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NAFCU calls on CUs to share stories, urge end of shutdown
As the partial government shutdown enters its second month, NAFCU has launched a new grassroots campaign that allows credit unions to directly contact their representatives and senators. NAFCU is encouraging credit unions to share how their institution is supporting members affected by the shutdown, and to also urge an end to it.
"NAFCU realizes that the impact of this shutdown is being felt by many credit unions and their members in a number of ways," wrote Brad Thaler, NAFCU's vice president of legislative affairs, in a message to member credit unions Tuesday. "We share the sentiment with many of you that it is time to end the shutdown. I write today to ask you to share that message with your elected officials."
Thaler also highlighted credit unions' efforts to help members since the shutdown began.
"The Administration and Members of Congress have been taking notice of the good work credit unions are doing too, with many officials citing credit unions as an important option for assistance to those impacted by the shutdown," Thaler said.
Credit unions can contact their lawmakers through the association's Grassroots Action Center.
Congress and the administration remain at odds over a solution to the lapse in funding that has shuttered nine federal departments and various agencies. President Donald Trump continues to press for full funding to construct a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border.
The Democratic-controlled House has pursued piecemeal and short-term funding strategies in an attempt to reopen the government while allowing conversations on issues such as border security to continue. However, the Republican-controlled Senate has refused to take up any legislation that doesn't have the support of the president.
Tomorrow, the Senate is expected to hold two funding votes: one that would fund the departments for the rest of the fiscal year and also includes border wall funding and an extension of protection under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, and another that would fund the departments through Feb. 8 and includes disaster relief money. Both options would need 60 votes to advance; it is unclear that either would reach that threshold.
The president did sign legislation that would give federal workers back pay once the shutdown ends.