NEWS RELEASE
Committee on Energy and Commerce Democrats
Congressman John D. Dingell, Ranking Member

Tauzin, Dingell Disappointed Over Latest 
Do-Not-Call Court Ruling

WASHINGTON (September 26) -- House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Billy Tauzin (R-LA) and ranking member John Dingell (D-MI) today released the following statement on the federal court ruling in Colorado declaring the Federal Trade Commission's national do-not-call registry unconstitutional:

"Yesterday we passed, with an overwhelming bipartisan majority in the House and Senate, legislation clearly giving the Federal Trade Commission authority to create and enforce a national do-not-call registry for consumers. Congress spoke clearly by siding with the 50 million American consumers who have already registered their numbers.

"We are disappointed to learn that a second federal court in Colorado has agreed with the telemarketing industry and ruled against the do-not-call registry. The court found the registry to be an unconstitutional regulation of speech. We disagree.

"The do-not-call registry does not restrict a salesman's right to speak, rather it empowers American consumers who choose not to listen. Putting your name on the do-not-call list is no different than hanging a 'no solicitation' sign on your front door. This issue is not about speech, it is about American citizens deciding who they let into the privacy of their homes.

"Rest assured, we will examine the judge's opinion closely and will take whatever steps we can to ensure that the do-not-call registry is open for business as scheduled." 

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