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Consumers who wish to block unwanted telemarketing calls are encouraged to use the National Do Not Call Registry. This Registry, which is managed by the Federal Trade Commission, was created in June 2003. Rep. Royce strongly supported the Do Not Call Implementation Act when it passed the House in February 2003.

To make your home "telemarketing-free," you must register the number you wish to protect with the FTC's Do Not Call list by going online to www.donotcall.gov or calling 1-888-382-1222 (TTY 1-866-290-4236). Registration is free.

Placing your number on the Registry will stop most, but not all, telemarketing calls.

The Do Not Call Registry finally puts consumers in charge of who's calling them at home. By putting their home phone numbers on this safe national registry, consumers can help stop the incessant and unwanted interruptions during dinner hour and their children's homework time.

In 2007, Congress approved new legislation that modifies the do-not-call registry to make it more like a "never call" registry. I also supported this legislation. The law continues to allow citizens to opt-out of telemarketing calls, but with less effort. It negates the need to renew registration. The bill, which has been signed into law, also provides permanent funding in order to operate the registry. The funding comes from fees imposed on telemarketing companies.

It's important to note, however, that one type of call that the registry won't block are political robo-calls. This is why I have cosponsored H.R. 248, the Robo Calls Off Phones (Robo COP) Act. The bill directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to revise the do-not-call registry to prohibit politically-oriented recorded message telephone calls to telephone numbers listed on that registry.