DCUC broadcasts Defense Matters Forum 2021
WASHINGTON, DC (February 25, 2021) —
For the first time ever, DCUC broadcast their Defense Matters Forum from Big Whig Media studios in Downtown, DC. This year’s format change was in conjunction with CUNA’s shift to a virtual GAC and led to a record number of attendees.
The Forum was co-hosted by Anthony Hernandez, President/CEO, DCUC, and John McKechnie, Senior Partner, Total Spectrum. Over the course of the almost hour-long program, they were joined by Congressman Anthony Brown (D-MD) and NCUA Chairman Todd Harper to share the latest on issues affecting defense credit unions.
Congressman Brown, a veteran himself, shared a message highlighting the importance of credit unions in serving military and veteran communities. He discussed the fundamental role they have played throughout the pandemic and their continued importance in the recovery process.
Chairman Harper shared his vision for his Chairmanship of the NCUA. His priorities included capital and liquidity, consumer financial protection, cyber security, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. He discussed how these guiding principles will help move the credit union industry forward as it addresses the economic fallout from the pandemic, works to protect consumers, and provides economic equity and inclusion.
Following Congressman Brown and Chairman Harper’s comments, Hernandez and McKechnie continued their discussion of issues affecting defense credit unions and DCUC’s priorities for the year ahead.
These advocacy priorities include:
- DCUC’s caution in expansion of the Military Lending Act (MLA) nationwide
- Concerns with credit union inclusion under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA)
- Alternative solutions to Postal Banking – credit union initiatives
- Reintroducing Veteran Business Lending Exemption
- Protecting credit union interests in the upcoming NDAA 2022
- Revisiting the Credit Union Governance Modernization Act
DCUC is expecting many changes in the year ahead with the new administration. While these are some of the issues that DCUC is expecting to see, DCUC will remain vigilant to any initiatives introduced by the new Congress. For the time being, DCUC believes Congress’ focus will remain on COVID relief, but over time, issues like regulatory relief and data security will return to the forefront. No matter what happens, DCUC will remain proactive in working for defense credit unions.
Finally, many thanks to our sponsors AFFN, IZALE, and OM Financial Group, who helped make this event possible.
About Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC)
The Defense Credit Union Council is the premier resource for credit unions on all military and veteran matters. By maintaining a close and constant liaison with the Pentagon, Capitol Hill, and NCUA, the Council champions the interests of credit unions serving our military and veteran communities by coordinating policy, procedures, and legislation impacting morale and welfare, financial readiness, and the delivery of quality financial products and services. Organized in 1963, the Council’s membership is comprised of 180 credit unions with over 35 million members. If you would like more information about this topic, please contact DCUC at alert@dcuc.org.
