Your Leadership Link

Dakota credit unions’ voice is rising in Washington through advocacy that protects members and strengthens communities.

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

Your Dakota Credit Union Association continues working alongside America’s Credit Unions and the American Association of Credit Union Leagues on the national level to focus on issues that matter most to our credit unions and your membership. Here are a few key updates highlighting how these efforts support Dakota credit unions and their communities.

Advocacy Update: Elevating the Dakota Credit Union Voice in Washington
America’s Credit Unions, in partnership with American Association of Credit Union Leagues, recently sponsored a full-page advertisement in The Hill highlighting credit unions as America’s most trusted financial partners and calling for long-overdue modernization of the Federal Credit Union (FCU) Act. This national effort directly supports Dakota credit unions, whose ability to serve members depends on a modernized FCU Act that reflects today’s financial services landscape.

DakCU members are encouraged to review America’s Credit Unions’ 2026 Advocacy Priorities and watch the 2025 Year in Review video to see how national advocacy efforts are advancing priorities that matter locally.
 
Standing Up for Dakota Credit Unions Against Banker Attacks
The Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) has once again advanced misleading claims about credit unions, this time targeting credit union acquisitions of community banks. These narratives ignore the realities faced by small-town and rural communities, including many in the Dakotas, where credit unions often step in to preserve local access to financial services.

America’s Credit Unions responded with a counter op-ed from Scott Simpson (pending publication) and directly briefed lawmakers with a “Myth vs. Fact” overview to ensure policymakers especially those representing rural states understand the facts. Additional research and resources available through America’s Credit Unions help illustrate how these transactions can protect jobs, maintain branches, and sustain community banking services in Dakota communities.
 
Legislative and Administration Updates Impacting the Dakotas
Congress is considering the FY26 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which currently includes no provisions affecting credit unions. America’s Credit Unions continues to monitor activity on Capitol Hill while advocating for additional credit union priorities in upcoming House Financial Services Committee markups.

Recent meetings included conversations between Scott Simpson and key congressional leaders to highlight meaningful credit union legislation efforts that support Dakota credit unions navigating workforce shortages, housing affordability challenges, and small business financing needs.

America’s Credit Unions also met with Treasury officials regarding the administration’s Executive Order Guaranteeing Fair Banking for All Americans, emphasizing the importance of fair access policies that allow credit unions to continue serving members safely, soundly, and without unnecessary regulatory barriers.
 
Regulatory Engagement: Protecting Dakota Credit Unions and Members
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau: America’s Credit Unions submitted two comment letters supporting regulatory clarity and burden reduction key issues for credit unions with limited staff and resources:
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• Support for proposed changes to Regulation B that align with statutory authority and Supreme Court precedent.
• Strong support for revisions to the Section 1071 small business lending rule to reduce operational strain while preserving fair lending objectives.

NCUA: The NCUA Board will meet this week to review the Share Insurance Fund and the proposed 2026–2027 budget. America’s Credit Unions supports the agency’s commitment to transparency and modernization, while urging clarity on costs and a continued focus on efficiencies that matter to small and mid-sized credit unions.

Hear Directly from the NCUA on Deregulation Efforts
NCUA officials are joining America’s Credit Unions’ members tomorrow, December 17 at 1:00 p.m. CST for a live discussion on the agency’s deregulation project. The session will cover the comprehensive review of regulations and the initial four proposals released for comment, highlighting efforts to ensure credit unions remain safe, sound, and resilient. Credit union leaders and professionals are encouraged to register, submit questions in advance, and participate during the call. This session will not be recorded and is closed to the press. Register here. 

Federal Reserve
America’s Credit Unions continues to advocate on issues that directly affect Dakota members, including the impact of ending penny production, opposition to changes in debit interchange, and engagement on the future of check services still widely used in many rural Dakota communities. The Federal Reserve’s recent rate cut, the third in a row, may also influence borrowing and savings trends across the region.
 
Staying Engaged
For questions please contact DakCU Interim President/CEO, George McDonald; DakCU Director of Legislative & Regulatory Affairs, John Alexander; or Director of Political Strategy and Engagement, Kenley Lamberty.