Credit Unions Support Members Impacted by Federal Government Shutdown

October 7, 2025 Advocacy

With Congress still unable to reach a funding agreement to end the federal government shutdown, the MD|DC Credit Union Association continues to engage with elected officials to share how credit unions are stepping up to support impacted members through financial assistance and payment flexibility.

If your credit union would like to be featured in our Federal Government Shutdown Resource Center, please contact Michelle Byrnie-Parker at mparker@mddccua.org. We also welcome your stories and insights on which services members are finding most helpful—whether that’s skipped payments, short-term loans, or other forms of assistance.

MD|DC Credit Union Association President and CEO John Bratsakis recently shared with America’s Credit Unions how credit unions across the region mobilized quickly to help members affected by the shutdown.

“As it started to look like a shutdown was really going to happen, our credit unions didn’t hesitate, they mobilized quickly, putting assistance programs in place to help members. We heard from the Maryland Governor’s Office and from members of our congressional delegation who were looking for information to share with impacted constituents,” said John Bratsakis, president/CEO of the MD|DC Credit Union Association. “Though our advocacy work and the trusted relationships that we have built – along with the America’s Credit Unions and the League system, policymakers know credit unions are on the front lines, ready to help, especially in challenging times. From day one – even hour one – credit unions were putting members first. That’s what credit unions do every day.”