The U.S. Capitol
The Defense Credit Union Council (DCUC) is praising Congress for passing the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) without the controversial Durbin–Marshall proposals or other credit card–routing measures that the organization has long warned would harm military families.
DCUC President/CEO Anthony Hernandez said the final bill protects both servicemembers’ financial well-being and the stability of the credit unions that serve them. “The exclusion of these proposals and CCCA-like amendments in this year’s defense bill protects the financial well-being of servicemembers and veteran communities, as well as the stability provided by credit unions and the broader financial system that supports them,” Hernandez said.
The Durbin–Marshall amendments, which mirror the Credit Card Competition Act, would have required major changes to payment-routing systems. DCUC argued that such provisions would reduce fraud protections, disrupt credit card programs and potentially raise costs for military households, many of whom rely on credit unions for affordable financial services.
While applauding the bill’s neutrality toward credit unions, DCUC expressed disappointment that key bipartisan reforms strengthening the Central Liquidity Facility (CLF) and bolstering the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund were not included. “DCUC will continue working closely with Congress to ensure these important initiatives are advanced and passed as quickly as possible,” Chief Advocacy Officer Jason Stverak said.
DCUC has engaged lawmakers throughout the NDAA process, emphasizing the unique financial demands on servicemembers and the critical role credit unions play on military installations. The organization said it will remain vigilant as lawmakers consider other vehicles for CLF and CDFI modernization in the months ahead.
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