Welcome to Consumer Action’s Take Action Center. Consumer Action offers e-advocacy tools to help you make your voice and opinions heard. The free service allows you to play active role in the political process by finding contact information for your federal and state elected officials, writing to Congress, sending letters to the editor, responding to key legislation and more. If you like our Take Action Center, consider supporting our work.
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National Action
Stop debt collectors from harassing consumers! Act now!
Date: Wed, August 07, 2019
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is proposing a new rule governing debt collectors.
The proposed rule does more to protect abusive debt collectors than consumers. But you can remind the CFPB that they are the Consumer Bureau.
Support
National Legislation
S 1389: Loan Shark Prevention Act
Sponsor: Bernie Sanders [D-VT] on 2019-05-19
https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/116/s1389
This bill would protect consumers burdened with exorbitant interest rates on credit cards, payday and other loans by imposing a 15% federal cap.
Support
National Legislation
S 1826: DO NOT Call Act
Sponsor: Catherine Cortez Masto [D-NV] on 2019-06-13
https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/116/s1826
This legislation would strengthen the penalties for telemarketers, scammers and others who violate the Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1993 (TCPA). Initiating a robocall without the consent of the individual being called is outlawed under the TCPA.
Support
National Legislation
HR 2683: Unsubscribe Act of 2019
Sponsor: Mark Takano [D-CA] on 2019-05-10
https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/116/hr2683
The Unsubscribe Act would protect consumers from misleading online marketing that traps them in costly automatic monthly shipments known as a negative-option offers. This bill would force companies to get consumers' explicit permission before charging them.
Support
National Legislation
HR 1500: Consumers First Act
Sponsor: Maxine Waters [D-CA] on 2019-03-05
https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/116/hr1500
This bill would ensure that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is able to fulfill its statutory mission to put consumers first, by restoring and protecting its supervisory and enforcement powers.
Support
National Legislation
S 867: PROTECT Students Act of 2019
Sponsor: Margaret “Maggie” Hassan [D-NH] on 2019-03-26
https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/116/s867
A bill to improve oversight and accountability of institutions of higher education (particularly for-profit colleges) and protect students and borrowers by codifying the gainful employment and borrower defense rules.
Support
National Legislation
S 888: Understanding the True Cost of College Act
Sponsor: Charles “Chuck” Grassley [R-OH] on 2019-03-29
https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/116/s888
This bill offers commonsense solutions to create consistency and clarity in financial aid communications (offer letters) to students, particularly with regards to the amount and type of aid offered and the obligations associated with said aid.
Oppose
California Action
VOIP phone users deserve basic protections
Date: Tue, August 06, 2019
AB 1366 seeks to extend a loophole allowing IP-enabled services like VOIP from state regulation. All voice providers that offer the public the vital link to 9-1-1 must once again be required to provide reliable service and consumer protections, and this bill should be opposed. Consumers should not have to forego basic protections when they choose to use a VOIP phone at home. These protections should include battery backups so that phones work during power failures, the ability of the CPUC to investigate complaints when consumers are overcharged, and LifeLine discounts for VOIP home phones.
Support
National Legislation
S1178: Safety is Not for Sale Act
Sponsor: Edward Markey (D-MA) on 2019-04-11
https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/116/s1178
A bill to require aircraft manufacturers to offer or provide non-required safety enhancing equipment of an aircraft without additional charge to an air carrier.
Oppose
California Legislation
Oppose AB 1366: VOIP phone users deserve basic protections
Sponsor: Lorena Gonzalez on 2019-2-22
AB 1366 seekd to extend a loophole allowing IP-enabled services like VOIP from state regulation. All voice providers that offer the public the vital link to 9-1-1 must once again be required to provide reliable service and consumer protections, and this bill should be opposed.