WASHINGTON — It may look like a relatively quiet week on Capitol Hill, but behind the scenes there is plenty keeping credit union advocates occupied, according to America’s Credit Unions.
While much of Washington’s public attention is focused on a looming Department of Homeland Security spending fight, ACU Senior Vice President For AdvocacyGreg Mesack said the trade association is working steadily on a packed agenda that includes housing policy, regulatory relief, digital finance implementation, and final preparations for the Governmental Affairs Conference.
“It’s another busy week in Washington, and much of the spotlight will be on negotiations over the final spending bill for the Department of Homeland Security,” Mesack said. “America’s Credit Unions is not heavily engaged on that issue because it does not directly affect our agencies. Instead, our focus remains on policies that help credit unions strengthen economic growth, support everyday Americans, and improve their personal financial well-being.”
Mesack pointed to two developments the trade group is watching closely this week.
“First, the House Financial Services Committee will hold a hearing on housing modernization and the secondary mortgage market,” he said. “We’ll be highlighting the critical role credit unions play in mortgage lending and discussing changes that could help credit unions better serve borrowers—especially those who need assistance most. Credit unions are on the front lines of putting people into homes every day, and we’re committed to finding ways to expand that impact.”
Second, Mesack noted, the House is expected to consider the Housing for the 21st Century Act under suspension of the rules.
“This is a strong piece of legislation with several smart provisions that would benefit credit unions,” Mesack said. “As the bill moved through committee, an additional title was added that addresses specific issues for depository institutions—changes we also support.”
Importantly, Mesack added, the bill includes the Credit Union Board Modernization Act, along with provisions that would help de novo credit unions, reduce regulatory burdens, and make it easier for qualifying credit unions to move to an 18-month exam cycle.
“Overall, we support efforts that reduce unnecessary regulatory burden and allow credit unions to focus more time and resources on serving members,” he said.
Mesack added that ACU priorities over the next few weeks remain consistent.
“We will continue educating new members of Congress about the credit union story and their role in communities,” he said. “We are also pursuing targeted regulatory relief, working closely with the NCUA through its regulatory review process, and engaging regularly with the CFPB on issues where it has discretionary authority—such as potentially raising HMDA thresholds to relieve smaller credit unions from costly, unnecessary reporting requirements.”
ACU is also monitoring implementation of the GENIUS Act and related OMB guidance, which it expects to see in the coming weeks, and continuing its work with the CFPB on Section 1033 rulemaking.
“Finally, we are just weeks away from the Governmental Affairs Conference,” Mesack said. “Preparing for more than 6,000 credit union advocates to come to Washington will be a major focus— there's a lot of work that goes into getting ready for that.”