WASHINGTON — The Defense Credit Union Council has launched separate digital advertising campaigns thanking Sens. Tom Cotton and Ben Ray Luján for supporting military families’ access to affordable credit cards, the organization said.
The campaigns began Oct. 6 through DCUC’s Defending Credit Unions National Advocacy Fund. Ads featuring Cotton (R-AR) will run in Arkansas and the Washington area, while ads featuring Luján (D-NM) will run in New Mexico and the Washington area.
Each campaign features the senator individually and thanks him “for protecting access to credit cards for America’s veterans, active duty, and their families.”
“Supporting our military includes protecting the financial readiness of the people who serve,” said Jason Stverak, DCUC’s chief advocacy officer.
Stverak said access to an affordable, reliable credit card can help military families prepare for deployments, move to new duty stations and cover unexpected expenses.
“An unexpected car repair, emergency travel, or a household bill does not wait for a convenient time,” he said. “Military families deserve safe, affordable financial options and leaders in Washington who will help protect them.”
Opposition To Routing Mandates
DCUC said the campaigns reflect its broader advocacy against credit card routing and interchange mandates, which it contends would undermine credit unions’ ability to offer affordable financial services.
According to the council, interchange revenue helps credit unions pay for secure payment systems, fraud prevention, cybersecurity and member benefits.
Defense credit unions serve members during deployments, frequent relocations, overseas assignments and transitions to civilian life, DCUC said. Credit cards provide a way for those members to make purchases and manage unexpected expenses wherever their service takes them.
“Financial readiness is military readiness,” Stverak said. “Through these campaigns, we are recognizing leaders from both parties who understand why access to affordable credit matters. DCUC will continue speaking up for the credit unions and military families who depend on a secure, reliable payments system.”
The National Advocacy Fund supports public education and advocacy on policies affecting credit unions and their members. DCUC said the campaigns underscore its commitment to working with lawmakers to protect financial choice and strengthen the financial well-being of servicemembers, veterans and their families.
