WASHINGTON, D.C. – Drawing credit union executives, League leaders, volunteers, and advocates from across the country, America’s Credit Unions’ Congressional Caucus provides a unique opportunity for the movement to align priorities, strengthen connections, and advance a unified voice on behalf of America’s credit unions and the members they serve.
The annual event is especially timely ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. This week is likely the only week both chambers will be in session at the same time until after the elections.
“Congressional Caucus brings together the people and organizations that make our movement stronger,” said John Bratsakis, Chair of the American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL) and CEO of The League of Credit Unions & Affiliates. “The relationships formed and strengthened during this event help ensure that local insights, state-level expertise, and national priorities work together to advance credit unions and the people they serve.”
League leaders play a significant role throughout Congressional Caucus, participating in the general session, breakout sessions, policy discussions, strategic planning conversations, grassroots advocacy efforts, and meetings with federal policymakers. Their presence helps connect national advocacy priorities with on-the-ground intelligence gathered through year-round engagement with state legislators, regulators, and community leaders.
As part of this year’s program, Bratsakis addressed attendees from the Congressional Caucus main stage, offering reflections on the critical role relationships play in successful advocacy and highlighting the collaborative partnership between Leagues and America’s Credit Unions.
Bratsakis emphasized that while advocacy is often measured through legislative outcomes, its true foundation is built through trusted relationships developed over time. He highlighted ways Leagues and America’s Credit Unions work together to ensure local perspectives inform national priorities and national resources strengthen local efforts.
“Advocacy is about relationships,” Bratsakis noted from the main stage. He emphasized how League leaders cultivate trusted connections with policymakers, regulators, and community stakeholders while coordinating closely with America’s Credit Unions to advance the movement’s shared mission.
As the movement faces an increasingly complex policy environment, Congressional Caucus remains a powerful reminder that advocacy is most effective when credit unions, Leagues, and national partners come together around a shared vision and a shared commitment to the financial well-being of the communities they serve.
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The American Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL) is the national association for the state and regional credit union leagues/associations throughout the United States. AACUL’s mission is to leverage the collective power of Leagues to create advocacy wins for credit unions and build a strong network of credit union associations. We do this by providing advocacy support to yield impact, fostering collaboration and professional development for league staff, and representing the League System to America’s Credit Unions and other industry partners in order to protect and advance a vibrant credit union system.
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