Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this bipartisan legislation.  I want to thank Chairman Tauzin, and full committee ranking Democratic member, Mr. Dingell, for their outstanding leadership in quickly advancing this pro-consumer legislation.  
 
Yesterday a federal district Judge blocked the FTC from implementing its national do not call registry on the grounds that Congress did not grant the FTC authority.  I disagree with the courts decision.  Earlier this session we passed “The National “Do-Not-Call Implementation Act” with overwhelmingly bipartisan support. The new law explicitly gave the FTC the authority to collect fees and create a national do not call list.   I am confident that the court’s decision would have eventually been overturned on appeal.  Today we are removing any uncertainty about Congress’ intent.  With passage of this legislation the FTC will be able to add more people to their list and they will be able to implement its do not call registry without interruption or delay.
 
Mr. Speaker, we all appreciate the precious time we have at home with our families after a long day at work, but who hasn’t had that time interrupted by a telemarketer?  We all know from personal experience how intrusive these calls can be.  I hear complaints from many of my constituents who are tired of receiving telemarketing calls at home.  That is why since its inception 2.2 million Illinois households and nearly 50 million families nationwide have added their names to the list.  We honor their wishes and want to ensure that the list is implemented without delay. Consumers should be able to stop these calls if they so choose and the FTC’s national do- not- call list will make it easier for people to enjoy peace and quite at home.  I urge all my colleagues to support this pro consumer legislation.