[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 25 (Tuesday, February 11, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E206]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


          RECOGNIZING NATIONAL ACCREDITED ACH PROFESSIONAL DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 11, 2014

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Tuesday, February 11, 
as National Accredited ACH Professional (AAP) Day. This day highlights 
the importance of the AAP credential, as well as celebrates the 
achievements and contributions of AAPs nationwide.
  The AAP credential is the standard of excellence in ACH payments 
competency. AAPs are recognized payments industry experts on subjects 
ranging from the NACHA Operating Rules to sound risk management 
practices, and as such, are highly regarded by financial regulators and 
examiners. They play a key role in the individual organizations they 
serve and the greater industry as a whole, imparting knowledge and 
supporting practices that help ensure continued confidence in ACH 
payments and the safety, security, and reliability of the ACH Network.
  The ACH Network, administered by NACHA--The Electronic Payments 
Association, provides for the efficient exchange of direct account-to-
account payments for consumers, businesses, and governments. Annually, 
it processes more than 21 billion electronic payments--including more 
than 5 billion Direct Deposit transactions--totaling almost $37 
trillion. Through their expertise, AAPs help safeguard the quality of 
the ACH Network and the billions of transactions that flow through it. 
To be awarded the AAP credential, individuals must pass a comprehensive 
exam, which is administered by NACHA each fall. The exam tests an 
individual's knowledge of a variety of subjects including the NACHA 
Operating Rules, the ACH Network and other payments systems, technical 
and operational ACH requirements, risk management, and payments-related 
regulations. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in 
commending the more than four thousand AAPs nationwide by recognizing 
today as National Accredited ACH Professional Day.

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