Congressman Gary Miller(R-Calif.) announced on Wednesday he plans to retire from Congressat the end of his current term.

Miller, vice chairman of the House Financial Services Committee, has supported legislation affecting credit unions including The RegulatoryRelief for Credit Unions Act. Miller introduced the bill last year,which would establish a risk-based capital system for creditunions, authorize the NCUA to delay or modify CFPB regulations, andprovide further regulatory relief measures.

“Credit unions play a unique role in our economy. Unlike otherfinancial institutions, they are cooperatives and exist to servetheir member-owners, not outside stockholders,” Miller said inApril of last year.

“This allows them to provide lower loan rates, higher intereston deposits, and lower fees. Hampering their ability to performthese services and to provide loans to families and smallbusinesses will harm millions of American consumers and stifleeconomic growth and job creation.”

Miller caused a stir during the 2012 NAFCU Congressional Caucus when he announced from the podium duringhis general session speaking slot that the California Credit UnionLeague hurt his feelings when it supported his re-electionopponent. The CCUL contributed $250,000 to former Arrowhead CreditUnion executive Pete Aguilar in that losing effort.

Miller, who elected to his 8^th term in the House in2012, attributed his decision to family circumstances.

“When I came to Congress in 1999 my children were grown and outof the house. Today, we have a full house again. My wifeand I are raising our three grandchildren,” he said. “While familycircumstances dictate that I must leave this great institution atthe end of this session of Congress, I am committed to serving outmy term with the same energy and enthusiasm that I have alwaysbrought to the debate.”

Miller urged Congress to remain focused on creating jobs,growing the local economy, and stabilizing the housing market.

“Rather than waste our time on proposals that divide us, we needto focus on feasible, bipartisan solutions to provide opportunitiesfor hardworking Americans,” he said.