WASHINGTON–With a potential government shutdown looming, the Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) said it is focused on two key advocacy priorities in Congress—protecting servicemembers’ pay during any shutdown, and longer term, expanding access to capital
In a letter to Rep. Jennifer Kiggans (R-VA), DCUC Chief Advocacy Officer Jason Stverak called for swift passage of the bipartisan measure to ensure servicemembers and their families are never left financially vulnerable during government shutdowns.
“For too long, servicemembers have faced delayed paychecks amid budget gridlock,” says Stverak. “While credit unions have repeatedly stepped up with emergency loans, payroll advances, and other relief programs, these are stopgaps—not solutions. The Pay Our Troops Act is a moral imperative that guarantees those who defend our nation are paid on time, no matter what.”
Added President and CEO Tony Hernandez in a statement, “Credit unions have a long history of supporting military families during shutdowns. This includes interest-free advances, automatic payroll credits, and more. Credit unions have helped thousands of servicemembers weather funding lapses and continue to serve in this area of need across the Nation as leading financial cooperatives.”
Consumer Support Cited
Separately, DCUC pointed to a poll that found 62% of voters – across party lines – support eliminating the federal cap on small-business loans by credit unions.
As the CU Daily reported here, support was especially strong among Republican voters, with 71% in favor, signaling real momentum for legislative action in this Congress.
“By a 41-point margin, Americans want to empower credit unions to lend more to small businesses – a decisive mandate in today’s polarized political climate,” DCUC stated, adding it immediately activated a grassroots advocacy initiative, alerting its member credit union leaders to contact their congressional representatives and providing key messaging for their outreach in support of the Veterans Member Business Loan Act.
‘We’ve Known All Along’
“This poll shows what we’ve known all along: Americans want credit unions to do more to support small businesses,” said Stverak in a statement. “By starting with the Veterans Member Business Loan Act, credit unions are uniting behind a commonsense, bipartisan solution that puts veteran entrepreneurs first. This is the first step toward finally repealing the outdated member business lending cap—and credit unions are ready to lead the charge.”
Added Hernandez, “DCUC has been proud to lead the fight on this issue, working alongside our member credit unions and lawmakers to champion veteran-owned small businesses. This is about more than policy—it’s about creating real economic opportunities for those who have served our country. We will continue to push until these barriers are removed and credit unions can fully deliver on their mission to serve communities nationwide.”
Altra FCU Joins DCUC
Separately, the Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) said it has added Altra Federal Credit Union as its newest member.
In announcing the addition, DCUC noted Altra FCU was state chartered in 1931 as Trane Employees Credit Union in La Crosse, Wis. Over the years, services expanded well beyond the La Crosse, WI, area, and membership eligibility expanded to include more than Trane employees. In 2005, the credit union was renamed Altra Federal Credit Union. The name was chosen to reflect the increased diversity of Altra FCU’s membership while honoring our history by combining the words alliance, Trane, allegiance, and tradition.
Today, Altra FCU serves members in all 50 states and locations worldwide, DCUC added.
‘Empowering members’
“Altra has a long tradition of empowering members through service and community commitment,” Steve Koenen, president/CEO of Altra FCU, said in a statement. “Joining DCUC allows us to strengthen that mission by working alongside other credit unions dedicated to supporting military and veteran families.”
Strongly Aligned
Added DCUC President/CEO Anthony Hernandez, in a statement, “We are thrilled to have Altra Federal Credit Union join DCUC. Their dedication to financial wellness and community engagement is strongly aligned with DCUC’s mission in championing credit union’s impact, especially to those who serve our Nation. Together, we look forward to amplifying the credit union difference and strengthening the financial prosperity of military and veteran members.”
