Jim Purcell, chief executive officer of State National Bank of Big Spring, spoke during one of the hearings House Republicans organized to examine Dodd-Frank’s impact. But he "had a hard time answering certain questions from Democrats," writes American Banker’s Kevin Wack.
Big Spring is part of a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the CFPB.
Asked about which parts of the legislation affected his bank he replied: "I could not tell you at this moment exactly which ones do and which ones don't."
Barney Frank argued that Purcell’s criticism of the CFPB’s “blank check” applied to the OCC as well. "Why didn't you sue to get the comptroller of the currency thrown out?" Frank asked. "Or you just don't like consumer protection?"
"I'm going to leave that up to the attorneys," was Purcell’s answer.
Wack described Purcell as being "right out of central casting, speaking with a drawl and emphasizing his small-town roots," as he spoke of the threats Dodd-Frank poses to smaller banks and how small banks differ from Wall Street institutions.
"I don't understand all the default swaps," said Purcell. Hey, at least he admits it.
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