In another spectacularly well devised and timed proposal, the Obama Administration is reportedly calling for changes to a federal law prohibiting private debt collectors from making “robo-calls” to cell phones. It would permit such calls only as to debts owed to the federal government. Apparently lots of folks who owe the government money have only cell phones.
To the dismay of consumer groups and the discomfort of Democrats, President Barack Obama wants Congress to make it easier for private debt collectors to call the cellphones of consumers delinquent on student loans and other billions owed the federal government.
Rich fat cats like that need to be pressured in obnoxious ways, but only on behalf of the Federal Government. It’s a sure-fire winner.
Democrats in Congress who frequently support the president, including Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada and House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi of California, declined through aides to say whether they favor or oppose the plan.
Nor was there any reaction from two other members of the party’s leadership in the Senate, Sens. Dick Durbin of Illinois and Chuck Schumer of New York. Both men frequently take the side of consumers in legislative struggles.
Several aides, speaking on condition of anonymity so they could talk freely, said Democrats do not want to oppose the president but are unable to support the request.
What a great idea! At least it will promote an unusual degree of bipartisanship, further enhancing President Obama’s already outstanding record. It should be passed even before the Save Obama Bill (SOB) and probably will be.
This shell is moving pretty fast. Somewhere there is a Republican who has been designated to take the blame for it.
Too bad Congress doesn’t pass a law stopping political robr-ccalls BEFORE the 2012 campaigns get into full swing.
If they pass that law they will also have to pass a rule that all cellphones must be turned off before entering Congress. Otherwise, they would be constantly interrupted by all the debt collectors trying to get them to pay their taxes.
The House is also attempting to do this with HR 3035.
We have a petition to oppose it here http://www.stoppoliticalcalls.org/ht/d/sp/i/301145/pid/301145
Shaun Dakin
CEO
The National Political Do Not Contact Registry
A non profit fighting for the privacy rights of voters