Your Leadership Link

Continuing to advance key advocacy priorities, from strengthening the NCUA and protecting interchange to housing reform, election engagement, and a new campaign focused on credit union impact.

From the Dakota Credit Union Association (DakCU) and America's Credit Unions 

Your Dakota Credit Union Association (DakCU) continues working in close coordination with America’s Credit Unions, league partners, and industry stakeholders to monitor federal activity and advocate on the issues that matter most to Dakota credit unions and the members they serve.

The advocacy landscape continues to move quickly in Washington, D.C., and across the states, with several significant developments creating both opportunities and areas requiring continued vigilance for credit unions.

Supporting a Strong, Independent NCUA
Following recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions addressing presidential removal authority over leaders of independent federal agencies, America's Credit Unions reaffirmed its support for maintaining a strong, independent National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) led by a fully staffed three-member board.

While the organization has not taken a position on presidential removal authority itself, the Supreme Court's decision provides greater clarity moving forward. America's Credit Unions is now urging the administration to nominate additional NCUA board members to fill the agency's two current vacancies and restore a fully functioning board that provides regulatory stability for credit unions.

New National Campaign Highlights Credit Union Impact
America's Credit Unions recently launched its year-long "Once Upon an American Dream" advocacy campaign aimed at federal lawmakers and policymakers in Washington, D.C. The campaign shares the story of how credit unions have helped Americans achieve homeownership, start businesses, build financial security, and strengthen communities for more than a century. It also emphasizes the importance of preserving the credit union model as banking industry consolidation continues to reduce financial choices for consumers. The campaign reinforces a central message: when credit unions succeed, families, businesses, and local communities benefit.

Legislative Priorities Continue to Move Forward
Although Congress is currently in its district work period, America's Credit Unions continues working with lawmakers on several important legislative priorities.

Among the most significant developments is the bipartisan 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act, which includes the Credit Union Board Modernization Act (CUBMA). The legislation has passed both chambers of Congress and awaits presidential action.

America's Credit Unions credits years of coordinated advocacy by leagues, credit unions, and industry champions for keeping the measure alive and moving it toward the finish line.

The organization also continues advocating for legislation that would expand lending opportunities for veteran-owned businesses while protecting credit unions' ability to serve military members through affordable financial services and on-base access.

Meanwhile, the Senate Banking Committee is expected to consider the nomination of John Crews to the NCUA Board later this month. America’s Credit Unions supports timely confirmation to help restore stability and ensure the agency can continue carrying out its important oversight responsibilities.

Protecting Interchange Revenue
America's Credit Unions is encouraging all credit unions to support the NCUA's interim final rule reaffirming that credit unions have authority to charge non-interest fees, including interchange fees associated with debit and credit card programs.

The rule is an important component of ongoing legal challenges to the Illinois Interchange Fee Prohibition Act and reinforces the need for consistent national standards that allow credit unions to continue investing in fraud prevention, member protections, and payment innovations.

Building Credit Union Champions
Political engagement also remains a key priority as primary elections continue across the country.

America's Credit Unions is making record investments through its political action committee and the National Advocacy Fund to support candidates who understand the value credit unions bring to consumers and local economies. Early election results have already produced several victories for credit union-supported candidates, with additional key races ahead throughout the election cycle.

To further support advocacy efforts, America's Credit Unions has also developed updated state-specific resources that demonstrate the economic impact credit unions have in communities across the country.

Looking Ahead
Registration is now open for Congressional Caucus 2026, taking place September 13-15 in Washington, D.C. The annual event will bring together credit union leaders from across the country to engage directly with lawmakers on issues affecting the movement. For more information, please visit DakCU's fall's hike the hill event here.

America's Credit Unions also continues monitoring implementation of the newly launched Trump Accounts program. While the program officially began July 4, Treasury has not yet authorized credit unions to participate, and additional implementation guidance is expected in the future.

As advocacy efforts continue at both the federal and state levels, Dakota credit unions are encouraged to remain engaged, participate in grassroots outreach opportunities, and help ensure the credit union voice continues to be heard by policymakers.

Staying Engaged
For questions please contact DakCU Chief Operating Officer George McDonald; or Director of Political Strategy and Engagement Kenley Lamberty.