Early this morning, the Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) engaged key Congressional Committees ahead of upcoming hearings to ensure legislation is supportive of senior Americans and veteran entrepreneurs, strengthens rural communities, and advances policies that enable credit unions to better serve America’s military and underserved communities.
Supporting Older Americans in the Workforce and Retirement
DCUC sent a letter to the Senate Special Committee on Aging ahead of its hearing, titled, “Protecting Older Americans: Leveling the Playing Field for Older Workers.”
DCUC’s letter called for legislative priorities to better serve senior and veteran members with financial literacy programs, retirement planning, fraud prevention tools, fee-free accounts (including participation in the Veterans Benefits Banking Program), and competitive savings products.
DCUC’s Chief Advocacy Officer, Jason Stverak, highlighted the need for stronger fraud protections, recommending proactive education, member training, and improved consumer protection policies.
In the letter, Stverak noted the importance of financial inclusion, specifically access to affordable loans, accounts, and personalized financial guidance, and urged the committee to prioritize policies that combat age discrimination, support job retraining, and recognize the contributions of seniors who remain in or re-enter the workforce.
Expanding Broadband and Capital Access for Rural and Veteran-Owned Businesses
DCUC also submitted testimony to the House Small Business Committee’s September 3, 2025, hearing, “Wired for Growth: How Expanding Broadband Can Revitalize Rural Small Businesses.”
In its letter, DCUC urges Congress to:
- Advance the Veterans Member Business Loan Act (H.R. 4867/S. 539) to eliminate barriers to credit for veteran-owned small businesses.
- Expand rural access to capital by enabling greater credit union participation in SBA and USDA lending programs and modernizing field of membership rules.
- Invest in rural broadband and technical assistance so small businesses—particularly veteran entrepreneurs—can better leverage e-commerce, digital marketing, and growth.
“Broadband access and fair financing are lifelines for rural and veteran-owned small businesses,” said Stverak. “These investments drive local economies and honor veterans with real opportunities to succeed.”
Ensuring Credit Union Strength Through Appropriations
DCUC wrote to the House Appropriations Committee regarding the Fiscal Year 2026 Financial Services and General Government (FSGG) Appropriations bill.
In the letter, DCUC recommended the Committee:
- Fully restore CDFI Fund appropriations at $324 million to support community development credit unions.
- Maintain funding for NCUA’s Community Development Revolving Loan Fund at $4 million.
- Support SBA lending programs to strengthen small business and disaster recovery financing.
- Uphold the prohibition on an unauthorized U.S. central bank digital currency (CBDC).
“These funding priorities are essential for credit unions to continue serving military members, veterans, and communities across the country,” says Stverak.
For more information, please contact Jason Stverak at jstverak@dcuc.org and visit dcuc.org/advocacy.