The industry's assault on the Durbin interchange amendment is taking advantage of social media vehicles as well as newfound collaboration with banker groups in trying to secure lawmaker support in the House-Senate conference committee.

A bill to allow New Jersey credit unions for the first time to become eligible public depositories for public funds successfully passed the Senate Commerce Committee Thursday on a 3-1 vote with one abstention.

Saying he is "not confident we can win this but that doesn't mean we shouldn't do our best," CUNA President/CEO Dan Mica encouraged credit union members to come to Washington to lobby to remove an amendment on interchange fees.

After being in a court-ordered field of membership limbo lasting six years, one Louisville, Ky. CU said it stands ready now to finally sign up new members and expand services in one of its suburban branches.