While the Senate is on a recess, NAFCU President/CEO Fred Becker is encouraging credit unions to continue their pressure on elected officials in support of S. 2231, which would raise the member business lending cap to 27.5% of assets.

NAFCU isn't altering its strategic course as a result of a possible vote delay on the bill, Becker said. Instead, he said, credit unions must remain “unrelenting” in their support of MBL legislation, and not give up or walk away.

“That's exactly what bankers want, for us to get discouraged and go away, and if we do that, we're playing right into their hands,” Becker said.

He said NAFCU has been in contact with member credit unions that are constituents of senators the organization hopes will support member business lending legislation. He declined to name names, but said he's encouraging credit unions to visit the key senators in an effort to “seal the deal” for a vote on S. 2231.

Additionally, Becker said he's encouraging NAFCU members to “keep up the drumbeat” and pressure on Congress, particularly during this week's congressional recess.

District office visits can be more fruitful than Washington visits, Becker said, because congressmen and women “have more time, and aren't running from vote to vote or from hearing to hearing. Clearly, they have more time, and if you're meeting them in their district, they know you're a constituent.”

He also said asking about MBL legislation at town hall meetings can be effective.

The Senate and House will both be back in session May 7, according to the 2012 Congressional calendar.

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