U.S. Representative David Kustoff (R-TN-08) on Tuesday introduced bipartisan legislation aimed to deter repeated robocalls to consumers.
The Deter Obnoxious, Nefarious, and Outrageous Telephone Calls (DO NOT Call) Act will create stricter penalties for companies and individuals who elect to engage in the intentional harassment of consumers.
“I have heard from countless people throughout West Tennessee who are tired of receiving harassing robocalls. That is why I joined Congresswoman Deborah Ross in introducing the DO NOT Call Act. This bill would give more authority to our judicial system to protect Americans from being scammed and defrauded, and further deter bad actors from placing these calls in the first place,” said Kustoff.
Further, the new legislation builds off the foundation of the TRACED Act, which was signed into law by President Trump in 2019
“This legislation provides added protections to prohibit robocalls and builds upon the TRACED Act, which I was proud to introduce last Congress and was signed into law. I urge my colleagues to swiftly pass the DO NOT Call Act to build on the success of the TRACED Act and put an end to these scams,” added Congresswoman Deborah Ross (D-NC-02).
The TRACED Act now requires phone service providers to implement a number-authentication system, at no cost to consumers, in order to help network subscribers identify various callers. It also increases penalties for robocallers that continue to solicit citizens by phone.
“There is an urgent need for Congressional action to protect consumers, to deter predatory robocalls, and to hold individuals and companies accountable. I am proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation with Representative Kustoff and will continue working with my colleagues in the Senate to see it become law,” continued Ross.
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Cooper Moran is a reporter for the Star News Network. Follow Cooper on Twitter. Email tips to [email protected].
