WASHINGTON–Both the House and Senate are back in session this week, but no votes are expected on two of the biggest pieces of legislation credit unions are watching, the Build Back Better Act and the National Defense Authorization Act.
The trillion-dollar-plus budget reconciliation bill is not known to have any provisions that would directly affect credit unions, but given its size and scope credit union advocates on Capitol Hill said they remain wary of what could be included nonetheless.
The National Defense Authorization Act has credit unions’ attention because of the potential it could include language giving banks lease access to military bases equal to that currently enjoyed by credit unions, which has been an annual issue in recent sessions of Congress. It also is likely to include the SAFE Act, which would remove federal prohibitions on serving cannabis-related businesses, something credit unions strongly support.
‘Robust’ List
CUNA Chief Advocacy Officer Ryan Donovan said that House also has a “robust” list of legislation it is likely to act on this week, including H.R. 5314, the Protecting Democracy Act. It will also consider a number of bills under suspension of rules.
The House may also act on the debt limit and on the extension of certain health care provisions.
“The Senate may also consider the NDAA, but they may move to take some (presidential) nominations as they wait for further House action on the NDAA,” said Donovan. “There is a little bit of dance going on right now to try to move a compromise defense bill.”
Among the hearings on Capitol Hill Donovan said CUNA will be watching this week are:
Today
- Senate Banking Committee: Nomination Hearings
- House Financial Services Committee: Ensuring Equitable Delivery of Disaster Benefits to vulnerable Communities and Peoples: An Examination of GAO’s Findings of the CDBG Programs
Wednesday
- House Financial Services Committee: Digital Assets and the Future of Finance: Understanding the Challenge and Benefits of Financial Innovation in the United States
Thursday
- Senate Banking Committee: Disaster Recovery Assistance: Authorization of the Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery Program