ICYMI: Highlights of Association Advocacy at GAC

That's a wrap on the 2026 Governmental Affairs Conference! If you missed any of the action, here's a quick recap - from Hike the Hill, to our CEO John Bratsakis stepping into a new role on the GAC stage, to a signature experience for young professionals.

You can view highlights from the week in our photo gallery.

Advocacy Luncheon: Engagement with Key Lawmakers

The Association's Advocacy Luncheon brought together 100 credit union professionals and featured remarks from Senator Angela Alsobrooks and Representative Sarah Elfreth.

• Senator Angela Alsobrooks emphasized that expanding economic opportunity remains her top priority. She highlighted the essential work credit unions do to promote financial stability, expand access to affordable services, and serve as anchor community partners.
• Representative Sarah Elfreth expressed appreciation for the financial relief credit unions provided during recent federal government shutdowns-support that was especially meaningful in a district with more than 45,000 federal workers.

Capitol Hill Meetings: Advocating for 2.8 Million Members

Credit union leaders met with lawmakers to advocate for policy priorities impacting the 2.8 million members they collectively serve across the region.

Leaders urged Congress to preserve the credit union tax status which generates an estimated $30 billion in financial benefits for 145 million members, reflected in lower loan rates, higher savings yields, and fewer fees.

Leaders also urged lawmakers to preserve interchange revenue and oppose the Credit Card Competition Act, warning it could weaken payment security and limit credit access. Additionally, they cautioned that a proposed 10% nationwide credit card interest rate cap could restrict credit for 47 million subprime borrowers.

Lawmakers also thanked credit unions for assisting members during the 2025 federal government shutdown, when they provided more than $208 million in financial relief to over 11,000 affected members.

League Collaboration: Association's Bratsakis Delivers Remarks as AACUL Chair

MD|DC Credit Union Association President and CEO John Bratsakis, serving as Chair of the American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL), addressed GAC attendees and demonstrated the strength of the nationwide League System.

In 2025, the League System delivered major advocacy impact:

• 1,600+ meetings with federal lawmakers
• Engagement with all 535 members of Congress
• Monitoring of 135,000+ state bills
• Outreach to 7,400 state legislators

His remarks showed how collaboration at the state and federal levels ensures credit union priorities remain protected and advanced.

Parade of Flags: Crashers Help Kickoff GAC

Two area Crashers participated in the ceremonial Parade of Flags on Monday, officially opening this year's GAC. Crasher Kaylene Chavez from OAS Federal Credit Union proudly carried the flag for the District of Columbia and was accompanied by CEO Carlos Calderon. Crasher Tyler Lardy from Library of Congress Federal Credit Union carried the Maryland flag alongside Spectra Credit Union CEO Kristin Shultz, who also serves as Chair of the MD|DC Credit Union Association.