Bill introduced for national list
7:44 PM 1/28/03
David Ho Associated Press

WASHINGTON - A key House lawmaker on Tuesday introduced a bill to fund a national do-not-call list, removing a potential obstacle for helping consumers block unwanted calls from telemarketers.

Rep. Billy Tauzin, R-La., chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, had favored a short-term program with limited funding but now supports a broader plan that requires regular progress reports to Congress, said his spokesman, Ken Johnson.

The Federal Trade Commission believes the do-not-call registry will cost about $16 million in its first year. It would be funded with fees collected from telemarketers, but congressional approval is required to collect the fees.

Tauzin introduced a bill Tuesday that would allow the FTC to collect the fees beginning this year and through 2007. Tauzin's committee is expected to approve the measure Wednesday and full House backing should come soon, Johnson said.

"The (House) leadership doesn't want to be bombarded with angry phone calls from consumers any more than we do," Johnson said.

He said they want to speed approval by making the bill's language similar to legislation approved by the Senate. If no further conflicts arise, 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 up to $11,000 for each violation.

Charities, surveys and calls on behalf of politicians would be exempt.

The telemarketing industry has said it will take the FTC to court on grounds the registry unlawfully restricts free speech. The bill is H.R. 395.