The Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) just handed Congress its homework ahead of a major budget hearing—and the message is clear: financial readiness isn’t some side quest for service members. It’s central to the entire mission.
DCUC submitted an official statement before the House Appropriations Committee’s Defense Subcommittee takes up the Department of War’s FY2027 budget request. Think of it as a friendly but firm reminder that when troops are stressed about money, everyone’s job gets harder.
The statement zeroes in on what DCUC sees as the real issues: lawmakers need to keep eyes on how service members actually access financial services on base, how military banking works overseas, and why some qualified credit unions still can’t get through the door to offer financial education on installations. It’s about transparency and removing unnecessary roadblocks.
“DCUC respectfully urges the Subcommittee to continue treating military financial services as a defense-readiness and quality-of-life issue, not as a peripheral banking matter,” wrote Jason Stverak, DCUC’s Chief Advocacy Officer. Translation: this isn’t boring banking stuff—this directly impacts military effectiveness.
The statement also spotlights several bipartisan priorities that have real teeth. We’re talking better access to capital for veteran entrepreneurs trying to build their post-service lives, making permanent some key enhancements to the Central Liquidity Facility (that’s basically a safety net for credit unions), more flexibility around housing and mortgages for military families who move constantly, and permanent pay protections so troops don’t become collateral damage during government shutdowns.
“Financial readiness is mission readiness, and that starts with ensuring servicemembers and their families have access to reliable, community-focused financial institutions they can trust,” said Anthony Hernandez, DCUC President/CEO and retired USAF Colonel. “Defense credit unions understand the unique challenges military families face and remain committed to providing the support and stability they need at every stage of service.”
Bottom line? DCUC is making the case that you can’t separate financial stability from operational readiness. When service members have solid financial footing, they can focus on the actual job at hand. It’s common sense wrapped in policy language—and it’s about time someone said it plainly.