WASHINGTON—As the federal government shutdown continues, the Defense Credit Union Council has issued a renewed call to Congress for swift action to protect the financial stability of U.S. servicemembers and their families, the trade group said.
In a letter sent Wednesday to House and Senate Armed Services Committee leaders, Jason Stverak, DCUC chief advocacy officer, urged lawmakers to include the Pay Our Troops Act of 2026 and the Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act of 2025 in the final Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
Jason Stverak
“Those who defend our nation deserve financial certainty and should never be used as bargaining chips in a budget standoff,” said Stverak. “Including these provisions in the NDAA will ensure that our servicemembers and their families are never again left in financial limbo because of a government shutdown.”
As of this week, roughly 1.3 million active-duty servicemembers face missing their first paycheck on Oct. 15. DCUC’s letter highlights the deep and lasting effects of pay interruptions on military families, from missed mortgage payments and late fees to long-term credit impacts.
The Coast Guard’s unique vulnerability—stemming from its funding through the Department of Homeland Security rather than the Department of War—was also noted. During the 2018–2019 shutdown, nearly 50,000 Coast Guard members went unpaid, an inequity the Pay Our Coast Guard Parity Act would address, DCUC noted.
Both legislative measures have strong bipartisan support and are endorsed by leading military and veterans’ organizations, including the National Military Family Association, Blue Star Families, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Military Officers Association of America, National Guard Association, and DCUC.
“Credit unions have always been a source of stability for military families, especially during times of uncertainty,” said Anthony Hernandez, DCUC president/CEO. “Their swift action is once again demonstrating the credit union difference—people helping people—ensuring those who defend our nation have the financial support they deserve.”
Anthony Hernandez
While credit unions nationwide are mobilizing to support affected families, DCUC stressed that temporary relief should not replace a permanent solution.
“No family serving our nation should have to depend on emergency loans or charity to put food on the table during a political impasse,” Stverak added. “Congress must ensure our troops’ financial security just as they ensure our national security.”
Credit Unions Step Up To Support Members Nationwide
In tandem with its advocacy efforts, DCUC is compiling examples of how many of its member credit unions are providing direct relief to servicemembers, federal employees, and their families during the shutdown.
DCUC said it and its members continue to advocate for congressional action to prevent future shutdowns from jeopardizing military families’ financial well-being.
“We encourage impacted individuals to contact their local credit unions to explore available programs,” DCUC said.
Visit DCUC’s Government Shutdown Resource Page dcuc.org/govtshutdown for more information.