Today, the Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) submitted a letter to House Financial Services Committee (HFSC) leadership outlining its views on legislative proposals scheduled for consideration during the Committee’s hearing, “Oversight of the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the Federal Housing Administration.”
DCUC expressed appreciation for the Committee’s focus on strengthening housing affordability and supply, improving oversight and accountability of housing programs, and right-sizing regulation for community-based lenders.
“These efforts reflect a thoughtful approach to removing unnecessary barriers, modernizing outdated policies, and strengthening the ability of community-focused financial institutions like credit unions to serve consumers and local economies,” says DCUC Chief Advocacy Officer Jason Stverak. “They will also positively impact military and veteran communities by expanding access to affordable housing and financial services in the areas we serve.”
In the letter, DCUC voiced strong support for several bills under consideration that would modernize regulation, improve housing access, and strengthen consumer protections:
H.R. 7056, Community Bank Regulatory Tailoring Act
DCUC strongly supports indexing asset-based regulatory thresholds to economic growth, ensuring credit unions are not subjected to disproportionate regulatory burdens due solely to inflation or industry growth. The bill promotes a right-sized regulatory framework and appropriately includes credit unions alongside community banks.
H.R. 5520, Portal for Appraisal Licensing Act of 2025
DCUC supports modernizing the appraisal licensing process through a centralized, user-funded portal. This reform would expand the pool of qualified appraisers, reduce delays, especially in rural and underserved areas, and improve the homebuying experience for military families.
H.R. 3694, VALID Act of 2025
DCUC supports enhanced consumer transparency by requiring FHA lenders to provide veterans with a side-by-side comparison of FHA and VA loan options. This measure empowers veterans to make fully informed decisions and better utilize the VA Home Loan benefit they have earned.
H.R. 4568, Supporting Upgraded Property Projects and Lending for Yards (SUPPLY) Act
DCUC supports expanding FHA insurance eligibility for second-lien loans used to construct accessory dwelling units (ADUs). This innovative approach will increase housing supply, particularly near military installations, while providing homeowners new opportunities for rental income or multigenerational housing.
DCUC also supports several additional bills aimed at expanding housing supply, improving accountability, and strengthening community development, including:
H.R. 1640, HEIRS Act of 2025: Supporting families in resolving heirs’ property issues and preserving intergenerational wealth
H.R. 5591, RESIDE Act: Converting vacant or abandoned buildings into attainable housing
H.R. 5618, Housing PLUS Act of 2025: Expanding access to homeless assistance programs that include wraparound services
H.R. 6363, Build Now Act of 2025: Incentivizing communities to increase housing supply through CDBG reforms
H.R. 6825, Public Housing Federal Monitors Accountability Act: Strengthening oversight and transparency of troubled public housing agencies
H.R. 7030, Securing Facilities for Mental Health Services Act: Expanding FHA mortgage insurance to standalone mental health facilities
Improving Public Housing Agency Accountability Act (discussion draft): Enhancing HUD oversight and Inspector General review of troubled PHAs
“Each of these measures, in its own way, contributes to a stronger housing finance system and a more resilient economy,” Stevrak reminds. “Together, they will better serve Americans, especially our nation’s servicemembers, veterans, and their families.”
DCUC thanked the Committee for its leadership and commitment to policies that promote financial inclusion, consumer protection, and community development.