Consumer Protection

WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), a Chief Deputy Whip and Ranking Member of the Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, reintroduced the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Autonomy Act, which would give the FTC more freedom to seek civil penalties by eliminating burdensome red tape that can delay enforcement activity.

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) reintroduced the Road to Zero resolution to reduce traffic fatalities and improve roadway safety for drivers, passengers, pedestrians, bicyclists, and others on the road. Introduction of the resolution follows yesterday’s announcement by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) that over 9,000 people died in traffic crashes during the first three months of 2023. By improving data collection and promoting access to safe, reliable transportation, the Road to Zero resolution aims to end roadway fatalities by 2050.

WASHINGTON – This week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sent letters to 50 online marketplaces nationwide notifying them about their obligation to comply with the new Integrity, Notification, and Fairness in Online Retail Marketplaces for Consumers (INFORM Consumers) Act, which was authored by Representatives Jan Schakowsky and Gus Bilirakis. The FTC advised businesses that they must be in full compliance by June 27, 2023 or face enforcement that could result in civil penalties for violations.

WASHINGTON – Last week, on the last day of Older Americans Month, the House Democratic Caucus Task Force on Aging & Families, chaired by Reps. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Doris Matsui (D-CA), announced the introduction of the Older Americans Bill of Rights. The resolution, which identifies and establishes fundamental rights that every older American and their family deserve, is centered around four pillars including: guaranteeing access to affordable, equitable and comprehensive health care; financial and retirement security for seniors and their families; full participation and contribution to their communities; and aging with dignity and respect.

WASHINGTON - Today, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), a Chief Deputy Whip and Ranking Member of the Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, released the following statement after a Wall Street Journal report found that Instagram’s algorithm promoted pedophilia content and connected users searching for such content:

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Representatives Jan Schakowsky (IL-09) and Gus Bilirakis (FL-12), Ranking Member and Chair, respectively, of the Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, introduced bipartisan legislation to improve transparency in the entertainment industry by requiring all event ticket sellers to display the total ticket price—including all required fees—in any advertisement, marketing, or promotional materials.  The TICKET Act would mirror current advertising guidelines for airline tickets, requiring that consumers are able to see the full price of the ticket before purchase.  This will ensure that when American consumers are buying tickets (for concerts, theater, sporting events, etc.) they have full transparency throughout the process. Studies from the New York Attorney General’s office and the Government Accountability Office (GAO) show that fees can contribute anywhere from 21% to as much as 58% of the total cost of tickets.