WASHINGTON, DC - In response to yesterday’s ruling by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Oklahoma that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) did not have the authority to enforce and implement a national "Do-Not-Call" registry against telemarketers, Rep. Schiff co-sponsored legislation today expressly giving the FTC that authority.
"Telephone calls from telemarketers have crossed the line from minor irritation to major intrusion," Rep. Schiff said. "I was extremely disappointed by the District Court’s ruling yesterday and in Congress, we must act to protect consumers against the constant invasion of telemarketers into their homes. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this legislation and encourage my constituents to continue signing up for the national Do-Not-Call registry."
Consumers have placed more than 50 million phone numbers on the anti-telemarketing list by using the Internet or a toll-free telephone number. Beginning Oct. 1, marketers would have risked an $11,000 fine each time they called a number on the list.
The legislation, H.R. 3161, was introduced late Wednesday following the District Court’s ruling and will authorize the FTC to implement and enforce a national Do-Not-Call registry. If passed, this legislation will effectively reverse the court decision. The U.S. House of Representatives passed this legislation today. The U.S. Senate is also expected to take up a similar measure soon.
To sign up for the national Do-Not-Call registry, log on to www.DoNotCall.gov or call 1-888-382-1222.
Rep. Schiff represents California’s 29th Congressional District, including the communities of Burbank, Alhambra, Altadena, East Pasadena, East San Gabriel, Glendale, Monterey Park, Pasadena, San Gabriel, South Pasadena and Temple City.