DCUC Mobilizes Credit Unions Through Grassroots Advocacy Efforts
The Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) has called attention to a recent Washington Reporter article that highlights a poll revealing that 62% of voters – across party lines – support eliminating the federal cap on small-business loans by credit unions.
Support was especially strong among Republican voters, with 71% in favor, signaling real momentum for legislative action in this Congress. By a 41-point margin, Americans want to empower credit unions to lend more to small businesses – a decisive mandate in today’s polarized political climate.
DCUC immediately activated a grassroots advocacy initiative, alerting its member credit union leaders to contact their Congressional representatives and providing key messaging for their outreach. DCUC encouraged its members to call on both their Representatives and Senators to co-sponsor and/or support the passing of the Veterans Member Business Loan Act (VMBLA), in light of these findings.
“This poll shows what we’ve known all along: Americans want credit unions to do more to support small businesses,” said Jason Stverak, DCUC Chief Advocacy Officer. “By starting with the Veterans Member Business Loan Act, credit unions are uniting behind a commonsense, bipartisan solution that puts veteran entrepreneurs first. This is the first step toward finally repealing the outdated member business lending cap—and credit unions are ready to lead the charge.”
Anthony Hernandez, DCUC President/CEO, added:
“DCUC has been proud to lead the fight on this issue, working alongside our member credit unions and lawmakers to champion veteran-owned small businesses. This is about more than policy—it’s about creating real economic opportunities for those who have served our country. We will continue to push until these barriers are removed and credit unions can fully deliver on their mission to serve communities nationwide.”
Empowering Veteran Entrepreneurs
The cap on credit union business lending, established in 1998, has long limited economic growth, stifled entrepreneurship, and denied veterans access to affordable financing.
Veterans, in particular, continue to face disproportionate challenges accessing capital. Studies show veteran business owners apply for financing more frequently but are denied loans at higher rates than non-veterans. Lifting the member business lending cap – even partially – would enable credit unions to better serve those who have served our country.
The Veterans Member Business Loan Act, introduced in a bipartisan effort, seeks to:
· Exempt loans to veteran-owned businesses from the member business lending cap, allowing credit unions to provide more financing without increasing risk.
· Enhance veterans’ access to capital by removing arbitrary lending restrictions.
· Strengthen local economies by empowering veteran entrepreneurs to create jobs and spur economic growth across communities.
Senators Mazie Hirono (D-HI) and Dan Sullivan (R-AK) have introduced the Senate version (S. 110), while Representatives Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) and Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX) have introduced the House companion bill (H.R. 507). This bicameral, bipartisan legislation focuses on helping veteran entrepreneurs as a first step toward broader relief from the lending cap.
DCUC Advocacy and Call to Action
DCUC has strongly advocated for this legislation, recognizing that empowering veteran entrepreneurs will boost economic opportunities for service members and their families. With public opinion firmly behind this initiative, credit union leaders nationwide are encouraged to contact their U.S. Senators and Representatives to sponsor or co-sponsor the Veterans Member Business Loan Act.
Visit DCUC’s website to learn more about its leading advocacy on the VMBLA.