WASHINGTON–The House has concluded its vote on the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act, with GOP Leadership agreeing to attach to the must-pass FY2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), a move the Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) called a “major shift in strategy—using the NDAA as a vehicle for financial services legislation.”
“This is a significant development,” Anthony Hernandez, DCUC president/CEO, said in a statement. “For the first time, we’re seeing crypto policy tied directly to national defense legislation. It sets a precedent that opens the door to additional financial policy, potentially even the Credit Card Competition Act–being inserted into the NDAA. We’re going to stay vigilant and proactive to protect credit unions and the servicemembers they serve.”
The DCUC said its chief advocacy officer, Jason Stverak, has notified the organization’s Military Advocacy Committee of the move and warned “this precedent could embolden efforts to attach harmful amendments like the Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA) to the NDAA.”
‘Serious Risks’
“The CCCA poses serious risks to credit unions by limiting credit card networks and interchange fees,” Stverak said in a statement.
The DCUC said sent a prompt letter to Senate leadership opposing any attempts or considerations to attach the CCCA to the defense bill, stressing that the NDAA should remain focused solely on defense priorities—not be burdened by unrelated financial legislation that ultimately benefits large retailers at the expense of military families.
‘Long-Anticipated Developments’
“DCUC has long anticipated these developments and has been actively engaging with members of the House and Senate Armed Services Committees to oppose any attempt to include credit union-related financial policy in the NDAA. DCUC will continue to monitor the legislative process closely and provide timely updates to its members,” the Defense Council stated.
