/): In 2025, the 10 Percent Credit Card Interest Rate Cap Act was introduced in both the U.S. Senate and the U.S. House of Representatives as S. 381 by Senators Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) and as H.R. 1944 by Representatives Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) and Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL), respectively.
- [Fuel Opportunity. Drive Change. Make Your Voice Count.](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/take-action/fuel-opportunity-drive-change-join-us/): Congress has an opportunity to close the loopholes left open in the GENIUS Act.
- [PETITION: Ask the Senate Banking Committee to Close the Payment of Interest Loophole!](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/take-action/petition-close-payment-interest-loophole/): Closing this loophole is essential to supporting financial innovation while minimizing unintended consequences for customers, communities, and the broader economy.
- [Thank Congress for protecting homebuyers’ privacy](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/take-action/thank-congress-for-protecting-homebuyers-privacy/): Thank your lawmakers for supporting H.R. 2808 and S. 1467.
- [Virginia Bankers: Reform Credit Unions – Take Action Now!](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/take-action/va-bankers-reform-credit-unions-take-action-now/): Credit unions are using their tax-exempt status to pursue growth at the expense of their congressionally mandated mission. Instead of focusing on service to lower- and middle-income individuals connected through a common bond in a local community, they’re buying banks and acquiring stadium naming rights across the country.  
- [Oppose the Durbin-Marshall Credit Card Mandate](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/take-action/oppose-ccca-digital/): When was the last time you booked a flight using rewards points? Or saved on gas? Popular credit card rewards programs like those are offered and supported by the bank that issued your card. 
- [Encourage your lawmakers to cosponsor ACRE](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/take-action/encourage-your-lawmakers-to-cosponsor-acre-vt-digital/): 69% of young farmers and ranchers cite access to capital as a top challenge.
- [Encourage your lawmakers to cosponsor ACRE](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/take-action/encourage-your-lawmakers-to-cosponsor-acre-fl-digital/): 69% of young farmers and ranchers cite access to capital as a top challenge.
- [Encourage your lawmakers to cosponsor ACRE](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/take-action/encourage-your-lawmakers-to-cosponsor-acre-wa-digital/): 69% of young farmers and ranchers cite access to capital as a top challenge.
- [Encourage your lawmakers to cosponsor ACRE](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/take-action/encourage-your-lawmakers-to-cosponsor-acre-or-digital/): 69% of young farmers and ranchers cite access to capital as a top challenge.
- [Thank your lawmaker and encourage your other lawmakers to cosponsor ACRE](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/take-action/thank-your-lawmaker-and-encourage-your-other-lawmakers-to-cosponsor-acre/): 69% of young farmers and ranchers cite access to capital as a top challenge.
- [Encourage your lawmakers to cosponsor ACRE](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/take-action/encourage-your-lawmakers-to-cosponsor-acre-nc-digital/): 69% of young farmers and ranchers cite access to capital as a top challenge.
- [Pennsylvania Bankers: Urge Congress to protect homebuyers privacy and support S.1467/HR. 2808](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/take-action/pennsylvania-bankers-urge-congress-to-protect-homebuyers-privacy-and-cosponsor-s-3502-h-r-7297/): When a consumer applies for a mortgage, the lender with whom the consumer applied pulls a credit report to evaluate their application. When the report is pulled, credit agencies then identify that the consumer is looking for credit and can sell the consumer’s information to other lenders (so-called "trigger leads"). While this "trigger lead" activity is legal under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), consumers are increasingly frustrated with unsolicited calls for credit products, and it can damage banks' relationships with customers as the customer often mistakenly assumes that their financial institution sold their credit report.
- [Virginia Bankers: Urge Congress to protect homebuyers privacy and support S.1467/HR. 2808](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/take-action/virginia-bankers-urge-congress-to-protect-homebuyers-privacy-and-cosponsor-s-3502-h-r-7297/): When a consumer applies for a mortgage, the lender with whom the consumer applied pulls a credit report to evaluate their application. When the report is pulled, credit agencies then identify that the consumer is looking for credit and can sell the consumer’s information to other lenders (so-called "trigger leads"). While this "trigger lead" activity is legal under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), consumers are increasingly frustrated with unsolicited calls for credit products, and it can damage banks' relationships with customers as the customer often mistakenly assumes that their financial institution sold their credit report.
- [Kansas Bankers: Urge Congress to protect homebuyers privacy and support S.1467/HR. 2808](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/take-action/kansas-bankers-urge-congress-to-protect-homebuyer-privacy-and-cosponsor-s-3502-h-r-7297/): Consumers are tired of unrelenting spam calls and texts offering credit.
- [Encourage your lawmakers to cosponsor ACRE](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/take-action/encourage-your-lawmakers-to-cosponsor-acre-nd-digital/)
- [Encourage your lawmakers to cosponsor ACRE](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/take-action/encourage-your-lawmakers-to-cosponsor-acre-ne-digital/): 69% of young farmers and ranchers cite access to capital as a top challenge.
- [Encourage your lawmakers to cosponsor ACRE](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/take-action/encourage-your-lawmakers-to-cosponsor-acre-tx-digital/): 69% of young farmers and ranchers cite access to capital as a top challenge.
- [Encourage your lawmakers to cosponsor ACRE](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/take-action/encourage-your-lawmakers-to-cosponsor-acre-mn-digital/): 69% of young farmers and ranchers cite access to capital as a top challenge.
- [Encourage your lawmakers to cosponsor ACRE](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/take-action/encourage-your-lawmakers-to-cosponsor-acre-id-digital/): 69% of young farmers and ranchers cite access to capital as a top challenge.
- [Encourage your lawmakers to cosponsor ACRE](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/take-action/encourage-your-lawmakers-to-cosponsor-acre-ok-digital/): 69% of young farmers and ranchers cite access to capital as a top challenge.
- [Encourage your lawmakers to cosponsor ACRE](https://secureamericanopportunity.com/take-action/encourage-your-lawmakers-to-cosponsor-acre-mt-digital/): 69% of young farmers and ranchers cite access to capital as a top challenge.