DCUC Pushes To Get Credit Union Priorities Into Must-Pass Defense Bill
By CU Today Staff —
WASHINGTON—The Defense Credit Union Council is urging congressional leaders to leave room for credit union and other financial services provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) as lawmakers face a shrinking legislative calendar ahead of the November elections.
Jason Stverak, DCUC chief advocacy officer, said during a press call Tuesday morning that the NDAA remains at the top of the organization’s legislative agenda and that discussions are continuing behind the scenes over what a final bill could contain.
“There are very few bills that will move forward in any standalone pieces of legislation,” Stverak said. “The legislation will have to be pretty massive to move on their own.”
Stverak said DCUC plans to send a letter to House and Senate leadership Tuesday urging lawmakers, as they negotiate the NDAA, to “keep open the possibility for a financial services section to be included” and to ensure credit union priorities are part of those discussions. The annual NDAA has historically served as a vehicle for policy provisions beyond the legislation’s core defense authorizations.
Congress is away from Washington this week and returns next week, when credit union advocates will descend on Capitol Hill. America’s Credit Unions said next week will be the only week before the Nov. 3 general election when the House and Senate are scheduled to be in Washington simultaneously. Its Congressional Caucus runs Sept. 13-15 and will focus on issues including interchange, digital assets, credit card interest-rate caps, affordability and expanded lending authorities.
Stverak also pointed to the Dec. 11 expiration of current government funding as another issue credit unions are preparing for.
“We’re thankful that at least we have funding guaranteed until December 11th, but that just kicks the can down the road,” he said, adding that credit unions serving military members, their families and veterans need to be prepared should another potential government shutdown emerge.
Originally reported by CU Today.