WASHINGTON—With the battle over the credit union tax exemption now behind the movement, attention is shifting to the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), as stakeholders monitor for any amendments that could pose new threats to CUs.
According to the Defense Credit Union Council, an early look at the House Chairman’s Mark (1,100 pages)—leaked to the organization—shows no provisions currently in the bill that would negatively impact the credit union movement.
“We appreciate that the House Chairman’s Mark of the FY26 NDAA reflects a clean and focused approach to defense policy,” said Jason Stverak, chief advocacy officer of the Defense Credit Union Council. “We’re pleased to see no changes to credit union operations on military installations, no amendments to the Federal Credit Union Act, and no expansion of NCUA share insurance to nonmember deposits. These are critical protections for all credit unions and the communities we serve.”
Stverak added the debates over interchange fees and interest rate caps are far from over.
“And we anticipate those fights will surface later in the legislative process,” Stverak added. “We look forward to continuing our work with both the House and Senate Armed Services Committees to ensure any additional provisions in the NDAA support—not hinder—the ability of credit unions to serve military members, veterans, and their families.”
Stverak noted this is only the starting point for what will be a long legislative journey.