WASHINGTON – The second full dayof CUNA's Governmental Affairs Conference brought a parade oflawmakers to the general session stage. Many of the electedofficials were from California, so California Credit Union LeagueCEO Diana Dykstra had heavy introduction duties on Tuesday.

Read more: New bill for credit unions…

Rep. Ed Royce(R-Calif.) announced he will introduce a new bill this week thatwould eliminate the requirement to report non-occupied residentialmortgage loans toward the member business lending cap. Royce saidthe loans represent about 20% of credit union business loanbalances.

Read more: National Mall a lesson in character…

NCUA Board MemberMichael Fryzel spoke about thinking big, and used Washington'sNational Mall as a historical example. The land that is now a majortourist attraction, with grand monuments, museums and open space,was once a swampy garden with an open sewer and railroadtracks.

A 1901 Senate Commission researched and prepared the bold andradical plans. They were completed, but not without controversy andchallenges.

“The story of America is the story of challenges faced andchallenges wrestled. I can't tell you what challenges you are goingto face, only that you will face them. But I believe you are asgreat as any challenge you face, because nearly all challenges arenot natural disasters, but human-caused. Because they arehuman-caused, they can be human-fixed,” Fryzel said.

Read more: Washington gridlock isn't terminal…

Congresswoman Linda Sanchez(D-Calif.) said the record number of GAC attendees shows creditunions must believe, as she does, that thing can and still happenin Washington.

“I refuse to accept Washington is in terminal gridlock,” shesaid.

Sanchez, who serves on the House Ways & Means Committee,said her goals for tax reform included creating economic certaintyand preserving the credit union tax exemption.

Read more: CUs are an economic cornerstone…

Congresswoman Ann Kirkpatrick(D-Ariz.) comes from a geographically large district, larger thanthe state of Pennsylvania, she told her GAC audience Tuesdaymorning.

Kirkpatrick also represents the district with the most NativeAmericans. Her sprawling, rural district has economic challenges,but she said credit unions are the cornerstone of economicdevelopment in the area.

“You are key players in my vision of economic opportunity,” shesaid.

Kirkpatrick also voiced her support of the credit union taxexemption.

Read more: The passing of the gavel…

In the traditional passing of thegavel ceremony, outgoing CUNA Chairwoman Patricia Wesenberg handedover the symbol of office to newly elected Chairman Dennis Pierce,president/CEO of CommunityAmerica Credit Union in Lenexa,Kan.

Pierce then delivered his first address as chairman of theorganization. He was elected Monday during CUNA's boardmeeting.