Congressional Record, Extensions of Remarks, July 22, 2021, Page E799
Summary
A page of the Congressional Record, Extensions of Remarks, dated July 22, 2021, at page E799, made up of statements inserted by Representatives. One summarizes a bill that would give the FTC authority to seek equitable relief, adding a subsection (e) to section 13 of the FTC Act that lists restitution, contract reformation, money refunds and return of property, with disgorgement and relief without bond, and notes that fraud against senior citizens and retirement accounts rose during the COVID–19 pandemic. A tribute by Ms. Schakowsky honors staff member Zahra Somani Karamali, who joined her office in 2008, served in district offices for thirteen years and is leaving to pursue a Ph.D. in Psychology.
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“Congressional Record, Extensions of Remarks, July 22, 2021, Page E799.”
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July 22, 2021 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E799
monetary equitable relief for all violations of Retirement accounts are not the only dam- time, super-star member of my staff, Zahra
the laws it enforces. age these scams cause—they damage the Somani Karamali. After serving in my district
Specifically, this bill would: independence and trust of a vulnerable com- offices for thirteen years, Zahra is moving on
Add a new subsection (e) to section 13 of munity. to pursue a Ph.D. in Psychology and a career
the FTC Act that specifies types of equitable During the COVID–19 pandemic, we have as a School Psychologist. It is hard for me to
relief the FTC may pursue: restitution for seen instances of fraud rise in unprecedented even imagine not having Zahra serving the
losses, contract reformation and recission, numbers, as scammers attempt to take advan- residents of the 9th Congressional District as
money refunds, and the return of property; tage of senior citizens and deprive them of one of the most effective Constituent Advo-
Provide the FTC disgorgement authority to their hard-earned savings. cates in the country. Though not in my office,
seek court orders requiring bad actors repay Bad actors preying on older Americans is, she will always be a beloved member of Team
unjust gains acquired in violation of the law. unfortunately, nothing new, but in the midst of Schakowsky.
Clarify that the FTC may seek temporary re- a global pandemic impacting Americans’ lives Zahra Somani Karamali joined my office in
straining orders and preliminary injunctions and livelihoods, cracking down on those 2008, and she brought perspective, experi-
without bond and that any relief sought under scams must be a priority. ence, and enthusiasm that have left a perma-
section 13(b) may be for past violations in ad- One such scam was thwarted by Houston nent impact on our operations and on constitu-
dition to ongoing and imminent violations. police and the Harris County District Attorney, ents’ lives. She is a dedicated public servant
As the Nation’s premier consumer protection who made an arrest in February in an inter- who readily established herself as a strong
agency, the FTC is directed to enforce numer- national cyber-scam that bilked unsuspecting, ally for individuals who would otherwise not
ous statutes: the core of which is section 5 of mostly elderly victims out of more than $1 mil- have an effective voice. My husband and I
the FTC Act mandating the agency to prevent lion. had the joy of attending her wedding to
unfair or deceptive acts or practices and unfair One victim of the scam, Asuncion Peppers, Nauman and celebrating the birth and growth
methods of competition. 74, a retired medical technician knows that of their two wonderful children Ayman and
Section 13(b) of the FTC Act authorizes the first hand; She was bilked out of her life sav- Zayna. She and her family have become cher-
FTC to bring suit in federal courts seeking re- ings. ished friends.
lief for consumers and is a critical enforcement Hackers contacted Ms. Peppers on
tool the FTC uses to combat fraud and scams Facebook, pretending to be one of her Over the years, Zahra advocated for thou-
under section 5. Facebook friends. sands of constituents who needed help with a
In 2020 alone, the FTC returned more than She was told she was eligible for a govern- wide range of issues. She cut through red
$482 million to over 1.6 million consumer vic- ment grant of almost one million dollars and tape and solved difficult problems, often in life-
tims of fraud or illegal business practices. all she had to do was send a check to pay changing ways.
The FTC’s restitution authority under section taxes. Zahra helped immigrant families who were
13(b) was settled law for over 40 years, but Investigators believes the scammers were pursuing green cards or struggling to obtain a
beginning in 2017, the Seventh Circuit Court operating from Nigeria, defrauding senior citi- visa to travel home to visit sick relatives. She
of Appeals reversed its own precedent to zens in the U.S. and around the world. helped reunite families, assisted refugees, and
overturn FTC authority under section 13(b) to Before Ms. Peppers realized she was being helped immigrants obtain naturalization status.
obtain monetary relief and the Third Circuit conned, she sent checks totaling $87,000 She expedited passport applications so that
soon followed. hard-earned money. mothers and fathers didn’t miss their daugh-
Because of these decisions, close to 48 mil- She said that she worked three jobs to build ters’ wedding abroad. When residents called
lion Americans in six states became unable to her life savings. because they had missing mail or delayed tax
obtain monetary redress under 13(b). Ms. Peppers and her husband are just two returns, Zahra provided an empathetic ear and
Then, on April 22, 2021, the Supreme Court of 38 victims bilked out of more than $1.3 mil- an enthusiastic hand to help solve those
held in AMG Capital Management v. FTC that lion before the fraud was discovered. issues. During the pandemic she helped con-
section 13(b) does not allow the FTC to seek This story is not an isolated incident: al- stituents who were stranded abroad and
monetary relief or require bad actors to return though 1 in 20 seniors in the U.S. is a target helped constituents obtain desperately needed
money earned through illegal activity. of fraud schemes, the National Adult Protec- stimulus checks and important benefits. She
According to Acting Chairwoman Slaughter, tive Services Association has found that only fought for constituents to receive all the bene-
the Supreme Court decision ‘‘deprived the 1 in 44 seniors report that they are victims of fits they needed and deserved and tackled
FTC of the strongest tool [the FTC] had to a fraud scheme. problems big and small with compassion and
help consumers.’’ During these unprecedented times, it is im- professionalism.
Mr. Speaker, all five FTC Commissioners perative that Congress pass legislation that Zahra is active in the Ismaili community and
have repeatedly urged Congress to take quick protects U.S. consumers and honest busi- played an instrumental role in building and
action to pass legislation reaffirming FTC au- nesses from wrongdoers who steal money strengthening my and my office’s relationships
thority under section 13(b). through fraud and deception. with the Muslim community. I am proud to
H.R. 2668 does exactly that, by restoring Mr. Speaker, we need to strengthen federal have stood alongside her and so many others
nearly forty years of precedent and giving the prevention efforts and ensure leaders in the in that community in good times and in bad,
FTC the ability to protect Americans from public and private sectors are collaborating on and I deeply cherish the relationships I’ve
scams and unethical business practices. effective safeguards. formed along the way.
Americans need this protection, because This begins with ensuring that the FTC has
every day, and far too often, individuals in the explicit authority to obtain both injunctive Zahra is always enthusiastic and willing to
Texas and across the country fall victim to fi- and monetary relief for all violations of the do whatever needs to be done. She rep-
nancial scammers. laws it enforces. resented me at office hours in libraries across
The COVID–19 pandemic has given rise to I urge all members to join me in voting to the northwest suburbs, helped organize and
an increase of scams and fraud that prey on pass H.R. 2668, the ‘‘Consumer Protection conduct a wide array of events, and spoke on
consumers’ fears and financial insecurities, and Recovery Act.’’ my behalf at events across the district.
and inaction on this issue is not an option as f Zahra has been an essential member of the
it will only embolden bad actors. team, and a big reason why my office is well
H.R. 2668 will ensure that the FTC main- TRIBUTE TO ZAHRA SOMANI known for its effective constituent services. I
tains its ability to return money to the victims KARAMALI will miss Zahra very much, as will everyone on
of scams. --- the staff. I expect to hear from many constitu-
Seniors especially need this protection, be- HON. JANICE D. SCHAKOWSKY ents who will be very disappointed to hear that
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with REMARKS
cause they have worked their entire lives with OF ILLINOIS Zahra is no longer there to help. We pledge to
the promise of a safe and secure retirement, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES her that we will all work hard to fill the gap. I
but scammers and unscrupulous businesses know that the fortunate students and families
are taking advantage of uncertainty sur- Thursday, July 22, 2021 she will serve in the years ahead will benefit
rounding the pandemic and working overtime Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Madam Speaker, I rise from the wonderous gifts that have made
to target them. today to honor and profoundly thank a long Zahra so invaluable to me.
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E800 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 22, 2021
HONORING WENDY BALDO a generation of journalists. His passion for the SERIOUS ISSUES FACING OUR
truth and for journalism was an inspiration and COUNTRY
HON. ANDY BIGGS a model to be emulated. His was a life well
SPEECH OF
OF ARIZONA led.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f HON. MAXINE WATERS
OF CALIFORNIA
Thursday, July 22, 2021 SUCCESS ACT
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Mr. BIGGS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in
honor of a longtime friend, Wendy Baldo, who HON. GRACE MENG Wednesday, July 21, 2021
will soon begin her well-deserved retirement. OF NEW YORK Ms. WATERS. Madam Speaker, I’m here to
Wendy first came to work in Arizona state IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES point out just how interconnected the climate
government in 1988, during the administration Thursday, July 22, 2021 emergency is to America’s housing crisis and
of Governor Rose Mofford. In 1993, she how it impacts communities of color.
Ms. MENG. Madam Speaker, during the We are living in a climate emergency.
began her long and distinguished career with COVID–19 crisis, we have seen how crucial
the Arizona State Senate. In 2009, Wendy Wildfires are raging, sea levels are rising, and
internet access has been for learning and severe weather events are getting stronger.
was hired as chief of staff for the legislative completing assignments. The homework gap,
body, a role in which she has now served for Meanwhile homes are being destroyed, and
experienced by as many as 17 million stu- not nearly enough is being done to address
more than 12 years. dents in the U.S. who do not have internet ac-
I came to know Wendy while serving in the environmental racism and the ways in which
cess at home, is an inequity that predates the communities of color across this country suffer
Arizona state legislature from 2002 to 2016. coronavirus pandemic. disproportionately from a lack of action. We
My election to the Arizona Senate in 2010 pro- When I first began talking about this issue, cannot stand by as corporations, big oil, and
vided me the opportunity to work under I was shocked and saddened to recognize industry titans pollute the air we breathe and
Wendy’s guidance, and she continued to there were so many misconceptions about contaminate the water we drink without con-
serve as my chief of staff for the four years I who was part of the homework gap. So many sequence.
served as Arizona Senate President. Wendy of my colleagues believed the homework gap The truth is that these negative environ-
was always a trusted advisor. She staunchly is something that predominantly affects stu- mental factors compound social and economic
protected the institution of the Senate and was dents in rural America. But in fact, one in five conditions, and lead to higher levels of chronic
the fierce, loyal ally every leader needs. It is school-age children in NYC’s public school health problems such as asthma, diabetes,
a rare occurrence in the Arizona Senate for a system—the largest public school system in and hypertension in communities of color and
chief of staff to serve multiple Senate presi- the country—do not have internet access at low-income communities. It should surprise no
dents. Wendy’s service to five presidents is a home. one that on average, people of color comprise
true testament to her character and caliber. The nature of homework assignments has 56 percent of the population living in neighbor-
The knowledge and expertise Wendy has fundamentally changed. Before, all you need- hoods with facilities that release toxic sub-
accumulated in her years in the Arizona Sen- ed was a pencil and paper. But that is no stances into the air and water supply.
ate are an invaluable resource. Her retirement, longer the norm. Internet access is essential This is a fair housing issue and a direct re-
while well-deserved, will undoubtedly be a loss to completing homework assignments. It broke sult of systemic racism and historically racist
for the Senate. I thank Wendy for her many my heart to hear stories of families parked policies, including redlining and exclusionary
years of service to the people of Arizona and outside McDonalds or Starbucks trying to zoning, that segregate low-income people and
wish her well in this next phase of her life. catch a free Wi-Fi signal. people of color into areas that have suffered
f Closing the homework gap extends beyond from decades of disinvestment. These seg-
just helping our students finish their home- regated areas are often located closer to in-
REMEMBERING HARRY M. work. Internet connectivity is essential to suc- dustrial districts and are therefore more likely
ROSENFELD cess in the 21st century; much like electricity to be deprived of green spaces, healthy
was important in the 1930s, internet will be the homes, and clean drinking water. None of this
HON. STEVE COHEN same, if not more. is news. But, because of worsening residential
OF TENNESSEE That is why Congress passed the Emer- segregation, the increasingly harmful effects of
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES gency Educational Connections Act as part of climate change and extreme weather events
the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, a bill are exacerbating these conditions in low-in-
Thursday, July 22, 2021
that I proudly championed with Senator MAR- come communities and communities of color.
Mr. COHEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today KEY. This provision created the Emergency Today, formerly redlined communities suffer
to offer the thanks of a grateful nation for the Connectivity Fund, and provided a one-time from hotter temperatures, and their homes are
life and work of former Washington Post Metro $7.17 billion appropriation to connect students 25 percent more likely to experience damage
editor Harry M. Rosenfeld who guided the and library patrons learning at home. due to flooding compared to communities that
newspaper in its Pulitzer Prize-winning Water- As our Nation works to move past the pan- were not redlined. In some cases, whether
gate coverage. Mr. Rosenfeld died last week demic, we must finally close the full homework due to repeated flooding or because they are
at the age of 91. A survivor of Berlin’s gap that predates the ongoing emergency. located at higher elevations, low-income com-
Kristallnacht in 1938, he and his family immi- That is why I am proud to introduce today the munities of color, such as in Puerto Rico and
grated to New York City in March of 1939, just Securing Universal Communications Florida, are facing displacement, known as cli-
months before World War II began. After grad- Connectivity to Ensure Students Succeed or mate gentrification.
uating from Syracuse University and a stint in the SUCCESS Act. This bill would provide $8 The real-life examples are far too plenty.
the U.S. Army, Mr. Rosenfeld joined the New billion a year over five years (for a total of $40 Take for example, St. James Parish, Lou-
York Herald Tribune syndicate and rose to billion) to extend the FCC’s Emergency isiana—a community that is often referred to
managing editor before joining The Post. Edi- Connectivity Fund, without an emergency time as ‘‘Cancer Alley.’’ I traveled there in 2001 to
tor Ben Bradlee made him assistant managing frame, so that schools and libraries can con- bring international attention to corporate pollu-
editor for metropolitan news where he inher- tinue supporting distance learning after the tion and the human costs of that pollution on
ited a staff of hungry reporters covering local coronavirus pandemic is over. This extended communities of color. St. James Parish has a
beats, among them Carl Bernstein. Mr. program will then ensure that students con- long history of inequality. The parish is located
Rosenfeld later hired a very persistent Bob nected by the emergency connectivity fund do along the lower Mississippi River where
Woodward. The double-byline stories of not lose their internet access and devices enslaved Africans were forced to labor. Today,
Woodward and Bernstein, covering scandal once the original funds run dry. it serves as an industrial hub, with nearly 150
and corruption in the Nixon administration, Madam Speaker, as the mother of two oil refineries, plastics plants, and chemical fa-
dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with REMARKS
eventually led to Nixon’s 1974 resignation. He young children, I know firsthand how crucial cilities. Not only have these facilities polluted
ended his career as the editor of newspapers this issue is. Each and every student must the surrounding water and air, but they have
in Albany, New York. I offer my condolences have the tools they need to succeed in school, also subjected the mostly African American
to his wife Anne and his three daughters and and the SUCCESS Act is an essential compo- residents of St. James Parish to cancer, res-
his extended family. Mr. Rosenfeld’s enduring nent to permanently closing the homework piratory diseases, and other health problems.
sense of justice and demand for accountability gap. I urge all of my colleagues in both cham- In 2005, we saw how Hurricane Katrina im-
helped change American history and inspired bers to help close this digital divide for good. pacted people of color in New Orleans. Lives
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