Credit unions from Maryland, Delaware, and Washington, DC gathered on Capitol Hill on Wednesday to advocate on behalf of the 2.8 million members they collectively serve across the region.

Throughout the day, credit union leaders met with lawmakers to discuss several priority issues, including preserving the credit union tax status and opposing legislative efforts that could limit access to affordable financial services and weaken existing fraud protections.

Credit unions expressed their appreciation for maintaining the federal credit union tax exemption which delivers an estimated $30 billion in direct financial benefits to 145 million credit union members nationwide. Leaders highlighted the long-standing role credit unions play in supporting financial well-being by offering lower loan rates, higher savings yields, and fewer fees, particularly during challenging economic times.

Credit unions also urged lawmakers to protect consumer access to affordable credit. They emphasized the importance of preserving interchange revenue, which helps maintain a secure and reliable electronic payments system, and encouraged opposition to the Credit Card Competition Act, cautioning that it could undermine payment security and limit access to credit for those who need it most.

In addition, credit unions warned that a proposed 10% nationwide interest rate cap on credit cards would have unintended consequences, restricting access to credit for 47 million subprime borrowers.

Delaware Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester, a co-sponsor of the Credit Union Modernization Act, reaffirmed her commitment to advancing the legislation. The bill, which modernizes outdated governance requirements for federal credit unions, has passed the House and continues to gain momentum in the Senate.

Lawmakers expressed appreciation for the support credit unions provided during recent federal government shutdowns and workforce reductions. During the 2025 shutdown, the longest in history, credit unions delivered more than $208 million in financial assistance to 11,364 affected members in the region, helping households bridge gaps and maintain financial stability.

Meetings Included Conversations With:

• Sen. Chris Coons (DE)
• Sen. Chris Van Hollen (MD)
• Sen. Angela Alsobrooks (MD)
• Rep. Johnny Olszewski (MD-02)
• Rep. Sarah Elfreth (MD-03)
• Rep. Glenn Ivey (MD-04)
• Rep. Steny Hoyer (MD-05)
• Rep. April McClain Delaney (MD-06)
• Rep. Sarah McBride (DE)