WASHINGTON–Congress is back in session this week and will host a number of hearings of interest to credit unions. Separately, NCUA has announced a new deputy director for external affairs and communications.
The congressional hearings deserving of attention, according to CUNA VP-Advocacy Ryan Donovan, include:
Today
- Senate Banking Committee: Separate and Unequal: The Legacy of Racial Discrimination in Housing
- The Student Debt Burden and Its Impact on Racial Justice, Borrowers, & The Economy
Wednesday
- House Committee on Appropriations: Critical Management Issues – U.S. Diplomatic and Development Agencies
- House Financial Services Committee: Build Back Better: Investing in Equitable and Affordable Housing Infrastructure
Thursday
- Senate Banking Committee: 21st Century Communities: Public Transportation Infrastructure Investment & the FAST Act
- House Financial Services Committee: Virtual Hearing - Banking Innovation or Regulatory Evasion? Exploring Trends in Financial Institution Charters
- House Financial Services Committee Subcommittee: The End of LIBOR: Transitioning to an Alternative Interest Rate Calculation for Mortgages, Student Loans, Business Borrowing, and Other Financial Products
New Deputy Director at NCUA
Separately, NCUA has named Samuel Schumach to serve as deputy director for external affairs and communications.
Schumach joins the NCUA from the Federal Aviation Administration, where he served as a legislative affairs officer, responsible for managing legislative affairs and communications for the Office of Commercial Space Transportation.
“Sam brings a wealth of strategic communications and congressional relations experience to this position,” NCUA Chairman Todd Harper said. “His deep set of public affairs skills, along with his knowledge of the legislative process and proven leadership abilities, will serve the NCUA well as we continue to respond to the economic fallout caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, strengthen our commitment to consumer financial protection and economic equity, address cybersecurity risks, and position the agency for the future.”
Prior to his FAA experience, Schumach was a media spokesperson for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and served as the press secretary for the United States Office of Personnel Management, The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, and for former U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid.
His private sector experience includes strategic communication and congressional relations consulting at Deloitte Consulting, LLP. He also served for nearly a decade as an enlisted member in the active and reserve components of the United States Air Force.
‘Thrilled to Join’
“I am thrilled to join the dedicated team at NCUA at such a pivotal time for the credit union industry,” said Schumach. “Credit unions have been a part of my financial life since the day I opened my first account, and I know first-hand how vital they are to communities across the country. I look forward to working alongside Chairman Harper and the Board to promote a safe, sound, and equitable credit union industry.”