Defense Credit Union Council Expresses Support for the Pay Our Troops Act of 2026

The Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC), representing more than 200 credit unions serving over 40 million members nationwide, announced its strong support for the Pay Our Troops Act of 2026.

​In a letter to Representative Jennifer Kiggans, DCUC’s Chief Advocacy Officer Jason Stverak called for swift passage of the bipartisan measure to ensure servicemembers and their families are never left financially vulnerable during government shutdowns.

“For too long, servicemembers have faced delayed paychecks amid budget gridlock,” says Stverak. “While credit unions have repeatedly stepped up with emergency loans, payroll advances, and other relief programs, these are stopgaps—not solutions. The Pay Our Troops Act is a moral imperative that guarantees those who defend our nation are paid on time, no matter what.”

“Credit unions have a long history of supporting military families during shutdowns,” reminded Anthony Hernandez, DCUC President/CEO. “This includes interest-free advances, automatic payroll credits, and more. Credit unions have helped thousands of servicemembers weather funding lapses and continue to serve in this area of need across the Nation as leading financial cooperatives.”

“Credit unions will always stand by our servicemembers, but Congress must act to remove the threat of financial instability altogether,” Stverak added. “DCUC and our member credit unions fully support this legislation and look forward to working with lawmakers to see it passed.”