DCUC Responds to President Trump’s Remarks at Kansas Rally on Durbin-Marshall Legislation

By DCUC Staff — October 19, 2026

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) is responding to President Donald Trump’s comments on the Durbin-Marshall Credit Card Competition Act at tonight’s rally in Kansas.

“Financial readiness is essential to military readiness,” says Anthony Hernandez, DCUC President/CEO, Ret. U.S. Air Force Colonel. “A servicemember should be able to focus on the mission knowing that the family at home has access to a trusted credit union and affordable credit when an unexpected expense hits. Defense credit unions work to provide that assurance every day.” Jason Stverak, DCUC Chief Advocacy Officer, states, “We share the President’s commitment to making life more affordable. Real relief must strengthen a military family’s financial security. Legislation that could leave that family with fewer affordable credit options, without requiring merchants to pass along savings, fails that test. President Trump should reconsider his support for this bill and help strengthen the institutions that serve those who defend our nation.” Stverak reminded, “This bill could make affordable credit harder to obtain; it’s about access to capital for servicemembers and their families.” In a June 22, 2026, letter, DCUC explained that interchange revenue helps defense credit unions support fraud prevention, cybersecurity, rewards, low- or no-fee products, deployment-related assistance, and access in military communities. DCUC’s letter warned that reducing revenue without reducing the cost of delivering those services could create pressure for higher fees elsewhere, fewer benefits, or reduced access to affordable financial products. Those are potential consequences, not predetermined outcomes, and must be weighed against any projected consumer savings. DCUC highlights that a 2015 Richmond Fed analysis of a 420-merchant survey examining the Durbin Amendment’s debit-card interchange regulation estimated that only 1.2 percent lowered prices after the regulation; 77.2 percent left prices unchanged and 21.6 percent raised them. Even among merchants whose debit costs fell, few lowered prices. Debit caps and credit-card routing mandates differ, but that record undercuts promises of automatic consumer savings. “Durbin-Marshall does not require merchants to pass savings to consumers,” stresses Stverak. “Military families should not have to risk their access to affordable credit for relief they may never receive. President Trump should withdraw his support, and Congress should reject this bill.” Learn more about DCUC’s opposition to the CCCA here.

1627 Eye Street, NWSuite 935Washington, DC 20006202.734.5007[email protected]

ALERT NewsletterArmed Forces Financial NetworkFinancial Education ResourcesVeterans Benefits Banking Program

Originally reported by DCUC.