WASHINGTON, DC (July 1, 2026) |
The Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) recently submitted official recommendations on behalf of credit unions to House Financial Services Committee leadership, providing a full analysis and vote recommendations for legislation scheduled for consideration during the Committee's Full Committee markup.
Representing more than 200 defense credit unions serving nearly 40 million members, DCUC evaluated each measure based on its impact on credit unions, consumers, and the financial readiness of servicemembers, veterans, Department of War personnel, and their families.
Among its recommendations, DCUC expressed support for measures that strengthen consumer data privacy, expand responsible access to credit, improve housing opportunities, enhance mental health infrastructure, modernize earned wage access with appropriate safeguards, promote balanced regulatory oversight, and provide financial institutions with stronger tools to combat payment fraud. In the letter, DCUC voiced the importance of preserving consumer protections, ensuring regulatory clarity, and maintaining a level playing field for credit unions as financial services continue to evolve.
"Congress has an opportunity to advance practical, bipartisan policies that strengthen consumer protections while preserving the ability of credit unions to serve military and veteran communities," says Anthony Hernandez, DCUC President/CEO. "Our recommendations reflect a balanced approach, supporting responsible innovation, protecting consumers from fraud, expanding financial opportunity, and ensuring member-owned credit unions can continue delivering affordable, mission-driven financial services."
Specifically, DCUC recommends support for legislation that:
- Protects consumers' personally identifiable information and strengthens data privacy; • Expands access to homeownership and responsible credit through housing and credit reporting reforms;
- Improves access to mental health services and supports financial wellness initiatives;
- Advances balanced regulatory reforms that promote transparency and reduce unnecessary compliance burdens;
- Encourages responsible financial innovation while preserving strong consumer safeguards; and
- Provides credit unions with additional flexibility to detect and prevent increasingly sophisticated payment fraud.
“We appreciate the House Financial Services Committee's continued engagement on issues that matter to credit unions and their members," says Jason Stverak, DCUC Chief Advocacy Officer. "DCUC looks forward to working with lawmakers to advance balanced legislation that
enhances consumer confidence, strengthens financial security, and supports the long-term success of military and veteran communities."