Page 19 - MCUL: Contact Magazine - Q4 2019

HIKE THE HILL/LEGISLATIVE FORECAST
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U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn)
MCUL and credit union advocates met with U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell. After discussing
the credit union difference and not-for-profit tax status with the congresswoman, the
team brought up other federal priorities, including the SAFE Banking Act of 2019,
CECL “stop and study” legislation, BSA/AML reform, robocalls, federal credit union
act modernization legislation, and data privacy/security issues faced by credit union
members and credit unions. The congresswoman is a supporter of the not-for-profit
tax status, she and her staff will review the legislation mentioned, and she is looking
forward to working with MCUL on our priorities.
U.S. Rep. John Moolenaar (R-Midland)
MCUL and approximately 16 credit union advocates met with U.S. Rep. John
Moolenaar. The group discussed the credit union difference and the not-for-profit
tax status, and highlighted the work of credit unions during the federal government
shutdown in late 2018 and early 2019, as well as the UAW strike in October, to
help the affected members. The congressman explained his position on recently
passed cannabis banking legislation (the SAFE Banking Act of 2019) and why he
voted against that bill. The group expressed a desire to keep the dialogue going
on the issue should the cannabis banking bill return to the House and with the
Strengthening the Tenth Amendment Through Entrusting States (STATES) Act (S.3032)
still pending in the chamber. Credit unions outlined the desire for BSA/AML relief
and indicated an appreciation of Moolenaar’s support for the COUNTER Act and
similar legislation. Federal Credit Union Act legislation was also mentioned, and the
group asked the congressman to co-sponsor two bills — the Affordable Housing
Credit Improvement Act of 2017 (H.R. 1661) and the Veterans Members Business
Loan Act (H.R. 2305). Credit union advocates thanked Moolenaar for his vote on
the Stopping Bad Robocalls Act (H.R. 3375) and indicated that they would like his
help to ensure certain protections remain in the bill as the Senate and House will
likely try to work out the differences between their bills in the coming months. CECL
“stop and study” legislation was discussed, and the team requested his support for
the bill. Lastly, the issue of data privacy/security was raised.
U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg (R-Tipton)
MCUL and credit union attendees met with U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg. The team dis-
cussed the credit union difference and the not-for-profit tax status, as well as
heightened banker attacks to the credit union model. Volunteers also discussed the
ongoing need to address consumer data security and breach notification, as well
as smaller, stand-alone bills, including the CECL “stop and study” bill and BSA/AML
reform. The group thanked the congressman for his support prohibiting improper
robocalls while preserving the ability for legitimate business contacts by financial
institutions, and continued discussion on the need for a cannabis banking safe
harbor. Walberg was one of four Michigan representatives who did not support the
passage of the SAFE Banking Act of 2019, but he recognizes the community and
public safety issues involved, and the movement’s dialogue with him was very positive.
FOURTH QUARTER 2019 I CONTACT 19
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