WASHINGTON — The Credit Union Regulatory Improvements Act (H.R.1537) as of last week enjoys the support of 80 total co-sponsorsafter a dozen more lawmakers signed on.

Representatives Kendrick Meek, (D-Fla.), Daniel Lipinski(D-Ill.), Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), BrianHiggins (D-N.Y.), Tim Holden (D-Pa.), Don Young (R-Alaska), SusanDavis (D-Calif.), Carolyn Kilpatrick (D-Mich.), and Peter Hoekstra(R-Mich.) returned this Congress to once again join the growinglist of members of Congress officially backing CURIA. New to CURIAthis year are Financial Services Committee Member Albio Sires(D-N.J.) and freshman Jason Altmire (D-Pa.), who serves on theSmall Business Committee.

CUNA Senior Legislative Representative Debbie Kwon Moorepredicted early last week, “We expect a few more to be coming onshortly.” Credit union lobbyists have been stressing the importanceof gaining co-sponsors as a show of support for the bill to push itthrough Congress over the bankers' objections.

“We'll continue to push to gain support for CURIA,” NAFCUDirector of Legislative Affairs Brad Thaler said.

The bill would establish a risk-based capital framework forcredit unions, expand member business lending, and set a 30%minimum voting requirement for mutual savings bank conversions andrequire a member meeting before balloting. –[email protected]