Credit Union Advocacy Intensifies on Capitol Hill Amidst Regulatory and Legislative Challenges

Credit union leaders are actively engaging with members of Congress to address key legislative and regulatory priorities, including interchange fees, board modernization, and fraud protection. These efforts reach as the industry faces increasing pressure from potential legislative threats and a rapidly evolving regulatory landscape.

Key Advocacy Priorities

Credit unions are focusing on several critical issues as they meet with lawmakers on Capitol Hill. These include:

• Interchange Fees: Credit unions are urging Senators to oppose attempts by Senator Roger Marshall (R-Kan.) to attach his interchange bill to any legislation. They argue that such mandates would negatively impact credit unions and their members.
• Credit Union Board Modernization Act: Advocates are pushing for the passage of the Credit Union Board Modernization Act, which already passed the House by voice vote in February 2025. Senators Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) and Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) have pledged to advance the bill.
• Regulatory Reporting Thresholds: Credit unions are seeking to modernize regulatory reporting thresholds and tie them to inflation to ensure they remain relevant and manageable.
• Interest Rate Price Caps: Advocates are opposing interest rate price caps, citing concerns that they would restrict access to credit for consumers.
• Fraud Protection: Credit unions are requesting resources and tools to help protect members from fraud and scams, highlighting the rising costs associated with these crimes.
• Tax Status Protection: Credit unions are thanking lawmakers for protecting their tax status and emphasizing the importance of maintaining it to support their continued service to members.

GAC and Congressional Caucus: Key Advocacy Events

These advocacy efforts are taking place in conjunction with major industry events like the Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) and the Congressional Caucus. The GAC, held earlier this week, saw credit union representatives conduct visits to nearly every Congressional office. The Congressional Caucus, scheduled for September 13-15, 2026, in Washington, D.C., will provide further opportunities for direct engagement with Congress.

Industry Unity and Engagement

America’s Credit Unions reports a unified message being delivered to Capitol Hill, with leagues and institutions working together to advocate for shared priorities. The industry is emphasizing the importance of direct engagement with Congress, particularly in the lead-up to the midterm elections.

Looking Ahead

As legislative and regulatory pressures continue to mount, credit unions are committed to maintaining a strong advocacy presence in Washington, D.C. Events like the GAC and Congressional Caucus will remain crucial platforms for voicing industry concerns and shaping policy decisions that impact credit unions and their members.