WASHINGTON–Accountable.US, an organization that describes itself as a “nonpartisan watchdog organization that shines a light on corporations and special interests that too often wield unchecked power and influence in Washington,” has named CUNA as among the organizations that are the biggest supporters of what it calls the “Sedition Caucus” in Congress.
The reference is to members of Congress who object to the results of the 2020 presidential election, with the report questioning whether the companies and trade groups “ever honestly care(d) about defending our democracy?
Accountable.US, which says it works to “conduct investigations and bring attention to our findings to help create an economy that works for everyone, a democracy that functions, and a sustainable environment for future generations,” and that “corporations and special interests have too much power and the people have too little.”
Accountable.US published its analysis here under the headline “In Bad Company.”
CUNA is included as part of a list that also includes the American Bankers Association, several other trade groups and a more than a dozen of the country’s biggest corporations.
In the aftermath of the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. capitol by supporters of President Trump, Accountable.US said “Corporate America declared enough was enough. By the week’s end, nearly every major company in the U.S.—from consumer retailers to defense contractors to pharmaceutical companies—condemned the deadly attack, and dozens committed to cutting off the lawmakers involved. “
But despite those pledges, the organization said, corporations and trade groups still donated more than $8.1 million to the 147 members of what it called the “Sedition Caucus,” members of Congress who “validated dangerous myths of voter fraud by objecting “For many, it seems holding political influence trumps everything else,” Accountable.US stated in the report on its website.
Group Criticizes CUNA
In highlighting CUNA’s political activities, Accountable.US quoted CUNA CEO Jim Nussle as saying on Jan. 6, 2021, “What we are witnessing is outrageous, without precedent, and runs counter to our values as Americans.”
As CUToday.info reported here, Nussle, who formerly represented Iowa as a Republican in Congress, tweeted on Jan. 6, “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."
‘Fierce’ Condemnation, But…
In its report, Accountable.US stated, “The Credit Union National Association, which calls itself the most influential financial services trade association in the US, is helmed by President and CEO Jim Nussle. Nussle fiercely condemned the insurrection, and looking ahead, said that he saw the moment as an opportunity to ‘do better and be better.’ And yet, in the proceeding months, CUNA proceeded to donate $188,500 to the lawmakers who helped inspire the insurrection.”
As CUToday.info has reported, CUNA has always stated that it takes a bipartisan stance when it comes to political support and PAC donations that is based on a candidate/member of Congress’ support for credit union issues.
In a statement to CUToday.info, CUNA said, "(The Credit Union Legislative Action Committee) is committed to supporting candidates on both sides of the aisle who understand the credit union mission and are working with us to support financial well-being for all. Our electoral efforts are directed by our members, and we are proud to rank among the most bipartisan donors in Washington.”
Also Critical of ABA
In its report on the American Bankers Association, Accountable.US quoted the ABA as saying in January of 2021, “This is a dark day for our democracy…At this challenging moment for our country, and for so many Americans, our elected leaders must immediately condemn today’s mob riot…”
The report then stated, “The American Bankers Association is a trade group made of representatives from some of the largest banks in the country, including JPMorgan Chase. After calling January 6 ‘a dark day for our democracy,’ the group implored elected officials to commit to facilitating a smooth transition of power. Then, the group turned around and spent the rest of the year putting money in the Sedition Caucus’ pockets—at least $203,000, to be exact.”