Use GAC to highlight how credit unions make life more affordable

A record-breaking number of credit union advocates are coming to the nation's capital for the upcoming Governmental Affairs Conference (GAC) 2026, and as America’s Credit Unions President/CEO Scott Simpson wrote today in CUInsight, that’s a testament to the critical moment facing credit unions. 

“GAC gives us the chance to share with every office on Capitol Hill how credit unions make life more affordable for the members they serve; the very same people lawmakers represent. We often talk about a unified movement at America’s Credit Unions, but gatherings like this—with leagues, credit unions, and partners together—make that unity, and its impact, undeniable. The strength of GAC lies in this partnership.”

Advocates will urge Congress to oppose price controls and interchange mandates; modernize reporting thresholds to keep pace with inflation, and empower credit unions to fight fraud next week, along with other advocacy priorities. 

“These priorities, like everything credit unions do, center on what’s best for their members, communities, and Main Street: access to services from institutions that focus their resources on people, not profits,” Simpson wrote. “Convening the credit union family fuels our momentum, and we must capitalize on it. I implore every GAC attendee and credit union leader to help us gather and amplify your stories. These stories highlight the humanity at the heart of credit unions; a clear differentiator from for-profit financial services.”

America’s Credit Unions Chief Products and Services Officer Todd Spiczenski recently joined CU on the Show to share why storytelling is the central theme of GAC, and tips for credit union leaders to use personal member impact stories to strengthen advocacy on Capitol Hill.