Legislative Update with Chesney

​AACUL Winter Conference highlights! Plus, key federal legislative updates; honoring Floyd Rummel; and upcoming events to keep in mind. 

Last week, our advocacy team participated in the AACUL Winter Conference, an invaluable opportunity to collaborate with credit union leaders nationwide. This annual event fosters strategies to strengthen advocacy efforts and advance the credit union movement.
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Our leadership roles within AACUL reflect our dedication to driving meaningful change:

• Jeff serves on the Advocacy Board, where he contributes to national strategic initiatives.
• John is a member of the Political Finance Strategy Work Group, focusing on impactful advocacy funding mechanisms.
• I am proud to serve as Co-Chair of the Grassroots Work Group, helping empower credit union members and advocates to take action on critical issues.

​Together, we are addressing challenges and creating solutions that benefit credit unions at both state and federal levels.

Photo left: Chesney with Joe Adamack of GoWest and Austin De Bey of American Association of Credit Union Leagues;
and the DakCU team with Jim Nussle, President/CEO of America's Credit Unions. 

Key Federal Legislative Updates
National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA)
Negotiations around the FY 2025 NDAA concluded last week, with legislation released over the weekend. Key provisions include:

• $850 billion for the Pentagon base budget, $33.5 billion for nuclear weapons, and $11.6 billion for defense-related activities.
• $3 billion for the FCC to reimburse rural telecom companies for replacing Huawei and ZTE equipment.
• AI-related measures focusing on workforce education, military data improvements, and national security applications in biotechnology.

Notably, policies for monitoring U.S. outbound investments in China-related technologies were excluded. The bill now heads to the House Rules Committee, with a potential suspension-of-rules vote requiring a two-thirds majority.

Government Funding Deadline
With ten days until the December 20 funding deadline, lawmakers are expected to pass a continuing resolution (CR) extending funding into mid-March, avoiding immediate FRA-driven spending cuts. The CR will include a one-year extension of the 2018 Farm Bill, though disagreements remain over economic aid for production agriculture. Current proposals offer $5.31 billion in aid, with Republicans pushing for a larger package.

Celebrating Floyd Rummel III’s Retirement
After years of dedicated service to the credit union movement, Floyd Rummel III is entering the next chapter of a long and successful career. Floyd’s contributions, particularly as a member of the South Dakota Government Affairs Committee, have shaped countless state and federal legislative decisions, leaving a lasting legacy. To honor his remarkable career, Northern Hills Federal Credit Union invites you to a celebratory open house and cocktail party on Friday, January 10, from 4 – 7 p.m. at the Lodge at Deadwood, 100 Pine Crest Lane, Deadwood, SD. We sincerely thank Floyd for his unwavering commitment to advocacy and his profound impact on the credit union movement. This celebratory sendoff is an opportunity to wish him the best as he embarks on this exciting new chapter.

Upcoming Events and Reminders
Last but not least, if you’re looking for information about the South Dakota Legislative Day or the upcoming GAC, you can refer to my previous article here. Also, don’t forget about our Holiday Sweepstakes drawing this Thursday at 3 p.m. CT; it will be recorded, and winners will be posted on our website.
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As always, don’t hesitate to contact me with any advocacy questions.