Connecting with White House, Treasury leaders; NCUA Budget Approved; Simpson gives inside look to advocacy, strategy in new podcast episode

Connecting with White House, Treasury leaders  
Bringing credit union priorities directly to Administration officials, America’s Credit Unions President/CEO Scott Simpson, Senior Vice President of Advocacy Greg Mesack, and Head of Regulatory Advocacy James Akin met with Treasury and National Economic Council leaders today.   
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“Today’s discussions with Treasury and the National Economic Council were productive and focused on advancing policies that expand opportunity and strengthen financial security. Credit unions are well positioned to support priorities like Trump Accounts, a stable and affordable housing finance system, and community investment through the CDFI Fund. We deeply appreciate the Administration’s engagement and look forward to continued collaboration to ensure economic growth and freedom.” - Scott Simpson, America’s Credit Unions President/CEO 

Treasury Under Secretary for Domestic Finance Jonathan McKernan  
McKernan, who was previously the nominee for CFPB director before his Treasury appointment, advises the administration on the domestic financial system, fiscal policy, and operations.   

The meeting addressed the importance of allowing credit unions to be authorized Trump Account providers, shared the credit union perspective on potential Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac reforms, Bank Secrecy Act reforms and implementation of the GENIUS Act.   

McKernan spoke at this year’s Congressional Caucus and acknowledged that Treasury has heard credit unions’ fraud concerns “loud and clear.” America’s Credit Unions is also engaged with Treasury on continued support for the Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) Fund. ​

Jonathan McKernan  and Scott Simpson

Special Assistant to the President for Economic Policy Jeff Wrase   
Wrase—who serves on the White House National Economic Council—advises the administration on both U.S. and foreign economic policy.   

Simpson reiterated America’s Credit Unions’ strong support for a full three-member board to lead an independent NCUA, noting several constraints with the current board of a single chairman.    
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 The group also shared credit union Trump Account and CDFI Fund priorities.  

Jeff Wrase and Scott Simpson

NCUA Budget Votes to Approve Budget 
Following the approval of the NCUA’s Budget for FY2026-2027, President/CEO Scott Simpson issued the following statement:  
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“We appreciate the NCUA Board’s vote to pass a budget that reflects a meaningful effort to reduce costs on credit unions and respond to long-standing concerns about regulatory expenses. A more disciplined budget that prioritizes the agency’s core mission of safety and soundness is in the best interest of credit unions and the members they serve. Continued transparency and smart modernization will be important to ensure the NCUA can carry out its responsibilities efficiently and effectively to protect credit unions.”  

New podcast features Simpson on Advocacy Strategy 
On Episode 11 of our podcast, A CU Seat at the Table, we feature Scott Simpson, President and CEO, in a candid conversation about the strategy shaping the organization’s 2026 advocacy priorities. In the episode, Simpson takes listeners behind the scenes of how input from credit union leaders across the country helped inform a focused, forward-looking policy agenda. 

The discussion highlights the importance of collaboration, disciplined advocacy, and protecting credit unions’ mission as the industry looks ahead. The episode offers a clear look at what success means for credit unions and the members they serve. 

Listen to “Scott Simpson — Behind the Strategy” at Episode 11: Scott Simpson: Behind the Strategy | America's Credit Unions.