WASHINGTON–CUNA has named Becca Durr as its new director of Advocacy. Durr will be responsible for managing the association’s relationships with Democrats on a variety of key advocacy issues, according to CUNA.
Durr has more than a decade of experience in governmental affairs and was most recently regional director of political affairs at the American Medical Association (AMA), where she cultivated and maintained relationships with over 100 offices in the United States Senate and House in the southeastern region, CUNA said.
Durr has also served as the director of Corporate Relations for the Democratic Governors Association, serving as the bridge between trade associations and their political outreach campaigns which focused on issues impacting the corporate community.
“Becca’s work reflects a proven ability to develop a strong narrative among Washington policymakers,” said CUNA Chief Advocacy Officer Ryan Donovan. “We are confident she will be a key pillar in our 360-advocacy approach as we strive to break down legislative barriers and further advance the credit union movement.”
CUNA added, “She brings a wealth of experience in corporate fundraising, political affairs and grassroots advocacy within the Democratic Party.”
Letter to Senate
Separately, CUNA sent a letter toSenate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) calling on the Senate to reject inclusion of any language in the FY 2020 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would expand the Department of Defense’s authority to exempt financial institutions from costs related to leases, utilities, and services on military bases.
“As the only member-owned, not-for-profit, democratically controlled option in financial services, credit unions' mission is to promote thrift and provide access to credit for members,” wrote CUNA President/CEO Jim Nussle. “It is a mission they have fulfilled for more than 70 years and it’s a mission that remains unchanged today. Credit unions are focused on ensuring the financial readiness of our service members and their families.”
As CUToday.info has reported, the Department of Defense has discretionary authority to waive the cost for land leases and administrative and logistical fees for credit unions who meet specific field of membership standards and secure such an agreement with individual base commanders on a case by case basis.
House Bill Passes
Banks have already been granted the ability to gain similar waivers under 10 USC §2667 but have not exercised this authority, CUNA stated.
As it stands, the Senate’s version of the FY 2020 NDAA includes language to expand this exemption to banks that meet a similar membership standard to those placed on credit unions seeking these exemptions. CU-backed language currently appears in the House version of the letter.
The full text of the letter can be read here.