By David Ho
Associated Press Thursday, February 13, 2003; Page E07
The House voted 418 to 7 yesterday to approve a national "do not call" list intended to stop telemarketing calls to people who don't want them.
The House measure would allow the Federal Trade Commission to collect fees from telemarketers to pay for the registry, which would cost about $16 million in its first year.
Separately, lawmakers agreed to retain a deal for this fiscal year that would approve money for the list without additional Senate approval or other legislation, said Sen. Ernest F. Hollings (D-S.C.).
"We have ensured that this sensible consumer-protection registry will become a reality this year," Hollings said. He helped develop the agreement that allows the FTC to begin building the do-not-call program when the spending bill becomes law.
The registry's future began to appear uncertain late Monday when Republican leaders sought to change language in the spending bill to require separate Senate approval, Hollings said. The extra step could have led to delays jeopardizing funds for the registry this year, he said.
Hollings and several consumer groups objected to the changes.
"Most people have experienced it -- the annoying ring of the phone just as dinner goes to the table," said Rep. W.J. "Billy" Tauzin (R-La.), chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and sponsor of the bill. Tauzin said the registry "will allow hundreds of thousands of American citizens to enjoy the peace and quiet of their own home."
Nick Smith, a spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.), said Frist supports the do-not-call list and "hopes that we can complete action by the end of the week."
The do-not-call bill authorizes the FTC to collect fees from telemarketers beginning this year and through 2007.
The bill has been the focus of intense lobbying by the telemarketing industry and consumer groups.
Telemarketers say the registry would devastate their business and endanger millions of jobs. The Direct Marketing Association, an industry group, sued the FTC last month, claiming that the registry unlawfully restricts free speech.
Consumer groups and many lawmakers say the registry has overwhelming support from the public.
The Bush administration, in a prepared statement before yesterday's vote, supported the bill and the creation of a registry.
If Congress approves money for this year, the do-not-call list could begin operation by summer.
Consumers could enroll in the free service via the Internet or a toll-free number. Telemarketers would have to check the list every three months to find out who does not want to be called. Those who call listed people could be fined as much as $11,000 for each violation.
Charities, surveys and calls on behalf of politicians would be exempt.
The FTC has limited authority to police telemarketing calls from certain industries, including airlines, banks and telephone companies. The Federal Communications Commission, which oversees calls made by those industries, is considering making them honor the do-not-call list.
