Legislative Update with Chesney

​Holiday Sweepstakes ends in eight days! Plus, lame duck session priorities in DC; a hearing on CCCA, and a GAC opportunity awaits you! 

by Chesney Garnos, Director of Political & Grassroots Affairs
​
Holiday Sweepstakes Reminder
Roughly one week left! The Holiday Sweepstakes ends on November 27, with the winners announced on December 12 at 3:00 p.m. (CT). Make sure to enter here for a chance to win $5,000 worth of prizes!

Legislative Updates and Leadership Shifts in D.C.
Lame Duck Session Priorities
Congress has returned to Washington for its post-election lame duck session, tackling unfinished business before the year ends. America’s Credit Unions seized the opportunity to advocate for key priorities, emphasizing:

• Opposition to the Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA) and the Protecting Consumers From Payment Scams Act.
• Support for the passage of the Credit Union Board Modernization Act, CDFI Fund Transparency Act, and SAFE Banking Act.

These legislative efforts aim to protect and modernize the credit union industry while enhancing financial transparency and access.

TODAY: Hearing on Credit Card Competition Act
Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, has scheduled a hearing on the Credit Card Competition Act (CCCA) for Tuesday, November 19. Titled "Breaking the Visa-Mastercard Duopoly: Bringing Competition and Lower Fees to the Credit Card System," the hearing will address concerns over the dominance of major credit card networks. While the issue has been flagged as a low-level concern, its implications for credit unions and their members warrant close monitoring.

Major Shifts in Congress
For the first time in 18 years, the Senate Republicans have chosen a new leader. Senator John Thune (R-SD) will assume the role of Senate Majority Leader, bringing a fresh perspective to the GOP's leadership in the upper chamber. This significant leadership transition positions Senator Thune to play a pivotal role in shaping the legislative agenda as Republicans prepare for the 119th Congress.

Meanwhile, South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem has been tapped by President-elect Donald Trump to serve as the next Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The appointment, reported by national media, underscores the prominent roles South Dakotans are playing on the national stage. As this story unfolds, further updates are expected.

President-elect Trump has started naming individuals for key cabinet positions, some of whom are current members of Congress. Some of his nominees include:

• Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) for Secretary of State.
• Rep. Michael Waltz (R-FL6) for National Security Advisor (no Senate confirmation required).
• Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY21) for UN Ambassador.
• Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL1) for Attorney General.

These nominees will need to resign from Congress before assuming their new roles, which could further impact Republican control in the House.

How Big Will the Republican Majority Be?
While Republicans have secured 218 House seats, eight races remain uncalled. The best-case scenario could yield 226 seats, but resignations tied to cabinet appointments (such as Gaetz, Stefanik, and Waltz) may reduce that number. With additional nominations possible, the full scope of the GOP majority in the 119th Congress is still uncertain.

As Washington braces for a new era of leadership and legislation, the implications of these developments will continue to unfold. Stay tuned as the political landscape evolves and dive more into recent race updates here.

South Dakota Legislative Day
Prepare for the upcoming legislative session at our South Dakota Credit Union Legislative Day on January 15, 2025, at Red Rossa, Pierre. With major changes in leadership and many new elected members, it should be a fun year ahead! This event features advocacy opportunities, including our Legislative Social, with over 70 state legislators expected. Strong credit union representation is crucial—join us to make an impact! RSVP and find full details here. 

GAC Opportunities
The 2025 Governmental Affairs Conference in Washington, DC takes place March 2-6, 2025. For young professionals under 35, apply to be a Crasher for this year’s event! Enjoy free conference registration and the experience of a lifetime. Check out the details here. DakCU will be providing a $1,000 scholarship to Dakota credit union professionals if they are selected!

There is also still time to apply for the Roger Heacock Scholarship for those attending the GAC. For 2025, a total of four $2,500 scholarships will be presented: two to South Dakota credit union staff members; and two to North Dakota. This scholarship honors the advocacy legacy of Roger Heacock. Feel free to reach out to me directly with any questions.