Vote sends the legislation aimed at mitigating illegal robocalls to the president’s desk.
12/20/2019 8:30
The U.S. Senate passed S. 151, the Pallone-Thune TRACED Act, Thursday, Dec. 19, with unanimous consent addressing concerns of legitimate businesses in the accounts receivable management industry while directing the Federal Communications Commission to engage in several rulemakings and reports to Congress on call blocking and call authentication.
ACA International’s advocacy team worked with lawmakers to successfully secure changes in the legislation on behalf of members and the industry.
Leah Dempsey, ACA's vice president and senior counsel of federal advocacy, and Mark Brennan, partner at Hogan Lovells US LLP in Washington, D.C., recently discussed the legislation in a riveting episode of ACA Cast titled, "Dissecting the TRACED Act."
The bill now awaits President Donald Trump’s signature.
Before the vote Dec. 19, bill co-sponsor Senate Majority Whip John Thune, R-S.D., commended the bipartisan support for the legislation and noted it recognizes the importance of ensuring legitimate calls are getting through to consumers.
“While the TRACED Act won’t prevent all illegal robocalling … it’s a big step in the right direction,” said Thune, noting that he looks forward to the president’s signature on the TRACED Act in the near future.
Congressional leaders officially released an agreement on S.151, the Pallone-Thune TRACED Act, from the House and Senate aiming to mitigate illegal “robocalls” Nov. 27; taking into consideration some changes addressing concerns of legitimate businesses in the accounts receivable management industry by removing problematic provisions concerning “consent revocation” and defining “called party.”
If the president doesn’t sign the bill in 2019, it will continue in its current form for consideration in 2020. The U.S. House of Representatives approved the bill on Dec. 4.
Members may read more on ACA’s advocacy efforts on the legislation here: ACA’s Advocacy Leads to Improved Bill.