Congressional Record, H.R. 7310 and H.R. 2610 — House of Representatives, November 17, 2020

Summary

A page of the Congressional Record, House, dated November 17, 2020, beginning at page H5827, with debate on suspension bills. Mr. Walden speaks in support of H.R. 7310, the Spectrum IT Modernization Act of 2020, which would have NTIA set a process to modernize Federal spectrum management, and a letter from Mr. Pallone to Chairman Smith agrees to discharge the bill from further committee consideration. Another bill, H.R. 2610, would establish a Senior Scams Prevention Advisory Council and require the Commission to inform the public about scams related to the novel coronavirus, with a speaker urging that older Americans be armed with the right information.

Summary drafted by a model from the document's text below and checked by script against that text before publication. It is a navigation aid, not a reading of what the document proves. Where AI is used

Cite this document

“Congressional Record, H.R. 7310 and H.R. 2610 — House of Representatives, November 17, 2020.” Original at www.govinfo.gov. Archived at Pandemic Darlings, https://pandemicdarlings.com/source-documents/crec-crec-2020-11-17-crec-2020-11-17-pt1-pgh5827-fcd0a5819f/, SHA-256 ecded43d1068391e05fe9fdbe1c2f745762da1bbe106558ff09ebe007d5df084.

Full text

November 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5827
DOYLE and Ranking Member BOB HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, tions and empower the NTIA to effi-
LATTA, as well as Representative COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND COMMERCE, ciently track Federal spectrum use to
WALBERG and Representative LARSEN Washington, DC, November 17, 2020. identify new opportunities to improve
Hon. ADAM SMITH,
from Washington. efficiency. Done correctly, this results
Chairman, Committee on Armed Services,
More specifically, this bipartisan bill House of Representatives, Washington, DC. in benefits for American consumers,
would require the National Tele- DEAR CHAIRMAN SMITH: Thank you for con- taxpayers, and, frankly, the Federal
communications and Information Ad- sulting with the Committee on Energy and agencies as well.
ministration, or NTIA, in consultation Commerce and agreeing to be discharged H.R. 7310 would require NTIA to es-
with the Policy and Plans Steering from further consideration of H.R. 7310, the tablish a process to upgrade their spec-
Spectrum IT Modernization Act of 2020, so trum management infrastructure for
Group, to identify a process to mod-
that the bill may proceed expeditiously to the 21st century. The bill would direct
ernize our Federal spectrum manage- the House floor.
ment infrastructure. It would require I agree that your forgoing further action
the policy coordination arm of NTIA to
the NTIA to examine ways to improve on this measure does not in any way dimin- submit a plan to Congress as to how
coordination between Federal agencies ish or alter the jurisdiction of your com- they will standardize the data collec-
and improve the ability of those agen- mittee or prejudice its jurisdictional prerog- tion across agencies and then directs
cies to meet their mission require- atives on this measure or similar legislation agencies with Federal spectrum assign-
ments in congested spectrum environ- in the future. I would support your effort to ments from NTIA to issue an imple-
seek appointment of an appropriate number mentation plan to interoperate with
ments—in other words, share spectrum.
of conferees from your committee to any NTIA’s plan.
It would require the NTIA to report House-Senate conference on this legislation.
back to us in less than a year’s time to I will seek to place our letters on H.R. 7310
This is a good-government bill—it
tell us what the plan is for updating into the Congressional Record during floor really is—and with continued support
and improving our Federal spectrum consideration of the bill. I appreciate your and oversight from Congress, we can
management, because this is some- cooperation regarding this legislation and continue the United States’ leadership
thing that needs to be done sooner look forward to continuing to work together in making Federal spectrum available
as this measure moves through the legisla- for flexible use by the private sector.
rather than later. tive process. So I encourage my colleagues to sup-
Mr. Speaker, this legislation would Sincerely, port the legislation.
also require the Comptroller General of FRANK PALLONE, JR.,
Mr. Speaker, I have no further speak-
the United States to conduct oversight Chairman.
ers. I urge passage of the legislation,
of the implementation of the mod- Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield and I yield back the balance of my
ernization plan submitted by the NTIA myself such time as I may consume. time.
and report to Congress annually on I rise today in support of H.R. 7310, Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I have
that process. the Spectrum IT Modernization Act. no additional speakers, so I urge sup-
By managing our Federal spectrum I would like to thank Chairman port of the bill, and I yield back the
infrastructure and making it interoper- DOYLE and his team for working with balance of my time.
able, Federal entities and the NTIA us, along with our colleagues in the The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr.
will be able to increase the efficiency Senate who introduced this bill, Sen- HIMES). The question is on the motion
of Federal spectrum use. This is a good ators WICKER, CANTWELL, INHOFE, and offered by the gentleman from New
thing for our country, and it is cer- REED. Jersey (Mr. PALLONE) that the House
tainly important that we do it now. Today’s bipartisan legislation will suspend the rules and pass the bill,
So I hope that my colleagues on both help improve NTIA’s ability to fulfill H.R. 7310.
sides of the aisle will join me in voting its mandate of managing spectrum The question was taken; and (two-
to pass this important bill, and I re- among Federal agencies. thirds being in the affirmative) the
serve the balance of my time. The Energy and Commerce Com- rules were suspended and the bill was
mittee has long conducted oversight of passed.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,
COMMITTEE ON ARMED SERVICES, our Nation’s spectrum resources, and A motion to reconsider was laid on
Washington, DC, November 17, 2020. we work to balance the critical agency the table.
Hon. FRANK PALLONE, JR., mission needs and the demand to make
f
Chairman, Committee on Energy and Commerce, spectrum available for commercial
House of Representatives, Washington, DC. users. b 1415
DEAR CHAIRMAN PALLONE: I write con- Through NTIA and the Federal Com- FRAUD AND SCAM REDUCTION
cerning H.R. 7310, the Spectrum IT Mod- munications Commission, we have suc-
ernization Act of 2020. As a result of your
ACT
cessfully made Federal spectrum avail-
having consulted with us on provisions with- able for commercial use, which is why Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I move
in H.R. 7310 that fall within the Rule X juris- to suspend the rules and pass the bill
diction of the Committee on Armed Services,
the United States has led the world in
deploying advanced networks such as (H.R. 2610) to establish a Senior Scams
I forego any further consideration of this bill Prevention Advisory Council to collect
so that it may proceed expeditiously to the 3G and 4G, and we are continuing these
House floor for consideration. efforts to maintain U.S. leadership in and disseminate model educational ma-
5G. terials useful in identifying and pre-
The Committee on Armed Services takes
this action with our mutual understanding Working across all of the Federal venting scams that affect seniors, as
that by foregoing consideration of H.R. 7310 agencies has resulted in unprecedented amended.
at this time, we do not waive any jurisdic- commercial access to our airwave re- The Clerk read the title of the bill.
tion over subject matter contained in this or sources—like the recently announced The text of the bill is as follows:
similar legislation and that our committee H.R. 2610
100 megahertz of spectrum identified
will be appropriately consulted and involved
for commercial use that the FCC will Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep-
as this bill or similar legislation moves for-
auction next year—and has garnered resentatives of the United States of America in
ward so that we may address any remaining
billions of dollars in private invest- Congress assembled,
issues in our jurisdiction.
ment by the private sector. SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Finally, I ask that a copy of our exchange
In order to leverage the efficiencies (a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as
of letters on this matter be included in the
the ‘‘Fraud and Scam Reduction Act’’.
bill report filed by the Energy and Com- and innovation from our free market
(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con-
merce Committee, as well as in the Congres- system, NTIA must have visibility tents for this Act is as follows:
sional Record during floor consideration, to across Federal agencies as to how agen- Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.

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memorialize our understanding. Thank you cies are using or not using these crit- Sec. 2. Commission defined.
for the cooperative spirit in which you have
ical resources consistent with their TITLE I—PREVENTING CONSUMER
worked regarding this matter and others be-
tween our respective committees. statutory mission. SCAMS DIRECTED AT SENIORS
Sincerely, As our world continues to demand in- Sec. 101. Short title.
ADAM SMITH, creased connectivity, it is essential Sec. 102. Senior Scams Prevention Advisory
Chairman. that we harness technological innova- Group.

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H5828 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 17, 2020
TITLE II—SENIOR FRAUD ADVISORY (A) collect information on the existence, SEC. 202. SENIOR FRAUD ADVISORY OFFICE.
OFFICE use, and success of educational materials and (a) ESTABLISHMENT OF ADVISORY OFFICE.—
Sec. 201. Short title. programs for retailers, financial services, The Federal Trade Commission shall estab-
Sec. 202. Senior Fraud Advisory Office. and wire-transfer companies, which— lish an office within the Bureau of Consumer
TITLE III—PREVENTING THE TARGETING (i) may be used as a guide to educate em- Protection for the purpose of advising the
OF SENIORS DURING EMERGENCIES ployees on how to identify and prevent Commission on the prevention of fraud tar-
scams that affect seniors; and geting seniors and to assist the Commission
Sec. 301. Short title.
(ii) include— with the following:
Sec. 302. FTC report on scams targeting sen-
(I) useful information for retailers, finan- (1) OVERSIGHT.—The advisory office shall
iors during emergencies.
cial services, and wire transfer companies for monitor the market for mail, television,
Sec. 303. Increasing awareness of scams tar-
the purpose described in clause (i); internet, telemarketing, and recorded mes-
geting seniors.
(II) training for employees on ways to iden- sage telephone call (hereinafter referred to
TITLE IV—PREVENTING SCAMS tify and prevent senior scams; as ‘‘robocall’’) fraud targeting seniors and
TARGETING INDIAN TRIBES (III) best practices for keeping employees shall coordinate with other relevant agencies
Sec. 401. Short title. up to date on current scams; regarding the requirements of this section.
Sec. 402. FTC report on unfair or deceptive (IV) the most effective signage and place- (2) CONSUMER EDUCATION.—The Commission
acts or practices targeting In- ment in retail locations to warn seniors through the advisory office shall, in con-
dian Tribes. about scammers’ use of gift cards, prepaid sultation with the Attorney General, the
TITLE V—ENHANCING CONSUMER cards, and wire transfer services; Secretary of Health and Human Services, the
PROTECTION ENFORCEMENT (V) suggestions on effective collaborative Postmaster General, the Chief Postal Inspec-
Sec. 501. Short title. community education campaigns; tor for the United States Postal Inspection
Sec. 502. Unfair and deceptive practices co- (VI) available technology to assist in iden- Service, and other relevant agencies—
operation study. tifying possible scams at the point of sale; (A) disseminate to seniors and families and
TITLE VI—DETERMINATION OF and caregivers of seniors general information on
BUDGETARY EFFECTS (VII) other information that would be help- mail, television, internet, telemarketing,
ful to retailers, wire transfer companies, fi- and robocall fraud targeting seniors, includ-
Sec. 601. Determination of budgetary ef- nancial institutions, and their employees as ing descriptions of the most common fraud
fects. they work to prevent fraud affecting seniors; schemes;
SEC. 2. COMMISSION DEFINED. and (B) disseminate to seniors and families and
In this Act, the term ‘‘Commission’’ means (B) based on the findings in subparagraph caregivers of seniors information on report-
the Federal Trade Commission. (A)— ing complaints of fraud targeting seniors ei-
TITLE I—PREVENTING CONSUMER SCAMS (i) identify inadequacies, omissions, or de- ther to the national toll-free telephone num-
DIRECTED AT SENIORS ficiencies in those educational materials and ber established by the Commission for re-
SEC. 101. SHORT TITLE. programs for the categories listed in sub- porting such complaints, or to the Consumer
This title may be cited as the ‘‘Stop Senior paragraph (A) and their execution in reach- Sentinel Network, operated by the Commis-
Scams Act’’. ing employees to protect older adults; and sion, where such complaints will become im-
SEC. 102. SENIOR SCAMS PREVENTION ADVISORY
(ii) create model materials, best practices mediately available to appropriate law en-
GROUP. guidance, or recommendations to fill those forcement agencies, including the Federal
(a) ESTABLISHMENT OF SENIOR SCAMS PRE- inadequacies, omissions, or deficiencies that Bureau of Investigation and the attorneys
VENTION ADVISORY GROUP.—There is estab-
may be used by industry and others to help general of the States;
lished a Senior Scams Prevention Advisory protect older adults from scams. (C) in response to a specific request about
Group (referred to in this section as the ‘‘Ad- (2) ENCOURAGED USE.—The Federal Trade a particular entity or individual, provide
visory Group’’). Commission shall— publically available information of enforce-
(b) MEMBERS.—The Advisory Group shall (A) make the materials or guidance cre- ment action taken by the Commission for
be composed of stakeholders such as the fol- ated by the Federal Trade Commission de- mail, television, internet, telemarketing,
lowing individuals or the designees of such scribed in paragraph (1) publicly available; and robocall fraud against such entity; and
individuals: and (D) maintain a website to serve as a re-
(1) The Chairman of the Federal Trade (B) encourage the use and distribution of source for information for seniors and fami-
Commission. the materials created under this subsection lies and caregivers of seniors regarding mail,
(2) The Secretary of the Treasury. to prevent scams affecting seniors by govern- television, internet, telemarketing, robocall,
(3) The Attorney General. mental agencies and the private sector. and other identified fraud targeting seniors.
(4) The Director of the Bureau of Consumer (e) REPORTS.—Section 101(c)(2) of the Elder (3) COMPLAINTS.—The Commission through
Financial Protection. Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act (34 the advisory office shall, in consultation
(5) Representatives from each of the fol- U.S.C. 21711(c)(2)) is amended— with the Attorney General, establish proce-
lowing sectors, including trade associations, (1) in subparagraph (C), by striking ‘‘and’’ dures to—
to be selected by Federal Trade Commission: at the end; (A) log and acknowledge the receipt of
(A) Retail. (2) in subparagraph (D), by striking the pe- complaints by individuals who believe they
(B) Gift cards. riod at the end and inserting ‘‘; and’’; and have been a victim of mail, television, inter-
(C) Telecommunications. (3) by adding at the end the following: net, telemarketing, and robocall fraud in the
(D) Wire-transfer services. ‘‘(E) for the Federal Trade Commission, in Consumer Sentinel Network, and shall make
(E) Senior peer advocates. relevant years, information on— those complaints immediately available to
(F) Consumer advocacy organizations with ‘‘(i) the newly created materials, guidance, Federal, State, and local law enforcement
efforts focused on preventing seniors from or recommendations of the Senior Scams authorities; and
becoming the victims of scams. Prevention Advisory Group established (B) provide to individuals described in sub-
(G) Financial services, including institu- under section 2 of the Stop Senior Scams paragraph (A), and to any other persons, spe-
tions that engage in digital currency. Act, and any relevant views or consider- cific and general information on mail, tele-
(H) Prepaid cards. ations made by members of the Advisory vision, internet, telemarketing, and robocall
(6) A member of the Board of Governors of Group that were not included in the Advi- fraud, including descriptions of the most
the Federal Reserve System. sory Group’s model materials or considered common schemes using such methods of
(7) A prudential regulator, as defined in an official recommendation by the Advisory communication.
section 1002 of the Consumer Financial Pro- Group; (b) COMMENCEMENT.—The Commission shall
tection Act of 2010 (12 U.S.C. 5481). ‘‘(ii) the Senior Scams Prevention Advi- commence carrying out the requirements of
(8) The Director of the Financial Crimes sory Group’s findings about senior scams and this section not later than one year after the
Enforcement Network. industry educational materials and pro- date of enactment of this Act.
(9) Any other Federal, State, or local agen- grams; and
TITLE III—PREVENTING THE TARGETING
cy, industry representative, consumer advo- ‘‘(iii) any recommendations on ways stake-
OF SENIORS DURING EMERGENCIES
cate, or entity, as determined by the Federal holders can continue to work together to re-
duce scams affecting seniors.’’. SEC. 301. SHORT TITLE.
Trade Commission.
(f) TERMINATION.—This title, and the This title may be cited as the ‘‘Protecting
(c) NO COMPENSATION FOR MEMBERS.—A
amendments made by this title, cease to be Seniors from Emergency Scams Act’’.
member of the Advisory Group shall serve
effective on the date that is 5 years after the

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without compensation in addition to any SEC. 302. FTC REPORT ON SCAMS TARGETING
date of enactment of this Act. SENIORS DURING EMERGENCIES.
compensation received for the service of the
member as an officer or employee of the TITLE II—SENIOR FRAUD ADVISORY Not later than 30 days after the date of en-
United States, if applicable. OFFICE actment of this Act, the Federal Trade Com-
(d) DUTIES.— SEC. 201. SHORT TITLE. mission (referred to in this Act as the ‘‘Com-
(1) IN GENERAL.—The Advisory Group This title may be cited as the ‘‘Seniors mission’’) shall submit a report to Congress
shall— Fraud Prevention Act of 2020’’. including—

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November 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5829
(1) a description of the number and types of (A) The roles and responsibilities of the Reduction Act. This bipartisan bill was
scams identified by the Commission as being Commission and State Attorneys General introduced by Representatives BLUNT
targeted at senior citizens; and that best advance collaboration and con- ROCHESTER and WALBERG and advanced
(2) policy recommendations to prevent sumer protection.
(B) The policies, procedures, and mecha-
out of the Energy and Commerce Com-
such scams, especially as such scams relate
to future national emergencies. nisms that facilitate cooperation and com- mittee by a voice vote.
SEC. 303. INCREASING AWARENESS OF SCAMS munications across the Commission. Reducing scams and fraud is an issue
TARGETING SENIORS. (C) How resources should be dedicated to of utmost importance in every commu-
(a) IN GENERAL.—As soon as practicable best advance such collaboration and con- nity, and especially so during these un-
after the date of enactment of this Act, the sumer protection. certain and unprecedented times. Right
Commission shall update its web portal to (D) The accountability mechanisms that
now, we are, fortunately, seeing the
include the latest information, searchable by should be implemented to promote collabo-
region and type of scam, on scams targeting ration and consumer protection. best of humanity, but unscrupulous
seniors, including contacts for relevant law (3) CONSULTATION AND PUBLIC COMMENT.—In scammers and fraudsters still abound
enforcement and adult protective service producing the study required in paragraph seeking to capitalize on confusion and
agencies. (1), the Commission shall— fear.
(b) COORDINATION WITH MEDIA OUTLETS AND (A) consult with— Seniors, Mr. Speaker, are especially
LAW ENFORCEMENT.—The Commission shall (i) the National Association of State Attor-
work with media outlets and law enforce- vulnerable. According to the most re-
neys General;
ment to distribute the information included cent report from the Federal Trade
(ii) public interest organizations dedicated
in the web portal of the Commission pursu- to consumer protection; Commission, older adults reported
ant to subsection (a) to senior citizens and (iii) relevant private sector entities; and nearly $400 million in losses from fraud
their families and caregivers. (iv) any other Federal or State agency that in 2018. It is rare to recover these
TITLE IV—PREVENTING SCAMS the Federal Trade Commission considers losses. We all need to work together to
TARGETING INDIAN TRIBES necessary; and protect senior citizens from scams be-
SEC. 401. SHORT TITLE. (B) provide opportunity for public com- fore they fall victim and suffer these
This title may be cited as the ‘‘Protecting ment and advice relevant to the production monetary losses.
Indian Tribes from Scams Act’’. of the study.
SEC. 402. FTC REPORT ON UNFAIR OR DECEPTIVE (b) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 6 This bill, originally titled the Stop
ACTS OR PRACTICES TARGETING IN- months after the completion of the study re- Senior Scams Act, establishes a new
DIAN TRIBES. quired pursuant to subsection (a), the Com- Senior Scams Prevention Advisory
(a) FTC REPORT.—Not later than 1 year mission shall submit to the Committee on Council composed of relevant govern-
after the date of the enactment of this Act, Energy and Commerce of the House of Rep- ment agencies and industry representa-
and after consultation with Indian Tribes, resentatives and the Committee on Com- tives to collect and implement best
the Commission shall make publicly avail- merce, Science, and Transportation of the
able on the website of the Commission and Senate, and make publicly available on the practices to stop scammers before they
submit to the Committee on Energy and website of the Commission, a report that can cause harm. It establishes a new
Commerce of the House of Representatives contains the following: program to prevent fraud that targets
and the Committee on Commerce, Science, (1) The results of the study. seniors. The bill will also improve edu-
and Transportation of the Senate a report on (2) Recommended best practices to enhance cational materials on senior scams and
unfair or deceptive acts or practices targeted collaboration efforts between the Commis- make sure they are publicly available.
at Indian Tribes or members of Indian sion and State Attorneys General with re-
Tribes, including— I want to thank Representatives
spect to preventing, publicizing, and penal-
(1) a description of the types of unfair or izing fraud and scams. DEUTCH and BUCHANAN for introducing
deceptive acts or practices identified by the (3) Quantifiable metrics by which enhanced the Seniors Fraud Prevention Act
Commission as being targeted at Indian collaboration can be measured. which was incorporated in H.R. 2610
Tribes or members of Indian Tribes; (4) Legislative recommendations, if any, to during the full committee’s consider-
(2) a description of the consumer education enhance collaboration efforts between the ation of the bill. That legislation es-
activities of the Commission with respect to Commission and State Attorneys General to tablishes an office at the FTC dedi-
such acts or practices; prevent, publicize, and penalize fraud and
(3) a description of the efforts of the Com-
cated to preventing fraud targeting
scams.
mission to collaborate with Indian Tribes to seniors and monitoring the market for
TITLE VI—DETERMINATION OF such fraud.
prevent such acts or practices or to pursue BUDGETARY EFFECTS
persons using such acts or practices;
SEC. 601. DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EF-
This bill also includes the Protecting
(4) a summary of the enforcement actions FECTS. Seniors from Emergency Scams Act
taken by the Commission related to such The budgetary effects of this Act, for the which was introduced by Representa-
acts or practices; and purpose of complying with the Statutory tives KELLY and MARSHALL. This bill
(5) any recommendations for legislation to Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be deter- streamlines efforts to protect seniors
prevent such acts or practices. mined by reference to the latest statement
(b) INCREASING AWARENESS OF UNFAIR OR from falling prey to scams during na-
titled ‘‘Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legisla-
DECEPTIVE ACTS OR PRACTICES TARGETING IN- tional emergencies, such as the
tion’’ for this Act, submitted for printing in
DIAN TRIBES.—Not later than 6 months after
the Congressional Record by the Chairman of COVID–19 pandemic, by establishing a
the date of the submission of the report re- the House Budget Committee, provided that searchable database of scams targeting
quired by subsection (a), the Commission such statement has been submitted prior to seniors.
shall update the website of the Commission the vote on passage.
to include information for consumers and One often overlooked area in Federal
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- fraud prevention efforts are scams tar-
businesses on identifying and avoiding unfair
or deceptive acts or practices targeted at In- ant to the rule, the gentleman from geting Indian Tribes and Tribal mem-
dian Tribes or members of Indian Tribes. New Jersey (Mr. PALLONE) and the gen- bers. The scope and scale of scams af-
TITLE V—ENHANCING CONSUMER tleman from Oregon (Mr. WALDEN) each fecting Indian Tribes has not been well-
PROTECTION ENFORCEMENT will control 20 minutes. documented, hindering efforts to pre-
SEC. 501. SHORT TITLE. The Chair recognizes the gentleman vent them. So I also want to thank
This title may be cited as the ‘‘FTC Col- from New Jersey. Representative LUJÁN—soon Governor
laboration Act of 2020’’. GENERAL LEAVE
LUJÁN—and also Representative
SEC. 502. UNFAIR AND DECEPTIVE PRACTICES Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I ask GIANFORTE for their work on this issue
COOPERATION STUDY. unanimous consent that all Members
(a) IN GENERAL.— and for introducing the Protecting In-
may have 5 legislative days in which to dian Tribes from Scams Act, which was
(1) STUDY REQUIRED.—Not later than 1 year revise and extend their remarks and in-
after the date of the enactment of this Act, also incorporated in this bill, H.R. 2610.
clude extraneous material on H.R. 2610.
the Federal Trade Commission shall conduct
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there The legislation that they sponsored re-
a study on facilitating and refining existing quires the FTC to issue a report on
objection to the request of the gen-

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efforts with State Attorneys General to pre- scams targeting Indian Tribes or Tribal
vent, publicize, and penalize frauds and tleman from New Jersey?
There was no objection. members and update its website to in-
scams being perpetrated on individuals in
the United States. Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield clude information on these scams.
(2) REQUIREMENTS OF STUDY.—In con- myself such time as I may consume. In addition, our State attorneys gen-
ducting the study, the Commission shall ex- Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak in sup- eral play a critical role in enforcing
amine the following: port of H.R. 2610, the Fraud and Scam and complementing Federal consumer

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H5830 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE November 17, 2020
protection laws. The FTC Collabora- Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I have a Americans, especially during a pan-
tion Act, introduced by Representa- number of speakers from our com- demic.
tives O’HALLERAN and HUDSON and in- mittee on the various bills incor- I am proud to have worked with the
corporated also into this bill, will help porated in this, and I will start with Energy and Commerce Committee. I
the FTC optimize its collaboration the sponsor for the main bill, H.R. 2610. thank all of the other cosponsors and
with States attorneys general by Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the my colleagues, Democrat and Repub-
studying the matter and issuing a re- gentlewoman from Delaware (Ms. lican, for the work that they did to
port on how to further promote col- BLUNT ROCHESTER). strengthen this bill.
laboration. Ms. BLUNT ROCHESTER. Mr. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my col-
So I want to commend Representa- Speaker, today I rise in support of H.R. leagues to support its passage.
tives BLUNT ROCHESTER and WALBERG 2610, the Fraud and Scam Reduction Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield
for introducing this bipartisan legisla- Act. myself such time as I may consume.
tion, as well as all of the other lead Mr. Speaker, we have all received I want to thank the gentlewoman
sponsors of the bills that were folded those calls and those emails—folks pre- from Delaware, my friend, for her work
into this larger legislative package. I tending to be from a Federal agency or on this and so many other pieces of leg-
also want to thank Ranking Member law enforcement telling you that they islation and our work together. We
WALDEN and subcommittee Ranking need your personal information or have had a good run. There is still
Member RODGERS for working with us money. And while many of us may ig- more work to be done in the next 40-
to move this bill through the Energy nore those calls or send the emails to some days, but I thank her for her kind
and Commerce Committee on a bipar- spam, the reality is that these fraud comments and her good work.
tisan basis. schemes are real, they are dangerous, Again, Mr. Speaker, I urge passage,
As you can see, Mr. Speaker, this bill and they are often targeted at seniors. and I reserve the balance of my time.
incorporates a number of important Bad actors preying on older Ameri- Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield
pieces of legislation. For all those rea- cans is, unfortunately, nothing new. 21⁄2 minutes to the gentlewoman from
sons, I ask my colleagues to support But in the midst of a global pandemic Illinois (Ms. SCHAKOWSKY), who is the
the measure, and I reserve the balance impacting Americans’ lives and liveli- chair of our Subcommittee on Con-
of my time. hoods, cracking down on these scams sumer Protection and Commerce. The
Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield must be a priority. That is why earlier gentlewoman has done such a wonder-
myself such time as I may consume. this Congress I was proud to introduce ful job in trying to protect us from
Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong the Stop Senior Scams Act along with these frauds and scams, particularly
support of H.R. 2610, the Stop Seniors my Republican colleague, Representa- during the coronavirus.
Scam Act. tive TIM WALBERG, who worked very Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I
I too want to thank the main spon- thank the chairman for yielding. I am
hard on this. We send our thoughts and
sors, Representatives WALBERG and
prayers to him. very proud that the next three bills are
BLUNT ROCHESTER. I know we are all
This bill, as its name suggests, was bills that have come out of the sub-
keeping Representative WALBERG in
aimed at cracking down on these scams committee that I chair on Consumer
our thoughts and prayers as he copes
by creating a Federal Trade Commis- Protection and Commerce. I absolutely
with COVID right now, or he would be
sion advisory group and was supported want to thank all of the authors of the
here on the floor.
I also want to acknowledge Rep- by the AARP. The FTC group that legislation, Representatives BLUNT
resentatives HUDSON, LUJÁN, would be created would be made up of ROCHESTER and WALBERG; and the au-
O’HALLERAN, KELLY, and GIANFORTE. I government agencies, consumer advo- thors of the legislation that was incor-
guess to follow up on our chairman’s cates, and industry representatives to porated into this bill, Representatives
comment, this was the bill to cospon- help identify potential sources of fraud. DEUTCH and LUJÁN, for their work on
sor if you want to move into higher of- It would create educational materials the Seniors Fraud Prevention Act;
fice apparently. Both a future Gov- for our Nation’s seniors to protect Representatives KELLY and MARSHALL
ernor and Senator are cosponsors here, them from these dangerous schemes for the Protecting Seniors from Emer-
and who knows where the rest of the and ensure that they are not taken ad- gency Scams Act; and Representatives
gang goes. vantage of. LUJÁN and GIANFORTE for the Pro-
The Stop Senior Scams Act would es- Under the leadership of Chairman tecting Indian Tribes from Scams Act;
tablish a Senior Scams Prevention Ad- PALLONE and Chairwoman SCHA- and Representatives O’HALLERAN and
visory Council which would create KOWSKY, and thanks to Ranking Mem- HUDSON for the FTC Collaboration Act.
model educational materials to edu- ber WALDEN, who is leaving us—and we Some of our most vulnerable fellow
cate employees of retail companies, fi- are also sorry to see him leave—and Americans have been the targets and
nancial institutions, and wire transfer Mrs. RODGERS, the Energy and Com- the victims of fraud and scams during
companies on how to identify and pre- merce Committee has been focused on the COVID–19 pandemic. Scammers es-
vent scams. Importantly, this effort cracking down on fraud. It was in that pecially target seniors. They exploit
prioritizes scams targeting our senior spirit that our committee combined fear or confusion during crises and
citizens and Native nations, popu- the Stop Senior Scams Act with other emergencies and prey on seniors’ trust
lations that have unfortunately and antifraud provisions, creating a strong- and assumption that they will be too
tragically been targeted at a much er and more comprehensive bill. I am embarrassed to finally report scams to
higher rate during the COVID–19 pan- also proud to say that protecting our the relevant authorities. In 2018 alone,
demic by scammers offering false medi- constituents is not a partisan issue and seniors lost almost $400 million to
cations—— that all five measures under H.R. 2610 fraud.
Can you imagine that, Mr. Speaker? are bipartisan. Another often overlooked target of
Or faster ways to claim stimulus Mr. Speaker, one of the most funda- fraud and scams are the Indian Tribes
checks or Social Security checks. All mental obligations of government is to and Tribal members. We urgently need
of them are fraud. protect its citizens. Now more than a better understanding of fraud tar-
The bill would also help enhance col- ever, the least we can do is protect al- geting these communities.
laborative efforts between the Federal ready vulnerable seniors from being This legislation tackles these prob-
Trade Commission and State attorneys taken advantage of by bad actors. lems. It establishes a new office that
general to prevent, publicize, and pe- The Fraud and Scam Reduction Act focuses on the prevention of fraud that
nalize frauds and scams targeting U.S. would give our seniors the information targets seniors, including fraudulent

dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE
citizens. they need and empower them to avoid marketing materials, and it does ad-
It is critical for Congress to do our these dangerous and malicious scams. dress the problem of the Tribes and
duty to help end these scams. This bill is about protecting our grand- Tribal members that need to be pro-
Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this parents, our parents, our sisters, our tected also from the scams.
legislation, and I reserve the balance of brothers, our neighbors, and our aunts So I am very proud of this legislation
my time. and uncles. This is about protecting and grateful to the many sponsors.

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November 17, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5831
Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield Mr. Speaker, GREG is a good friend. It cific resources available to caregivers
myself such time as I may consume. has been fun to spar with him. It has already working around the clock.
I have said before and I will say it been fun to work with him. I look for- Let’s help the FTC win this fight
again: I don’t think there is a more ward to his public service after he re- against scammers.
fierce advocate for consumers than the tires from the U.S. House of Represent- Mr. Speaker, I urge the passage of
gentlewoman who chairs the sub- atives. H.R. 2610.
committee. She has, once again, Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I yield Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank
brought solid legislation to the floor. myself such time as I may consume. my friend and colleague from Illinois
We appreciate her and her team work- Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend for her support of this legislation and
ing with us to make this bipartisan. from New Mexico. I think it is worth her work on it.
Mr. Speaker, I urge passage, and I re- pointing out that this probably won’t Once again, I urge passage of the leg-
serve the balance of my time. make a lot of coverage in national islation, and I yield back the balance of
b 1430 media, but he chaired the Democratic my time.
Congressional Campaign Committee Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I would
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield when I chaired the National Repub- also urge passage of this bill, which, as
21⁄2 minutes to the gentleman from New lican Congressional Committee. We are we mentioned, includes a lot of other
Mexico (Mr. LUJÁN). Again, I thank of different parties and sort of different bills as well and makes up an impor-
him for all that he has done as our As- regions, in a way; we are both west- tant package dealing with fraud and
sistant Speaker and all that he has erners. But once again, we are working scams.
done for our Indian Tribes. together for the American people, and Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance
Mr. LUJÁN. Mr. Speaker, I am proud we do a lot of that around here. Espe- of my time.
to support the Fraud and Scam Reduc- cially on the Committee on Energy and The SPEAKER pro tempore. The
tion Act, which includes my bipartisan Commerce, we have a fine record of question is on the motion offered by
Protecting Indian Tribes from Scams working things out. We have 16 of these the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr.
Act that I introduced alongside Rep- bipartisan things on the floor today, PALLONE) that the House suspend the
resentative GIANFORTE, to address the and I just wish our constituents saw rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2610, as
rise of scams during this deadly pan- more of this. amended.
demic. Mr. Speaker, I wish the gentleman The question was taken; and (two-
As our Nation grieves the loss of from New Mexico well in his endeavors thirds being in the affirmative) the
more than 247,000 Americans to COVID– across the Capitol. He will bring a rules were suspended and the bill, as
19, and millions of families experience breath of fresh air over there, and I amended, was passed.
financial hardship, it is nothing short know his commitment to his State and The title of the bill was amended so
of reprehensible that scammers are all who reside in it. as to read: ‘‘A bill to establish an office
preying on the most vulnerable I hope our paths do continue to cross within the Federal Trade Commission
amongst us. in some manner. I have enjoyed serving and an outside advisory group to pre-
Fraud reports to the Federal Trade with the gentleman from New Mexico. vent fraud targeting seniors and to di-
Commission, which had been steady at Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of rect the Commission to study and sub-
770,000 per quarter over the past 4 my time. mit a report to Congress on scams tar-
years, jumped to 1.1 million this sum- Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, may I geting seniors and Indian tribes, and
mer, including an increase of 144 per- inquire how much time I have remain- for other purposes.’’.
cent coinciding with the pandemic. ing. A motion to reconsider was laid on
That demonstrates why we must come The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- the table.
together to protect Americans against tleman from New Jersey has 8 minutes f
fraud and theft. remaining.
Nationwide, predatory schemes have Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 COMBATING PANDEMIC SCAMS
already cost Americans over $1.5 bil- minutes to the gentlewoman from Illi- ACT OF 2020
lion in stolen assets so far in 2020. nois (Ms. KELLY), who is a member of Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I move
Scammers have targeted the $1,200 eco- our committee. to suspend the rules and pass the bill
nomic impact payments, peddled false Ms. KELLY of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, (H.R. 6435) to direct the Federal Trade
treatments for COVID–19, and at- since the start of the COVID–19 pan- Commission to develop and dissemi-
tempted to sell defective personal pro- demic, we have seen an increase in nate information to the public about
tective equipment at a time when the scams targeting older Americans. scams related to COVID–19, and for
fears and confusion over COVID–19 re- These scammers promise everything other purposes, as amended.
main high. from COVID cures and take-home test- The Clerk read the title of the bill.
These scams have put elders’, mili- ing kits to insurance and stimulus The text of the bill is as follows:
tary servicemembers’, and families’ funds. H.R. 6435
health and finances at risk, and it is That is why I urge my colleagues to Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep-
time for Congress to put an end to the support H.R. 2610, the Fraud and Scam resentatives of the United States of America in
despicable practice. This bipartisan ef- Reduction Act. This bill, championed Congress assembled,
fort will help Congress take additional by my friend, Representative LISA SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
measures to tackle this threat and bet- BLUNT ROCHESTER, includes my bill and This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Combating
ter understand the scale of this crisis. Representative MARSHALL’s bill, the Pandemic Scams Act of 2020’’.
As COVID–19 cases and hospitaliza- Protecting Seniors from Emergency SEC. 2. INFORMATION ABOUT SCAMS RELATED
TO COVID–19.
tions rise in New Mexico and across the Scams Act. This bipartisan legislation
Nation, I will continue working, on a ensures that the FTC makes available (a) DISSEMINATION OF INFORMATION.—
(1) IN GENERAL.—As expeditiously as pos-
bipartisan basis, to provide additional resources for older Americans about sible after the date of the enactment of this
relief and alleviate the financial pres- the type and number of scams tar- Act, the Commission, in consultation with
sures that all New Mexicans are facing. geting their region. It also requires an the Attorney General, the Secretary of
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to FTC report to Congress on that infor- Health and Human Services, the Postmaster
support this legislation to protect our mation so we can prevent seniors from General, the Chief Postal Inspector, and the
communities against scams and fraud. falling victim to scams during future Internet Crime Complaint Center, shall de-
I thank the chairman for his work. I pandemics. velop and disseminate information to the

dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with HOUSE
thank Chairwoman SCHAKOWSKY for While we may be closer to a vaccine, public about scams related to the novel
coronavirus (COVID-19).
her work. And I thank Chairman and this will likely only increase the num-
(2) REQUIREMENTS.—In carrying out para-
current Ranking Member GREG WAL- ber of these diabolical scams. Let’s arm graph (1), the Commission shall—
DEN for his work, his commitment to older Americans with the right infor- (A) include—
his constituents, his service to the peo- mation to prevent themselves from (i) information regarding mail, tele-
ple of America. falling victim. Let’s make locally spe- marketing, and internet fraud and illegal

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