Washington D.C. is abuzz with credit union activity this week, with Congress returning from its summer recess on Monday and America’s Credit Unions’ 2026 Congressional Caucus kicking off. With that in mind, let’s cover the highlights of what the newly returned Congress will be working on and what credit unions should be watching.
2026 Congressional Caucus
America’s Credit Unions is hosting its annual Congressional Caucus in D.C. this week, gathering “credit union leaders with national policymakers at a pivotal moment in the legislative calendar” and featuring “the credit union movement’s top voices along with major players in the regulatory and legislative space to gain a full picture of the industry at the cutting edge.”
Over the course of two days, the Caucus will host several members of Congress as well as a session with newly appointed NCUA Chairman John Crews. Additionally, with Congress back in session, ACU staff and event attendees are making the most of the opportunity and have scheduled over 450 meetings with lawmakers to touch on key credit union issues.
Congress is back in session
With Congress back in session and reviewing bills, America’s Credit Unions has taken note of a few key items they’re keeping their eyes on:
On Tuesday the 15, Treasury Secretary Bessent will testify before the House Financial Services Committee to discuss the state of the international financial system. Additionally, the Senate is expected to vote on the CLARITY Act (cryptocurrency legislation). Members are expected to put the act on a procedural vote requiring bipartisan support to pass. Democrats and Republicans have been previously unable to reconcile key provisions of the legislation.
Then, on Wednesday the 16, the House Financial Services Committee will have a markup of various legislation, including a major CFPB reform package and a separate CID reform bill that credit unions support. The House is also expected to hear the GUARD Act and Common Cents Act under suspension of the rules.
US Treasury releases CDFI funds
Finally, the U.S. Treasury Department announced this morning that it will be awarding the last of the long-delayed FY2025 CDFI Funds.
“We appreciate Treasury Secretary Bessent and CDFI Fund Director Chris Miller awarding the remaining FY 2025 and a portion of FY 2026 funding ahead of the September 30 deadline,” said America’s Credit Unions President and CEO Scott Simpson.
“America’s Credit Unions urged Treasury to act on this issue so that credit unions can serve their local communities, helping their members with small business financing, home loans, and affordable consumer credit in low-income, rural, and underserved neighborhoods. Releasing these funds gives our institutions the certainty they need to keep capital flowing to families and local businesses that have been left behind by banks.”
