WASHINGTON–How does one credit union trade group view the potential end of the filibuster in Congress?
A sweeping federal election bill that had been introduced by congressional Democrats called the For the People Act, would have, among other things, eliminated the long tradition of the filibuster, which can be used by a single member of Congress to prevent a matter from being brought to a vote.
The For the People Act also includes provisions aimed to make it easier to register and vote, combat gerrymandering, improve election cybersecurity and reform campaign finance. It is opposed by congressional Republicans and likely met its demise when Democrat Joe Manchin (D-WV) said he would not support it.
Manchin did say he would instead support the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which would reinstate a provision of the landmark Voting Rights Act that was weakened by the Supreme Court in 2013.
Unintended Consequences?
Elimination of the filibuster, noted NAFCU EVP and General Counsel Carrie Hunt, “certainly would allow legislation to move faster through both houses of Congress.
“But NAFCU supports appropriate debate and discourse regardless of which party is involved,” said Hunt. “We would be concerned with any unintended consequences.”
Hunt added credit unions have enjoyed bipartisan support in Congress.
Hearings This Week
Meanwhile, in Washington this week, the House has a committee work week while the Senate is in session.
Ryan Donovan, CUNA’s chief advocacy officer, said the trade group will be watching the following hearings this week:
Today
Senate Committee on Finance: The IRS’s Fiscal Year 2022 Budget
Wednesday
House Financial Services Committee: Universal Vouchers: Ending Homelessness and Expanding Economic Opportunity in America
Senate Committee on Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs: Building a Stronger Financial System: Opportunities of a Central Bank Digital Currency
Thursday
Senate Committee on Armed Services: Department of Defense Budget Posture in Review of Defense Authorization Request for Fiscal Year 2022
House Ways & Means Committee: Minding the Tax Gap: Improving Tax Administration for the 21st Century