Congressional Caucus 2026
Congressional Caucus 2026
Overview
Credit union advocacy doesn't wait. Legislative threats and regulatory pressures are moving faster than ever, and direct engagement with Congress has never mattered more. Congressional Caucus 2026 is where that happens.
This is the industry’s most hands-on advocacy event: a high-access, high-impact gathering held steps from Capitol Hill, designed for leaders who are serious about protecting and advancing credit union priorities at the federal level. From expert-led policy briefings to coordinated networking and advocacy strategy sessions, every element of Congressional Caucus is built for one purpose: getting credit union voices heard where decisions are made.
With the midterm elections right around the corner, the stakes are real. So is the opportunity. Congressional Caucus brings together credit union CEOs, governmental affairs professionals, league executives, board members, and advocacy leaders from across the country, all aligned on a shared mission, all ready to engage Congress with clarity and purpose.
At Congressional Caucus, you will:
- Deep dive into the legislative issues that affect your credit union and your members
- Participate in expert-led policy briefings on credit union tax status, regulatory relief, data security, and other top federal priorities
- Build and deliver advocacy messages that cut through the clutter and build credibility on both sides of the aisle
- Connect with a national network of credit union advocates, executives, and governmental affairs professionals
- Leave Washington with sharper skills, stronger relationships, and a clear path forward
Who should attend
Congressional Caucus is designed for credit union professionals who work at the intersection of advocacy, strategy, and leadership. This is not an introductory conference; it is an action-oriented gathering for those ready to engage Congress directly and represent their institutions at the national level.
- Credit union CEOs and executive leadership who want their institutions and members at the forefront of federal policy conversations
- Governmental affairs, advocacy, and compliance professionals seeking direct access to lawmakers, regulators, and real-time policy intelligence
- League presidents, governmental affairs staff, and communicators who mobilize credit union advocacy at scale
- Board members engaged in public policy and prepared to represent their credit union’s mission on Capitol Hill
Keynote Speakers
Widely respected for her unparalleled insights and analysis from the forefront of American politics, Anna Palmer is a trusted voice on the latest — and most accurate — news on congressional leadership, the lobbying industry, presidential campaigns, and the politics of governing for more than 15 years. She is the co-founder and CEO of Punchbowl News, a news community focused on power, people, and politics in Washington. Named after the Secret Service’s nickname for the Capitol, the company covers congressional leadership and the White House, and tracks the industries and companies trying to influence them.
Palmer offers forthright, nonpartisan analysis filled with colorful anecdotes about the powers at play when it comes to politics and policy from inside the nation’s capital. Her unique insights come from close to two decades covering Congress, political campaigns, and the White House, and being a perennial presence in the Washington press corp. With her ear to the ground on what’s going on in Washington, Palmer possesses strong connections and access to the highest offices in the nation and is an expert on the policies, players, and personalities shaping politics today.
From 2016 to 2020, Palmer worked alongside fellow Punchbowl News co-founder Jake Sherman to coauthor the top-rated POLITICO Playbook franchise. Together, they chronicled President Donald Trump’s first term and his relationship with top Congressional leaders. Under their leadership, the platform more than doubled in revenue and tripled its readership. They also created a widely acclaimed daily podcast, afternoon newsletter, and event series featuring interviews with movers and shakers in business and politics from across the country about pressing issues of the day. Palmer joined POLITICO in 2011 and was the publication’s senior Washington correspondent. She also led Women Rule, POLITICO’s nation-leading platform aimed at expanding leadership opportunities for women, and hosted the critically acclaimed “Women Rule” podcast.
Prior to POLITICO, Palmer covered House leadership and lobbying as a staff writer for Roll Call, and got her start in Washington journalism as a lobbying business reporter for the industry newsletter Influence. She has also worked at Legal Times, where she covered the intersection of money and politics for the legal and lobbying industry, first as a staff writer and then as an editor.
In 2019, Palmer and Sherman authored The Hill to Die On: The Battle for Congress and the future of Trump’s America, which told the inside story of Congress in the first two years of the Trump Administration and was an instant New York Times and national bestseller. Trevor Noah, the former host of The Daily Show, said the book turned “Congress into a Game of Thrones book.” In addition to being a high-profile reporter and bestselling author, Palmer has spoken and moderated conversations at the World Economic Forum, the Milken Institute Global Forum, UN General Assembly, Aspen Ideas Festival, Texas Tribune Festival, and SXSW, and is a frequent political commentator on CNN, Fox News, NBC, and MSNBC.
An esteemed reporter and news media innovator, Jake Sherman has been a go-to source for the latest — and most accurate — news on Congress, congressional leadership, and the politics of legislating for more than a decade. He is a co-founder of Punchbowl News, a news community focused on the people, power, and politics in Washington. Named after the Secret Service’s nickname for the Capitol, the company covers congressional leadership and the White House, and tracks the industries and companies trying to influence them.
Sherman offers a candid analysis filled with colorful anecdotes about what’s driving politics and policy inside the nation’s capital. He has a unique perspective that comes from more than a decade of covering Congress, political campaigns, the White House and working in the Washington press corp. With incomparable access to the highest offices in Washington, Sherman is an expert on the policies, players, and personalities driving politics today, and shares valuable insights for how what’s happening in Washington, D.C. is impacting business and society.
From 2016 to 2020, Sherman was the co-author, alongside Anna Palmer, of the top-rated POLITICO Playbook franchise, in which they chronicled President Donald Trump’s first term and his relationship with top congressional leaders. Under their leadership, Playbook became a daily must-read, and the platform more than doubled in revenue and tripled its readership. They also expanded Playbook into a widely acclaimed daily podcast, afternoon newsletter, and event series featuring interviews with the top political and business leaders across the country about pressing issues of the day. When Sherman first joined POLITICO in 2009, he covered congressional leadership and all the major legislative battles of the Obama and Trump presidencies. He has traveled the country and the world reporting on power and politics and is viewed as an authoritative voice on the politics of governing.
In 2019, Sherman and Palmer authored The Hill to Die On: The Battle for Congress and the future of Trump’s America. The book provided the inside story of Congress in the first two years of Donald Trump’s presidency and was an instant New York Times and national bestseller. Trevor Noah, former host of The Daily Show, said the book turned “Congress into a Game of Thrones book.” In addition to being a leading reporter and bestselling author, Sherman is a political contributor to MSNBC and NBC News and appears on television from the Capitol almost daily.
Designations
Schedule
Congressional Caucus 2026 sessions are built around the legislative and regulatory issues that require your voice right now. The agenda moves quickly and stays focused, combining strategic briefings, working sessions, and direct advocacy to make the most of every hour in Washington.
| Time | Title & Description |
|---|---|
| 3:00 - 5:00 pm |
Registration Lobby |
| 5:00 - 7:00 pm |
Welcome Reception Join us for the Congressional Caucus Welcome Reception at The Capitol View at 400, an evening of connection and celebration with breathtaking views of the U.S. Capitol Building. Mingle with fellow credit union advocates and industry leaders as we build relationships, network with peers, and set the tone for a powerful week of advocacy and collaboration on Capitol Hill. The Capitol View at 400, 444 N. Capitol NW |
| Time | Title & Description |
|---|---|
| 9:00 - 9:45 am | General Session |
| 9:45 - 10:45 am |
Politics with a Punch: Insider’s Insights into Today’s Top News As co-founders of Punchbowl News and former co-authors of POLITICO Playbook, Anna Palmer and Jake Sherman's work has been described as "the be all and end all of politics and what's happening in D.C." by Trevor Noah and "the daily missalette of Washington" by Stephen Colbert. Considered among the most authoritative voices on the political news of the day, Palmer and Sherman share an up-to-the-minute breakdown of what's happening on Capitol Hill and what's on the horizon for Congress and the White House as the nation's leaders and decision-makers work to address today's most pressing issues in politics and policy. With unparalleled access to the highest offices in D.C., Palmer and Sherman are experts on the issues, players and personalities driving politics today, and how they will impact what matters most to the financial services industry. |
| 11:00 - 12:00 pm |
Inside Washington: The Credit Union Advocacy Outlook Stay ahead of the issues that matter most to credit unions. This session provides a timely briefing on America’s Credit Unions’ advocacy priorities, key legislative and regulatory developments, and the latest activity in Washington. Hear firsthand insights into the conversations, decisions, and trends shaping the environment in which credit unions operate. Learn how our advocacy efforts are working to advance, empower, and protect the movement. |
| 1:15 - 2:00 pm |
Front Lines of Advocacy: Legislative and Regulatory Outlook for 2027 What will be the defining issues for credit unions in the new Congress? This session breaks down where the industry has real opportunities to play offense and advance its agenda, and where emerging threats could put credit unions on defense. Join us to get ahead of what's coming in 2027 and walk away with the insight you need to plan your credit union's advocacy strategy for the year ahead. |
| 1:15 - 2:00 pm |
Political Capital: An Advocacy Training Game Step onto the field and test your advocacy instincts. In this interactive session, you'll go head-to-head with fellow attendees in a fast-paced game built around the biggest advocacy issues credit unions face. Make the call: do you activate grassroots or invest in communications and research? Every decision impacts this real-world simulation, so you'll leave not just entertained, but sharper on what's coming and how to plan your credit union's advocacy strategy for the year ahead. May the best strategist win. |
| 1:15 - 2:00 pm |
The Cost of Advocacy Influence isn't free. This session pulls back the curtain on what credit unions are actually spending on advocacy, and how that investment compares to other players in financial services. You'll get a clear-eyed look at the numbers behind the industry's voice in Washington, and what they mean for credit unions' ability to compete for influence in the years ahead. |
| 2:15 - 3:00 pm |
From Capitol Hill to the Statehouse: Tracing Policy Throughlines Federal and state policy landscapes rarely move in lockstep, but the connections between them carry real consequences for credit unions navigating both. This session examines how policy shifts at the federal level ripple into state environments and how state-level innovation can, in turn, shape the federal conversation across issues like data privacy, interchange limitations, and scrutiny of bank-credit union mergers. Attendees will leave with practical frameworks for spotting federal-state alignment and tension early, and a clearer strategy for coordinating legislative and regulatory advocacy efforts across both levels of government. |
| 2:15 - 3:00 pm |
The Narrative Ecosystem: Who Shapes Policy Before a Vote Is Ever Cast? Policy is rarely shaped in legislative chambers alone. Long before a bill reaches a vote, narratives are formed through media coverage, community engagement, philanthropy, research, and strategic communications. This panel explores how today's most influential voices build momentum, shift public sentiment, and create the conditions for meaningful policy change. |
| 2:15 - 3:00 pm |
Getting Out OUR Vote: Electoral Engagement Strategies for CUs Credit unions have a grassroots footprint that few industries can match and that gives us a unique opportunity to help our champions win at the ballot box. This session unpacks the latest strategies for flexing that collective muscle on the campaign trail, from mobilizing members to building relationships with candidates who get it. Walk away ready to turn your credit union's reach into real electoral impact. |
| 3:15 - 4:15 pm |
Inside the Midterms: Voter Sentiment, Strategy, and the Road to November Molly Murphy, a leading pollster and campaign strategist with experience in hundreds of highly competitive races, offers her insights on the upcoming midterm elections and the broader national political landscape. As Democrats aim to reclaim control of Congress this fall, Republicans are working to defend their narrow majorities in both the House and Senate. Hear what issues are resonating with voters and how campaigns are shaping and delivering their messages. Following her remarks, Molly will join Trey Hawkins, Head of Political Affairs at America’s Credit Unions, for a fireside chat. |
| Time | Title & Description |
|---|---|
| 9:00 - 9:45 am |
General Session Session details are being finalized and will be added soon. |
| 9:45 - 10:45 am |
General Session Session details are being finalized and will be added soon. |
| 11:00 - 12:00 pm |
General Session Session details are being finalized and will be added soon. |
| 5:00 - 7:00 pm |
Congressional Reception Join us on Capitol Hill to engage with members of Congress to close out an impactful Congressional Caucus—strengthening relationships and advancing the credit union movement through meaningful dialogue and advocacy. |
Pricing & Registration
Early bird price until July 10, 2026
Members in multiple categories receive the lowest price.
Member discounts
All credit unions are invited to register for this event. Members are eligible for significant discounts.
Small CU Pricing: Available to members of America’s CUs with assets of $100M or less.
Multi-attendee discount: Register 4 attendees and get the 5th free (please include all registrations in the same order for the discount to apply).
Note: Only one discount can be applied per registration. If a registration qualifies for more than one discount, the highest-value discount will automatically be applied at checkout. Unsure of your eligibility or need help accessing member pricing? Contact us at (800) 356-9655 or [email protected].
Hotel & Travel
Recommended travel datesArrive Sunday, September 13, for early registration starting at 3:00 PM and the Welcome Reception from 5:00–6:30 PM. Depart Tuesday, September 15 (sessions conclude at 12:00 PM), unless extending to participate in Hill hikes Attendees are invited to the Congressional Reception on Tuesday, September 15, from 5:00–7:00 PM. Transportation details
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Located just steps from the U.S. Capitol, the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill puts you at the center of the advocacy action close to congressional offices, committee rooms, and the conversations that shape federal policy.
ACCOMMODATIONS
Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill
400 New Jersey Ave NW
Washington, D.C. 20001
202-737-1234
Hotel reservation deadline
August 14, 2026
Room rate
$334 + $53.27 in taxes = $387.27 per night
Hotel reservation
202-737-1234
*Room rates and availability cannot be guaranteed. Rooms may sell out before the reservation deadline, so make your reservations early! Room reservations and fees are the responsibility of the registrant. To claim this room rate, call to make a reservation and reference America's Credit Unions.
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT
Discounted airfare through our airline partners:
Delta Airlines
- Book your Delta flight online
- Call to book: (800) 328-1111
- Use code NY3XT
- Mon – Fri | 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. ET
*Please note there are no service fees for reservations booked and ticketed via our reservation 800 number.
United Airlines
- Book your United flight online
- Call to book: (800) 426-1122
- Use code ZR7G651311
- Mon – Fri | 8:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. ET
Alaska Air
- Book your Alaska Air flight online
- Call to book: (800) 445-4435
- Use code ECMQ132
- Mon – Fri | 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. ET
Attendee Info
Code of Conduct
We are committed to making every event experience welcoming, respectful, and safe.
Cancellations and substitutions
- Cancellations must be submitted in writing to [email protected] with a brief explanation. Cancellations received more than 30 days before the event are subject to a 25% administrative fee. No refunds will be granted for cancellations received on or after 30 days before the event.
- Substitutions are accepted before the start of the program. Additional fees may apply. Please include the event name, current participant, and new participant name when requesting a substitution to [email protected].
Sponsors
Thank you to our generous sponsors whose support makes Congressional Caucus possible and amplifies the impact of credit union advocacy on Capitol Hill.
Interested in sponsoring Congressional Caucus 2026?