Reps introduce NAFCU-backed bill to help CUs better serve small biz

by NAFCU Newsroom

Reps. Vicente Gonzalez, D-Texas, and Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., today introduced the Member Business Loan Expansion Act, NAFCU-sought bipartisan legislation that would allow the NCUA the flexibility to provide credit unions with relief from the 15-year general loan maturity limit under the Federal Credit Union (FCU) Act and raise the de minimis value of what counts toward the member business lending (MBL) cap from $50,000 to $100,000.

In addition, the bill would amend the definition of “community financial institution” under the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) Act to include credit unions.

“NAFCU applauds Congressmen Gonzalez and Fitzpatrick for introducing this bipartisan legislation to help credit unions better serve their local communities,” said NAFCU President and CEO Dan Berger in response to the bill introduction. “Credit unions have long sought to provide essential loans to small businesses – including many that are minority-owned or underserved – but have been constrained under the archaic 15-year loan maturity limit and outdated member business lending definitions.

“This new legislation will provide credit unions with increased flexibility to encourage the growth and success of small businesses. It will also ensure that more credit unions can offer affordable, high-quality mortgage loans to consumers by expanding eligibility for FHLB membership,” added Berger. “This important legislation will provide great benefit to credit unions and their communities and we urge its passage.”

 

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