Capitol Hill Security Not Hindering CU Lobby Efforts

WASHINGTON-Credit union lobbyists have reported that they have noticed little to no change on Capitol Hill since the terrorist alert level was raised Feb. 7. CUNA Vice President and Senior Legislative Counsel Gary Kohn explained that everyone has to go through metal detectors and regular screening to enter the Senate and House office buildings or the Capitol. However, not much has changed since Sept. 11, he observed. Law enforcement officials may be “a little more visible,” NAFCU Director of Legislative and Political Affairs Brad Thaler said, but the Hill has always been a high security area, he pointed out. Thaler added that there are plenty of wild rumors flying around though. Both lobbyists agreed that any additional security measures are not preventing them from delivering the credit union message to federal lawmakers. Even though credit union lobbyists may not be able to detect it, increased security measures have been taken around the Washington, D.C.-area, CNN.com has reported. Hummers equipped with anti-aircraft missiles have been positioned around the nation’s capital, according to CNN.com, and fighter jet patrols over Washington and New York have intensified since the terrorist threat level was raised.