The Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) pressed forward in its advocacy this week with proactive engagement on legislative priorities directly impacting military families and the credit unions that serve them. In recent correspondence with lawmakers, DCUC highlighted three key initiatives: modernizing outdated federal credit union loan maturity limits, reauthorizing the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), and ensuring regulatory accountability at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).
Modernizing Loan Terms to Better Serve Members
DCUC continues its strong support for the Expanding Access to Lending Options Act, recently reaffirmed in a letter to Representative Scott Fitzgerald. Currently, federal credit unions face a 15-year loan maturity cap, limiting their ability to meet members’ needs. Fitzgerald’s bill would authorize the National Credit Union Administration (NCUA) to extend this cap to 20 years and permit terms of up to 30 years on 1–4 unit residential mortgages. This modernization would provide greater flexibility for families, small businesses, and servicemembers, enabling more affordable monthly payments—especially helpful for military families planning for civilian life or purchasing homes.
Reauthorizing the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
DCUC also strongly advocated for long-term reauthorization of the NFIP before its current authority expires on September 30, 2025. Credit unions operating near military installations witness firsthand the importance of NFIP in safeguarding communities. A lapse could disrupt homeownership and mortgage markets, especially in flood-prone areas. DCUC noted that credit unions rely on NFIP to meet federal flood insurance requirements. A program lapse could stall an estimated 1,300 home sales per day nationwide. DCUC pointed to past lapses—such as in June 2010—that delayed or canceled more than 40,000 closings per month. Without NFIP, lenders and communities face greater risk, and borrowers may be unable to rebuild after disasters.
“For military families undergoing Permanent Change of Station (PCS) moves, the NFIP’s continuity is especially vital,” said Anthony Hernandez, DCUC President/CEO. “An NFIP lapse could delay home sales or purchases during relocations, forcing families into financial hardship. Stable housing supports mission readiness, family resilience, and long-term economic security.”
“DCUC supports reforms that make the NFIP more fiscally sound while preserving affordability. Improvements like better flood mapping, mitigation incentives, and balanced pricing can help the program remain widely accessible,” added Jason Stverak, Chief Advocacy Officer. “We’re asking Congress to act swiftly to reauthorize the NFIP and implement thoughtful reforms… A multi-year extension will ensure credit unions can continue supporting members and communities without interruption.”
Balancing Oversight and Flexibility
DCUC also submitted comments to the House Subcommittee hearing, “From Watchdog to Attack Dog,” expressing concern with the CFPB’s increasingly aggressive regulatory posture. DCUC warned against sweeping, one-size-fits-all rules that disproportionately harm smaller credit unions. Recent CFPB proposals—such as a $5 overdraft fee cap and reductions in credit card late fees—were cited as examples of well-intentioned rules that could harm responsible institutions and reduce consumer access to services. DCUC also raised concerns about upcoming data-sharing requirements under Section 1033 of the Dodd-Frank Act, urging strong cybersecurity and privacy safeguards to protect military families from digital threats and predatory actors.
A Constructive CFPB
DCUC advocates for a more collaborative and transparent approach to regulation, including key CFPB reforms:
- Transition to a bipartisan commission model
- Subject the CFPB to congressional appropriations
- Establish an independent Inspector General
- Require cost-benefit analysis for major rulemakings
- Elevate the role of small institutions in rulemaking
DCUC also applauded recent congressional efforts to roll back harmful rules and acknowledged positive CFPB actions—such as withdrawing outdated guidance—as signs of progress toward greater regulatory clarity and consistency.
“DCUC remains committed to working with Congress and the CFPB to protect consumers and support military families and their financial well-being,” said Hernandez. “Through thoughtful reform and open dialogue, regulators can uphold protections without harming trusted institutions that serve those who serve our country.”
Conclusion
“DCUC also urges Congress to make NFIP reauthorization a top priority and ensure timely passage to protect communities, credit unions, and America’s military families,” added Stverak. “Whether we’re advocating for smarter lending rules, supporting critical programs like the NFIP, or urging balanced oversight from regulators, our mission remains the same: to protec