WASHINGTON--the Defense Credit Union Council wrote to House Armed Services Committee leaders ahead of the Committee’s April 29, hearing on the Department of War’s FY2027 budget request, calling for stronger oversight and coordination of military financial services.
In the letter, DCUC voiced how financial services are a core readiness issue, citing longstanding gaps in coordination, transparency, and policy consistency within the Department of War. DCUC reiterated its support for establishing a formal advisory and oversight structure to modernize military banking programs and improve outcomes for servicemembers and their families.
“Financial readiness is mission readiness—and it must be treated with the same urgency and accountability as any other defense capability,” wrote Jason Stverak, DCUC chief advocacy officer.
DCUC also raised concerns with the Overseas Military Banking Program, uneven application of access policies, and barriers preventing credit unions from delivering no-cost financial education and counseling on installations. DCUC pointed to ongoing compliance and operational challenges tied to laws such as the Military Lending Act (MLA) and Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA).
To address these issues, DCUC recommended the following actions:
- Establish an Advisory Committee on Military Financial Services within DoW
- Require annual, installation-level reporting on financial services access
- Mandate legal-compliance certification for overseas banking contracts
- Expand integration of on-base financial institutions into financial-readiness programs
DCUC also encouraged Congress to preserve policies that support access to affordable credit, fraud protection, and financial tools for military families and veteran-owned businesses.
“Servicemembers and their families deserve a financial system that works as reliably as the institutions they defend,” said Anthony Hernandez, DCUC president/CEO, Ret. USAF Colonel. “By improving oversight and strengthening public-private coordination, Congress can ensure that military communities have consistent access to safe, modern, and affordable financial services, no matter where they are stationed.”