WASHINGTON–Inflation. The war in Ukraine. The midterms. Mass shootings. Baby formula shortages. Soaring gas prices. Is this year setting a record in Washington for issues grabbing the attention of Congress and sidelining the CU agenda, or does it just feel that way?”
“It does feel like there are a lot of things going on out there impacting the agenda,” agreed Brad Thaler, NAFCU’s VP-legislative affairs. “It’s hard to say. It may seem like it is because we’re in (the moment), as we there have been issues in the past.”
Another issue is also complicating the challenges to credit unions on Capitol Hill beyond just issues in the news.
“A trend we have seen for a while is with Congress so evenly split that plays into it, too,” Thaler continued. “It’s hard to pass anything in Congress right now. Margins are narrow and these outside issues have sway. To change the agenda you only have to sway a few members right now. In times where there are majorities or even a split Congress, you have leadership that can set an agenda.”