WASHINGTON–With the Senate back in session this week, the Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) held what it called a “high-level strategy session” that drew credit union leaders from across the country.
The focus of the meeting was on HR 1, the reconciliation, budget and tax bill that passed the House by one vote and is now in the Senate, and coordinating a “united response” to protect the credit union tax status and other industry priorities while” amplifying the voice of CUs, DCUC said.
“We are not out of the woods yet,” President and CEO Anthony Hernandez said in a statement. “It’s critical that our industry presents a unified voice and consistent messaging during this pivotal time.”
What Took Place
According to DCUC, the meeting included:
- Strategic guidance and real-time updates on the reconciliation bill’s progression
- Tailored messaging and grassroots advocacy tools to mobilize system partners and credit union members
The meeting also included key briefings on the legislative landscape and expected pressure points in the Senate. According to DCUC, key issues discussed included:
Reconciliation Bill & Tax Status
“Participants reviewed DCUC’s updates on the evolving dynamics in the Senate Finance Committee—including recent developments in a meeting with President Trump. While the House version preserves the credit union tax exemption, the Senate may seek offsets as it reconciles spending thresholds.”
“Credit unions are just a drop in the bucket at $3.1 billion,” John McKechnie, DCUC advocacy consultant, said in a statement, “but if the Senate starts looking at all the drops, this argument may lose weight.”
Countering Bankers Attacks & Misguided Rhetoric/Communication Strategy
“Despite recent media activity—including an ICBA segment on Squawkbox—there has been no national, coordinated message highlighting the credit union difference. DCUC has stressed the need for proactive, high-visibility storytelling and grassroots pressure,” the organization said.
DCUC reported it is coordinating a national PR campaign to pitch the credit union story to national media outlets and noted the importance of a “round table” communication approach—where multiple industry spokespeople amplify the message across media channels.
DCUC said it also suggested that trade press op-eds should also be repurposed for policymaker outreach.
National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)
DCUC said it has developed tailored talking points to keep harmful amendments like the Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA) out of the NDAA, listing the risks to disadvantaged communities and those serving in uniform.
Interchange/CCCA & Proposed 10% Rate Cap (Hawley-Sanders)
DCUC said it urged all attendees to help lawmakers understand how these proposals could “destabilize the financial system and harm low-income borrowers.”
GENIUS Act
Currently in Senate debate, DCUC noted the GENIUS Act has been the subject of heated internal discussions, with Sen. Marshall pushing to attach the CCCA as an amendment.
“While that attempt may have failed in the short term, the fight is expected to shift to future legislative vehicles, including the NDAA and the Farm Bill,” DCUC said.
No Time For Victory Lap
Following the meeting, Hernandez said in a statement, “Now is not the time for anyone to take a victory lap. The long campaign continues as we move to the Senate and start all over. DCUC called this meeting to update fellow industry leaders and to organize a similar, coordinated campaign in the Senate. Sometimes, all it takes is someone to make the first move—others will reciprocate. That’s not showboating; it’s leadership. Let’s win this thing—together.”
