WASHINGTON–One year ago today credit unions in the District of Columbia and their trade groups were shutting offices and issuing statements of condemnation as the result of violence at the U.S. capitol by supporters of former President Trump.
As CUToday.info reported here, US Senate FCU closed its office in the Senate Hart Office building, which is adjacent to the capitol, due to the violence, while Congressional FCU announced its three Capitol Hill offices would also be closed.
“We have a tentative plan to reopen the Senate Hart Branch on Monday, January 11, 2021, but will continue to evaluate the situation on Capitol Hill and throughout Washington, D.C., area. Our member's and employee's safety is of top concern during these unique circumstances,” USSFCU said on its website. “We appreciate your patience during this time."
Congressional FCU said on its website members who did not have a House of Representatives I.D. would be required to sign in with Capitol Police in addition to being escorted in and out of its branch in the Ford House Office Building.
Trade Groups Critical of Events
Leaders of both CUNA and NAFCU issued statements criticizing the day’s events.
CUNA CEO Jim Nussle, a former member of Congress, said, “What we are witnessing is outrageous, without precedent, and runs counter to our values as Americans.”
Nussle later tweeted, “I will no longer claim I am a Republican tonight as I am outraged and devastated by the actions of too many elected Republicans (some I know and served with) and supporters. Today a final line was crossed that I will not excuse. The GOP is NO more and left me and others behind."
NAFCU President and CEO Dan Burger stated, “Regardless of our political ideologies, violence and destruction of property is unacceptable. NAFCU believes in the Constitution and tolerance, and the violent chaos on Capitol Hill is attacking the foundations of our democracy. This is a sad moment for our country; NAFCU is committed to bringing about changes for a brighter future.”
Watchdog Group Criticizes CUNA
One year later, as CUToday.info reported here, a Washington watchdog group has named CUNA among the organizations it said are the biggest financial supporters of what it called the “Sedition Caucus,” the 147 members of Congress that Accountable.US org said remain “election deniers.”