Leagues, credit unions continue advocacy momentum on Capitol Hill

February 5, 2025

The credit union difference was all around Capitol Hill Wednesday, as dozens of leagues and credit union advocates met with key committee members. America’s Credit Unions President/CEO Jim Nussle met with House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith, R-Mo., along with Missouri Credit Union Association Executive Director Ray Bozarth and Riverways Federal Credit Union CEO Scott Shults to discuss the importance of the credit union tax status.

Nussle also met with House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., Rep. Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas (sponsor of a recent bipartisan credit union lending bill), and other lawmakers, while the advocacy team held additional meetings. America’s Credit Unions Chief Advocacy Officer Carrie Hunt met with House Financial Services Committee Ranking Member Maxine Waters, D-Calif., following the committee’s community banking hearing.

CrossState Credit Union Association and Pennsylvania credit unions also met with members of their delegation.

Senior Vice President of Government Relations Christina Mihalik said the meetings help both highlight credit unions’ role in supporting communities while shaping policy to “allow credit unions to continue delivering member-focused financial services without unnecessary regulatory burdens.” credit unions’ role in supporting communities while shaping member-focused financial services without unnecessary regulatory burdens.

“As Congress debates critical tax policy issues, it’s essential that credit unions actively engage with legislators to ensure fair treatment in the legislative process. Meeting with lawmakers, including House Ways and Means Committee members, provides a crucial opportunity to advocate for policies that protect the unique structure of credit unions and their ability to serve their members and local economies,” she said.  

She added that credit unions themselves are key to the process.

“We are grateful to our dedicated credit union advocates for joining us in these important conversations. Their voices strengthen our collective efforts to ensure a fair legislative landscape for credit unions and the communities they serve.”

The League of Credit Unions and Affiliates has several Florida members on the Ways and Means Committee, and a group of credit unions from the state traveled north to share perspectives from leadership, retail delivery, member experience, and more.  

“Credit unions work every single day to keep the American Dream alive—from supporting entrepreneurs through small business loans, to helping first-time homeowners, to keeping access to capital affordable and accessible when big banks turn consumers away,” said Grace Colvin, vice president of federal advocacy and strategy at The League. “Lawmakers recognize the credit union difference and how the tax status fosters economic growth, financial stability, and opportunity in local communities everywhere.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

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