Credit union advocates look to build, renew relationships with 119th Congress

Credit union leaders from across the country welcomed new and returning members as the 119th Congress officially got underway Friday in Washington, D.C.  The day started off with advocates congratulating members in their Capitol Hill offices, followed by an America’s Credit Unions-hosted a reception at the Capitol Visitors Center in the afternoon. 

“America’s Credit Unions welcomes and congratulates the freshman and incumbent members who took their oath of office today to kick off the 119th Congress,” said America’s Credit Unions President/CEO Jim Nussle. “As a former Member of Congress, I know the excitement surrounding the first day of a new Congress. On behalf of our organization and the more than 140 million Americans who trust credit unions as their financial institution, I look forward to sharing America’s Credit Unions priorities and stories that shape our efforts.” 

Those who were on hand say coming to Washington, D.C. for the swearing-in ceremony helps make or reinforce connections early on.

“The start of a new Congress is where we build relationships and renew old relationships. There are staff members out there who might be with new offices, and when we find them in new offices, they’re already our friends, and we know this member of Congress has someone on their team who knows about credit unions,” said Trish Shermot, Visions FCU director of government affairs/regional urban development officer. “Our voice has to be strong and loud, and the more friends we have with a common interest in building communities, the better off we’ll all be.”

Sarah Waters, chief advocacy officer at the Tennessee Credit Union League, agrees that making credit union voices heard "starts on day one.” 

“I tell our credit unions, ‘Every time you go and talk to someone and ask for something, we need to go visit them two extra times in addition to that,” she said. “Advocating for anything, but especially for credit unions, is all about relationships, and the only way you build those is to continue to come to D.C., meet with officials, and continue to tell that story.”

With many of the issues and challenges facing credit unions and the members they serve – attendees highlight how important it is to share how credit unions can transform lives and communities. 

“Right now, when most consumers don’t even have the money to afford an emergency, they need the life-changing power of credit unions more than ever,” shared Juan Fernandez Ceballos, president/CEO of Luminate-Louisiana's Credit Unions. “So, it’s important for us to tell our story and let more people know what we can do for them.”  

Rep. Mike Johnson, R-La., was re-elected Speaker of the House Friday afternoon. Fernandez Ceballos said Johnson—a credit union member—is a champion for credit unions at the state and federal level. 

Seventeen leagues representing 32 states and dozens of credit unions traveled to Washington, D.C., to welcome the new Congress.
 

 

 

 

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