 Your weekly advocacy update: Stay informed, take action, and champion the voice of America’s defense credit unions! This week, DCUC advanced several key advocacy initiatives, urging Congress to protect servicemembers, Coast Guard personnel, and federal employees from credit harm during government shutdowns, while commending legislative efforts such as the STREAMLINE Act to modernize outdated financial reporting requirements. DCUC also praised the FCC’s progress on TCPA reforms, emphasizing the need for practical communication rules that allow credit unions to protect members from fraud. Additionally, DCUC is prepared for the NCUA Budget Hearing on November 5, reinforcing its support for operational efficiency and sufficient funding to sustain the credit union system’s safety and soundness. Stay up to speed as we push forward! Follow along with our weekly announcements here. Top Priorities This Past Week Yesterday, DCUC sent a letter to Chairmen Scott and Hill and Ranking Members Warren and Waters urging congressional action to prevent lasting credit damage to servicemembers, Coast Guard personnel, and federal employees during government shutdowns. In the last four weeks, credit unions stepped up as ‘first financial responders,’ offering 0% furlough loans, skip-a-pay options, fee waivers, and other emergency relief. However, these voluntary measures are only temporary fixes, Jason Stverak, DCUC Chief Advocacy Officer, explained. What’s needed is systemic protections—not ad hoc charity—in order to effectively, and proactively, safeguard the financial security of those who serve. DCUC sent a letter to Senator Tim Scott and Senator John Kennedy commending their leadership on the Streamlining Transaction Reporting and Ensuring Anti-Money Laundering Improvements for a New Era Act (STREAMLINE Act). DCUC shared its support for this “much-needed legislation,” highlighting the proposed modernization of the Bank Secrecy Act’s reporting thresholds for Currency Transaction Reports (CTRs) and Suspicious Activity Reports (SARs). DCUC commended the Federal Communications Commission for advancing updates to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), calling it a positive step toward balancing consumer protection with operational needs. When financial institutions contact members about fraud or security issues, the framework must be practical, transparent, and workable. DCUC also applauded the Administration for securing pay for active-duty military personnel during the government shutdown and urged similar assurance for Coast Guard members. Read more here. The NCUA Budget Hearing has been rescheduled for November 5. See DCUC's formal comment letter sent to NCUA Chairman Kyle Hauptman on the Proposed NCUA 2026-2027 Budget [NCUA-2024-0543]. DCUC will testify again this year, supporting the NCUA’s efforts to streamline operations while emphasizing the need for adequate funding to maintain safety and soundness across the credit union system. Government Shutdown The House has been in recess for 42 days, and although the House had reached an agreement on a continuing resolution (CR), it's set to expire by the third week of November, raising concerns that another shutdown could be on the horizon. The shutdown continues to impact federal employees, contractors, active-duty service members, Guard and Reserve personnel, and Coast Guard members (funded through DHS). Federal SNAP benefits are also set to lapse as of November 1, though some states, including Virginia, are using emergency funds to fill the gap temporarily. DCUC recently sent a letter to Senator Sullivan expressing strong support for S. 876, the Pay Our Military Act of 2025, and urging the inclusion of the U.S. Coast Guard to ensure all servicemembers are protected during any federal funding lapse. Despite these challenges, credit unions continue to demonstrate their deep commitment to their communities, offering assistance to members affected by the shutdown, partnering with local food banks, and providing critical financial relief. Where the FY 2026 NDAA Stands The FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is moving toward a formal conference, with staff negotiations ongoing and a goal to finalize and pass the bill by mid-December. DCUC remains vigilant to ensure that anti–credit union provisions, including the Credit Card Competition Act, are not included, while still supporting opportunities to advance pro–credit union priorities, such as the NCUA’s Central Liquidity Facility (CLF) Enhancement Act and key Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) provisions. Read more here. In August, DCUC expressed strong support for these measures in a letter to the Senate, emphasizing the importance of strengthening the CDFI Fund to expand access to affordable financial services in military and underserved communities. Read more about the CDFI inclusion here. DCUC Responds to CFPB Interpretive Rule Clarifying FCRA Preemption The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has issued an interpretive rule clarifying that the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) generally preempts state laws that affect broad areas of credit reporting. The rule reaffirms Congress’s intent to establish uniform national standards for the credit reporting system and replaces the Bureau’s July 2022 interpretive rule, which was withdrawn in May 2025. "Credit unions have always prioritized consumer protection and transparency. DCUC and our member credit unions remain committed to fostering a fair, safe, and consistent financial marketplace that serves the best interests of America’s communities and the broader credit reporting system." Read more here. Advocacy Discussions Credit Unions Step Up During The Shutdown – Congress Must Act Now, featured on CUToday As the federal government shutdown enters its fourth week, credit unions have emerged as frontline financial first responders. Across the country, especially in military communities and regions dense with federal employees, credit unions mobilized immediately to ease the financial stress on those who serve our nation. From day one – even hour one – credit unions have been “putting members first”, offering emergency relief to tide families over until Washington gets its act together. This member-first ethic is not new; it’s the credit union difference in action. Credit unions strengthen communities – bankers are out of step with voters, featured on Tyfone In a recent op-ed, two community bankers – including a past chairman of the Independent Community Bankers of America – painted a dire picture of credit unions “draining” local communities by acquiring small banks. They argue policymakers should crack down on these credit union acquisitions, claiming that tax-exempt credit unions misuse taxpayer subsidies and abandon their mission. Nothing could be further from the truth. In reality, when a community bank chooses to sell to a credit union, it’s often a lifeline for that community, not a loss. These voluntary sales are not hostile takeovers; they are negotiated, board-approved partnerships by willing sellers who’ve decided a credit union is the best steward for their customers and employees. Far from “darkening” communities, credit union acquisitions tend to preserve hometown banking services that might otherwise disappear. The Government May Be Shut Down, But We’re Not–And You Shouldn’t Be Either, featured on The CUDaily
Washington may be at a standstill, but the Defense Credit Union Council’s advocacy is moving full speed ahead. While federal agencies lock their doors, DCUC is on Capitol Hill, ensuring our military community’s financial needs aren’t ignored. Just this month, I sent a letter to Congress urging lawmakers to include the Pay Our Troops Act of 2026 and Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act of 2025 in the final defense budget – permanent fixes so servicemembers never miss a paycheck due to political gridlock. Comments are closed.
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