WASHINGTON—Two credit union trade associations are urging lawmakers to take differing but complementary approaches to policy issues ranging from federal funding priorities to consumer credit access, according to separate letters sent to Capitol Hill this week.
In a letter to leaders of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government, America’s Credit Unions called on lawmakers to support policies and funding levels that it said would strengthen the credit union system and protect consumers. The organization emphasized the importance of maintaining a regulatory environment that allows credit unions to serve members effectively, while also ensuring appropriate oversight of federal financial regulators.
America’s Credit Unions also highlighted what it said is the need for adequate resources for agencies such as the Treasury Department and prudential regulators, arguing that balanced funding is critical to safeguarding financial stability and consumer protections while avoiding unnecessary regulatory burdens on community-based institutions.
Delegation Meets With Treasry Rep
Separately, America’s Credit Unions reported President/CEO Scott Simpson and Senior Vice President of Advocacy Greg Mesack met with Treasury Deputy Assistant Secretary for Financial Institutions Policy John Crews. In his capacity at Treasury, Crews advises Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on policies related to financial institutions, regulation, and legislation, the association stated.
The CU Daily reported earlier this year that Crews is among those rumored to be the nominee for NCUA board to succeed Chairman Kyle Hauptman. Hauptman is awaiting a successor in order to move to another government agency to which he has been appointed. The CU Daily has been unable to confirm that Crews is the nominee.
According to America’s Credit Unions, the group shared the importance of modernizing key regulations to free up credit union time and resources for additional member service and detailed why America’s Credit Unions and the Illinois Credit Union League are fighting the Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act (IFPA) before it is scheduled to become effective July 1, stressing the importance of strong preemption authority for credit unions.
DCUC Calls for ‘Fair Credit Framework’
Separately, the Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) submitted a letter for the record ahead of a House Financial Services Subcommittee on Financial Institutions hearing titled “Promoting Access to Credit for Everyday Americans,” outlining what it described as a “fair credit” framework to improve access to lending while maintaining safeguards.
DCUC said access to credit depends on a reporting system that is “accurate, timely, and trusted,” noting that inaccuracies can undermine both consumer confidence and lender decision-making. The group pointed to unique challenges facing servicemembers, including heightened risks of identity theft and credit disruptions tied to frequent relocations.
To address those concerns, DCUC urged lawmakers to focus on four key principles: improving accuracy and accountability across the credit reporting system; expanding credit-building opportunities through the inclusion of additional payment data such as rent and utilities; strengthening the integrity of consumer complaint data; and balancing civil liability standards to avoid unintended reductions in credit availability.
Opposition to 10% Cap
The organization also reiterated its opposition to a proposed federal 10% interest rate cap, warning that such a policy could restrict risk-based lending and limit access to affordable credit for higher-risk borrowers, including younger servicemembers.
In addition, DCUC encouraged Congress to consider targeted reforms to support military and veteran communities, including changes to credit union business lending caps and enhancements to liquidity backstops.
Scienaptic AI Joins DCUC Premier Circle Program
Separately, the Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) said Scienaptic AI has joined its Premier Circle Program. DCUC said Scienaptic AI offers compliant, AI-powered credit decisioning platform to credit unions nationwide.
“This platform aids credit unions in offering lending decisions with quicker turnarounds, streamlining operations, and expanding inclusive access to credit while continuing to meet rigorous regulatory and fair lending standards,” DCUC said
According to DCUC, credit unions serving military communities often operate in unique environments where members face frequent relocations, deployments, and other financial complexities. Forward thinking companies, like Scienaptic AI, help bridge the gaps and address challenges caused by military life. Scienaptic AI brings AI-powered credit decisioning that sees beyond traditional data gaps and enables credit unions to assess members on a fuller financial picture, to deliver fairer, faster lending decisions, DCUC said.
‘Deep Sense of Purpose’
“Credit unions serving military and veteran communities operate with a deep sense of purpose while navigating some of the most complex lending environments,” Patrick McElhenie, chief growth officer of Scienaptic AI, said in a statement. “Through our collaboration with DCUC, we are bringing transparent, explainable, and responsible AI to help these institutions expand credit access, manage risk with confidence, and respond faster to member needs. This is enabled by our iCUE platform and its agentic AI capabilities, purpose-built for lending. It is an honor to support organizations that serve those who serve.”
“Credit unions carry forward their financial cooperative missions every day, supporting communities across America across all demographics and generations, and many of the credit unions we represent carry a long history of serving the unique financial needs of those whose lives are shaped by deployment, relocation, and uncertainty,” DCUC President/CEO Anthony Hernandez said in a statement. “We’re happy to welcome Scienaptic AI as our third Premier Circle partner and appreciate their support for our credit unions.
