Why It Matters

The Michigan Credit Union League (MCUL) wants to defend member revenue streams while pursuing regulatory relief. MCUL opposes the Credit Card Competition Act, which threatens interchange fee income, and defends overdraft services against consumer advocacy pressure. Simultaneously, the organization pursues wins like the Credit Union Board Modernization Act and BSA/AML reform that reduce compliance costs. This dual strategy—defensive on fees, offensive on modernization—reflects broader industry consensus, with coordinated efforts alongside America’s Credit Unions indicating a unified front facing competing congressional priorities.

By the Numbers

The Michigan Credit Union League reported $60,000 in lobbying expenditures for final quarter 2025. Over two decades since 2003, MCUL has filed 48 total disclosures and spent $732,845 in cumulative lobbying costs, demonstrating sustained engagement.

Todd Robert Jorns manages the organization’s lobbying efforts, representing MCUL since 2017. Jorns has filed 36 disclosures totaling $572,845—accounting for 78 percent of MCUL’s historical spending. His background includes roles at United Way of America and approximately three years of Senate experience.

The Agenda

MCUL is supporting modernization bills like the Credit Union Board Modernization Act and the Financial Reporting Threshold Modernization Act to reduce regulatory burdens. The organization also pushes for federal cryptocurrency frameworks allowing credit unions digital asset parity with banks and backs cannabis banking legislation.

Defensively, MCUL opposes the Credit Card Competition Act and fights restrictions on overdraft services. The organization continues efforts to preserve credit union tax-exempt status and supports stronger federal data security standards applied equally to retailers and financial institutions.

Broader Context

MCUL’s agenda arrives amid significant congressional activity affecting credit unions. The Credit Union Board Modernization Act has achieved bipartisan momentum, passing the House. Senators including Tim Scott and John Kennedy are advancing the STREAMLINE Act to raise Bank Secrecy Act reporting thresholds.

However, Senator Dick Durbin and Roger Marshall reintroduced the Credit Card Competition Act, threatening interchange fee revenue. Consumer advocates continue pressuring on overdraft practices, though the industry secured a victory when President Trump signed a resolution repealing a CFPB overdraft rule.

Between The Lines

Congress is advancing priorities aligned with MCUL’s agenda. The Credit Union Board Modernization Act passed the House with bipartisan support, and Sen. Katie Britt backs a Senate companion. MCUL pushes Bank Secrecy Act reform, aligning with Senate Banking Committee modernization efforts.

MCUL faces headwinds on the Credit Card Competition Act, which has renewed bipartisan momentum with Sen. Durbin building stakeholder support. On cryptocurrency, MCUL positions itself as Congress develops frameworks through bills like the GENIUS Act.

Competitive Landscape

MCUL operates within a broader ecosystem of credit union associations. America’s Credit Unions pursues comprehensive lobbying on tax-exempt status and board modernization. Navy Federal Credit Union independently supports the Board Modernization Act, while state leagues like California’s focus on member business lending.

This creates unified messaging on regulatory relief and tax preservation. However, retailers and merchant groups actively push the Credit Card Competition Act, while consumer advocates pressure the industry on overdraft fees. The landscape reflects industry consensus on modernization amid battles over revenue-impacting regulations.

The Bottom Line

MCUL spent $60,000 in the fourth quarter of 2025 advancing a mixed agenda with varying prospects. The organization has momentum on regulatory relief like the Credit Union Board Modernization Act and BSA/AML reform, which enjoy bipartisan support. However, MCUL faces headwinds opposing the Credit Card Competition Act, which has gained renewed momentum. The organization’s defensive positions underscore the industry’s need to protect revenue streams while navigating evolving regulations.

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