WASHINGTON–CUNA’s first-ever virtual Governmental Affairs Conference has featured the traditional appearances—naturally, also virtually—by members of Congress and others from the political realm.
At the bottom of this news item is an overview of who has offered comments to the meeting to date, with links to videos featuring their comments.
Among those addressing the meeting were former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who was also President Obama’s chief of staff, and Chris Christie, the former governor of New Jersey and presidential candidate, who appeared in a Q&A with CUNA CEO Jim Nussle.
Christie and Emanuel began their remarks by discussing the need for compromise in a divided Congress.
“People don’t spend as much time together as they used to; people don’t talk to each other as much as they should,” Christie said. “That’s where I think that the relationships that President Biden has created over his 36 years in the Senate and his time in the vice presidency can help to lead to a greater opportunity for bipartisanship.”
Added Emanuel, “Today’s opponents can be tomorrow’s allies. When the House and Senate are as close as they are, every inch matters.”
‘Testament to Frustration’
In response to a question from Nussle over how the trend of executive orders affects the legislative environment, both Christie and Emanuel noted that while it is too early to determine the effectiveness of executive orders, it is a testament to the administration’s frustration with the current legislative process.
Meanwhile, Christie and Emanuel gave credit union advocates their advice on how to effectively advance the policy concerns.
“Let’s listen first,” Christie said. “We need to listen to each other more, understand the political needs on both sides, and figure out how to get them done.”
“Showing the role [credit unions] play in growing the economy and what you can do to be a lynchpin in small town America will make you a good ally for the Democratic administration,” Emanuel added.
The Christie/Emanuel presentation can be found here.
Also Addressing GAC
Also speaking to GAC were:
- Senate Majority Leader Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), who thanked credit unions for supporting the local economy and helping small businesses amid the COVID-19 pandemic and also discussed his work to help get the America Rescue Plan through the Senate.
- House Majority Leader Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-MD), who spoke about the central role credit unions play in their communities and how they make the American dream attainable for so many. He thanked credit unions for meeting the immediate needs of small businesses who struggled during the pandemic.
- Sen. Tim Scott (R-SC), who noted how Congress worked together to stabilize markets and the economy. He thanked credit unions for helping deliver stimulus checks and providing PPP loans to help small businesses in South Carolina.
- Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI), who said he is a “proud member of a credit union” and who recognized the vital role credit unions play in Rhode Island through job creation, home ownership and small businesses assistance.
- Rep. Drew Ferguson (R-GA), who said credit unions are often the only source of real capital in some rural communities and who called for the PPP loan forgiveness that will benefit both small businesses, credit unions, and the economy.
- Rep. Joyce Beatty (D-OH), who was hopeful that credit unions will play a role in bridging the gap for underbanked communities, which she said is integral to future success of the U.S. Economy.
- Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR), who highlighted her recent efforts to lift the credit union member business lending cap during the national emergency to ensure small businesses can access the capital they need.