WASHINGTON — The Defense Credit Union Council has launched a grassroots campaign urging Congress to include three credit union lending and liquidity proposals in the National Defense Authorization Act or other must-pass legislation before the end of the 119th Congress.
DCUC said its new Action Alert asks credit union leaders, employees, volunteers and members to contact their senators and representatives in support of measures that would expand financing opportunities for veterans, strengthen access to emergency liquidity and allow longer loan repayment terms.
“Congress needs to finish the job on these bipartisan reforms. Veterans building businesses and families working to make ends meet deserve action,” Jason Stverak, DCUC’s chief advocacy officer, said in a statement.
“Financial readiness is part of military readiness, and removing outdated barriers to responsible lending is a practical way to support it,” Stverak said.
Three Legislative Priorities
According to DCUC, the campaign seeks passage of:
- Veterans Member Business Loan Act, H.R. 507 and S. 110. The legislation would exempt business loans to veterans from the credit union member business lending cap, increasing capacity to finance business startups and expansions, equipment purchases and hiring. Loans would remain subject to underwriting and safety and soundness requirements.
- NCUA Central Liquidity Facility Enhancements Act, S. 3575. The bill would allow corporate credit unions to serve as agents for a subset of their credit union members, expanding access to the Central Liquidity Facility. DCUC said the change would make it easier for credit unions to participate in an emergency funding backstop and meet members’ needs during financial stress.
- Expanding Access to Lending Options Act, H.R. 4167 and S. 3616. The legislation would allow the National Credit Union Administration to permit general federal credit union loan terms of up to 20 years, compared with the current 15-year limit. DCUC said longer repayment options could reduce monthly payments and provide greater flexibility for families and small businesses.
Adding Local Voices
The campaign builds on DCUC’s request for a financial services section in the fiscal 2027 defense authorization bill that includes the three proposals, the council said.
John Alexander, DCUC’s deputy chief advocacy officer, said examples from credit union communities could help congressional staff understand the proposals’ potential effects.
“A local example of a veteran seeking business financing or a family needing more flexible repayment terms can help staff understand why Congress should act,” Alexander said.
DCUC is encouraging participants to explain to congressional offices why access to responsible financing matters in their communities. It also urged member credit unions to distribute the alert through member communications, employee outreach and social media to broaden participation before Congress adjourns.
