Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. First, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Vargas) for offering H.R. 6889, the Credit Union Board Modernization Act. This bipartisan bill would revise Federal credit union board meeting requirements to bring highly rated Federal credit unions in line with State credit union charter requirements in 17 States, including my home State of California. Under this bill, Federal credit unions that are highly rated by their regulator, including a highly rated management team, would be required to meet at least six times annually, with at least one meeting held during each fiscal quarter. This would be a reduction from the current requirement to meet monthly. To ensure stability and mitigate the risk of institutional failure, there are important safeguards included in the bill. For example, de novo or new Federal credit union boards would still be required to meet at least monthly during the first 5 years of receiving a charter, as well as Federal credit unions that have received low exam ratings. Additionally, if emergencies or issues arise requiring a board meeting, nothing in the bill prevents Federal credit unions from meeting more frequently. Credit unions and consumer groups support H.R. 6889, including the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues, Americans for Financial Reform, and Center for Responsible Lending. Mr. Speaker, I urge Members to support this bill as well, and I reserve the balance of my time.”