DCUC Urges Congress To Shield Military Families From Future Shutdowns
By CU Today Staff —
WASHINGTON—Monday, the Defense Credit Union Council submitted comments to the House Appropriations Committee ahead of its hearing, "Funding Lapses: Analyzing Shutdown Reform," urging Congress to enact bipartisan reforms that protect servicemembers, Coast Guard personnel, veterans, federal employees, and military families from the financial consequences of future government shutdowns.
"Government shutdowns are far more than political disagreements, they create real hardship for the men and women defending our nation," says Jason Stverak, DCUC chief advocacy officer. "Defense credit unions have proudly stepped forward every time Congress has failed to complete its work, but military families should never have to rely on emergency financial assistance simply because Washington cannot pass appropriations. Financial readiness is military readiness."
Drawing on the experiences of previous funding lapses, DCUC highlighted the critical role credit unions have played in supporting military communities through emergency payroll advances, low- and no-interest bridge loans, payment deferrals, fee waivers, financial counseling, and other relief programs that helped families remain financially stable during periods of uncertainty.
To strengthen future preparedness, DCUC urged Congress to:
DCUC also encouraged Congress to examine long-term appropriations reforms that reduce uncertainty, strengthen military readiness, and prevent avoidable financial hardships for those serving the nation.
"Defense credit unions will always answer the call to support military families, but they should not be expected to serve as a substitute for sound federal budgeting," said Anthony Hernandez, DCUC president/CEO, Ret. U.S. Air Force colonel. "Congress has an opportunity to provide lasting certainty for those who defend our nation by ensuring servicemembers never again become collateral damage in funding negotiations. We stand ready to work with lawmakers on bipartisan solutions that strengthen both financial readiness and national security."
As part of its submission, DCUC also provided suggested questions for hearing witnesses addressing military readiness, Coast Guard pay protections, financial readiness, agency coordination, and long-term appropriations reform.
Originally reported by CU Today.