Congress Still Has Work to Finish for Credit Unions

Dear DCUC Members and Credit Union Leaders,

Washington may be focused on who wins the next election. We need to stay focused on what this Congress delivers before it leaves.

A veteran cannot start a business with a campaign promise. A military family cannot pay its bills with a press release. And your credit union should not have to wait for another Congress to get practical tools to better serve the people who depend on you.

Contact your representative and both senators today. Urge them to enact three critical credit union reforms through the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) or another must-pass piece of legislation before the 119th Congress ends.

Not another promise to revisit these issues next year. Not another statement of support without follow-through. Our members deserve legislation that reaches the President’s desk.

DCUC has already called on congressional leadership to negotiate a financial services section in the FY2027 NDAA that includes permanent Central Liquidity Facility enhancements, modernized loan-maturity authority, and the Veterans Member Business Loan Act. Now we need you to reinforce that request with the voices and experiences of the communities you serve. 

Three reforms. Real benefits. One clear request: Get them passed.

Help veterans turn military service into business ownership.
The Veterans Member Business Loan Act (H.R. 507/S. 110) would exempt qualifying business loans made to veterans from the credit union member business lending cap. That means more room to consider financing for a veteran buying equipment, opening a shop, acquiring a business, or hiring employees—while maintaining responsible underwriting and supervision. Veterans would still need to qualify. Congress would simply remove a barrier that can prevent credit unions from doing more. 

DCUC and The American Legion have jointly urged Congress to pass this legislation. Lawmakers who say they support veteran entrepreneurs should help turn that support into law. 

Strengthen credit unions’ ability to serve when times get tough.
The NCUA Central Liquidity Facility Enhancements Act (S. 3575) would make it easier for corporate credit unions to arrange access to the CLF for the credit unions they serve, including smaller institutions. The CLF provides backup liquidity to help credit unions meet members’ needs during financial stress. Congress should make this access more workable and dependable—not wait until the next disruption to recognize its importance. 

Give borrowers more repayment and housing options.
The Expanding Access to Lending Options Act (H.R. 4167/S. 3616) would provide greater flexibility for federal credit union loan terms, including access to 20-year terms beyond today’s general 15-year limit. Longer repayment periods can lower monthly payments, although borrowers must also consider potentially higher total interest costs. The goal is responsible choices that better fit members’ circumstances. 

The legislation would also remove the principal-residence restriction for qualifying one-to-four-unit residential loans, expanding access to longer-term mortgage financing, including 30-year loans, for eligible properties that are not the borrower’s primary residence. 

Do more than ask for support. Ask for action.

Call or email your House member and both senators. Ask them to press congressional leadership and the relevant committee leaders to include all three reforms in the NDAA or another must-pass legislative package before this Congress adjourns.

Make your request direct:

“Please help enact the Veterans Member Business Loan Act, permanent Central Liquidity Facility enhancements, and the Expanding Access to Lending Options Act before the 119th Congress ends. Include these reforms in the NDAA or another must-pass bill. Our credit union and the people we serve need results—not another year of waiting. Will you urge congressional leadership to include these priorities and work to get them signed into law?”

Then make it local. Explain what these changes would mean for a veteran-owned business, a military family, or your credit union’s ability to meet members’ needs. Share a member’s story with their permission. Ask for a response. Follow up.

Please share this alert with your board, employees, and members, and encourage them to make their own voices heard. Let DCUC know what you hear from your congressional offices so we can reinforce your outreach on Capitol Hill.

Do not assume someone else will make the call. Do not wait until the final legislative package is already written.

Whatever happens on Election Day, our message should remain the same: Congress still has work to finish. A lame-duck session cannot become an excuse for a lame effort.

Be bold. Make the call. Tell Congress to finish strong—and deliver for credit unions, military families, and veterans.

TAKE ACTION: CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVE AND SENATORS TODAY