WASHINGTON–In an issue many inside and out of credit unions won’t believe has resurfaced again, another federal government shutdown looms at the end of January if lawmakers can’t reach an agreement, and the Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) has sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) urging Congress to pass legislation funding the federal government by January 30.
Such a shutdown would again jeopardize financial access and pay for millions of military members and their families, DCUC said.
Given the recent shutdown before a short-term funding deal was found, numerous analysts had told the CU Daily they saw little appetite for another shutdown at the end of January. But that was before the shooting of another person by ICE agents in Minnesota. Now, some Democrats are saying they will not vote for appropriations measures that include funding for the Department of Homeland Security unless restrictions are put on how immigration officers carry out enforcement operations.
Shouldn’t Be Bargaining Chips
“Those who defend our nation deserve financial certainty and should never be used as bargaining chips in a budget standoff,” Anthony Hernandez, DCUC president/CEO, said in a statement. “No military family should have to worry about putting food on the table because Washington failed to do its job.”
DCUC said it used the letter to remind how credit unions stepped in during past shutdowns to support affected families, offering 0% interest emergency loans, paycheck advances, fee waivers, payment deferrals, and free financial counseling. While these efforts provided millions of dollars in relief nationwide, DCUC emphasized they are only temporary solutions.
‘Only a Stopgap’
“Emergency assistance from financial institutions is only a stopgap – not a permanent solution. Temporary relief programs, while compassionate and necessary, are no substitute for the assurance of a regular paycheck,” wrote Jason Stverak, DCUC’s chief advocacy officer.
Support for Bill
In addition to calling for immediate action to fund the government, DCUC also urged Congress to enact permanent pay protections for military and Coast Guard personnel during any funding lapse.
“DCUC strongly supports the Pay Our Troops Act of 2026 and the Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act of 2025, bipartisan measures that would ensure all active duty servicemembers, Guard and Reserve personnel, essential defense civilian employees, and Coast Guard members continue to receive their pay and benefits during a shutdown,” said Stverak. “These bills have broad support and are endorsed by leading military and veteran service organizations – including DCUC – as common-sense legislation that honors our obligation to those who wear the uniform.”
