BILL IS THE SENATE VERSION OF STEARNS' LEGISLATION PREVIOUSLY PASSED IN THE HOUSE

Washington, Feb 6, 2008 - "For millions of Americans, the national Do-Not-Call Registry offers shelter from constant and annoying telephone calls," stated Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala). "I joined in enacting the national Do-Not-Call registry in 2003 to provide citizens relief from these unwanted commercial telephone solicitations. This allows consumers to place their home phone numbers on a list that prohibits these telemarketing calls. Unfortunately, the authority of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to collect the fees to maintain the Registry has expired. This legislation renews that authority."

The House today approved S. 781, the Do-Not-Call Registry Fee Extension Act, which is the Senate companion bill to the version Stearns offered in the House. This measure restores the FTC's authority to collect the necessary fees from telemarketers to maintain and update the Registry.

Added Stearns, "I have heard countless expressions of gratitude for providing a means to stop these unwanted calls at home. Those who have added their numbers to the Registry have seen a noticeable decrease in calls interrupting their family life."