The House version of member business lending cap legislationpicked up two new cosponsors this week, growing that list to 130lawmakers.

Rep. Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii) and Lucille Roybal-Allard (D-Calif.)signed on this week to H.R.1418, which like S. 2231 in the Senate, would raise the creditunion MBL cap from 12.25% of assets to 27.5% for credit unionsmeeting safety-and-soundness requirements.

Brad Thaler, NAFCU's vice president oflegislative affairs, said much of the industry's lobbying effortshave been concentrated in the upper house since Senate MajorityLeader Harry Reid announced S. 2231 will go to a vote in March.

Given the dynamics of legislation in general, the Senate is abig hurdle for passing any legislation, Thaler said. If MBLlegislation passes the Senate, especially given its broad anddiverse support, it will send a strong message to the House to pickup and pass the bill.

Thaler said he's confident credit unions can score the 60 votesneeded in the upper chamber to achieve a supermajority and pass MBLlegislation

“I think a lot of people in the Senate view this as a fightbetween their friends, and realize once they take a stand, they'reupsetting one side or another,” he said. “They're hesitant to dothat until they have to.”

The American Bankers Association on Firday kicked off its dailynews bulletin to members with an action alert to contact theirsenators and ask them to oppose S. 2231. The ABA said a Senate vote“could take place any time.”

Thaler agreed a vote could come at any moment, but is mostlikely expected in May after lawmakers return from a scheduledrecess next week.