Today: America’s Credit Unions to testify on proposed NCUA budget

November 5, 2025

NCUA’s public budget hearing today will include testimony from America’s Credit Unions Chief Economist and Vice President of Data and Research Curt Long. Taking place at 1 p.m. Eastern, the hearing allows for feedback on the agency’s 2026-2027 budget draft from industry stakeholders.   

The agency has proposed a $313.8 million budget for 2026, down 20.6% from the 2025 budget. Three main drivers in reducing proposed 2026 budget levels include: 

  • 23% percent reduction to NCUA staffing; 
     
  • 34.1% reduction to contracted services budgets; and 
     
  • 13.4% reduction in budgets for employee travel. 

In his written testimony, Long thanked the NCUA for its “careful stewardship,” noting the reductions “help to address prior concerns about unsustainable costs and reflect renewed focus on the agency’s core mission of protecting credit unions.” 

Before the budget hearing, America’s Credit Unions submitted comments on the draft budget. The association offered support for the agency’s effort to consider how it can operate more efficiently but also highlighted the need for additional clarity regarding the scope and purpose of the reorganization, a detailed cost analysis of the MERIT platform, and a continued focus on investments that deliver measurable long-term efficiencies. 

During the hearing, Long will reiterate many of these requests and suggestions. Stay tuned to America’s Credit Unions daily news for details on the hearing.