Credit Card reform and the CPA-Consumer Protection Agency

HR 3639 will move up the implementation date of the Credit CARD Reform Act to Dec. 1, rather than Feb. 22, 2010. Since Congress passed this bill in May, credit card companies have been hiking interest rates on customers’ balances, increasing penalty fees and doubling minimum payments. Meanwhile, countless good customers who pay on time each month are suffering.
Implementing the law now will prevent further abuses at the hands of the banks, and make sure that they comply with the intent of this law. The reality is consumers can’t afford another four months of these abusive tactics while the banks find new ways to increase their profits at our expense. I urge you to put these already-approved reforms in place now.

The banks’ recent behavior when it comes to our credit cards underscores the need for fast-acting, effective oversight at the federal level, rather than a new piece of legislation each time a problem like this arises. To achieve that, I also urge you to support a new Consumer Financial Protection Agency (CFPA) whose only job will be to look out for consumers when it comes to abusive financial practices, including credit cards, loans and mortgages.

HR 3126 will put in place an effective CFPA watchdog who looks out for us, not just the banks. Right now, there is no federal banking agency whose primary job is to predict and prevent harm to consumers from new banking and credit practices.
We need a strong federal watchdog to write new consumer protection rules against unfair practices, and keep those rules up to date. Those rules should apply to every type of credit product, bank account and payment method. And the states should be allowed to set even stronger rules to protect against new threats facing their residents. I urge you to pass a strong bill and oppose any weakening amendments.
American consumers are the backbone of our economy, and we’re tired of getting the short end of the stick when it comes to financial products like credit cards. I urge you to put in place reforms approved in the Credit CARD Act immediately, and support the CFPA as well. It’s time Congress gives real help and sensible protections to consumers from financial abuses — rather than taxpayer bailouts to the big banks that got us in this mess.

Response to my letter from Congressman Putnam

Dear Mr. Alexander:

Thank you for contacting my office with regard to pet devocalization for medically unnecessary purposes. I appreciate the time you took to write me on this issue.

In this procedure, a veterinarian would remove the vocal chords of the owner’s pet. This procedure is sometimes done for medical purposes to remove the infected, cancerous, or otherwise maligned tissue. In these cases, the procedure will often save the pets life. However, this is sometimes performed to cut down on the noise the animal makes. I believe that this is inhumane. Moreover, it is shows irresponsibility on the part of our owner. When we purchase a pet from the store or adopt from the shelter, we should invite this new member into our family with full knowledge that you will have to listen to your pet. This is also an important mechanism for our pets to show affection or let us know something is wrong. There is no legislation before the House on this issue currently, but I will certainly keep your comments in mind should a bill be introduced.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact my office. If you are experiencing difficulties with a federal agency, are interested in legislation that is pending before Congress or wish to express your opinions, please visit my website at http://www.adamputnam.house.gov. If you would like additional updates on this and other issues please signup for my e-newsletter at http://adamputnam.house.gov/signup.shtml.

Sincerely,

Adam Putnam
Member of Congress
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This is good. Now if they try that nonsense here my man will be waiting to shoot it down. Please write your representatives a strong message about the cruel practice of de-vocalization by making it illegal in your state. We are living in a new time folks, we understand that people who abuse animals are the common criminals of this country. These are the people who run down society everyday by abusing children and women. They have no morals and I believe a top priority by law enforcement needs to be placed on the ridding of our streets of them.

I put crack heads and animal abusers in the same category. The only lower is a pedophile.

Call for Action NOW!

Michael —

This is the moment our movement was built for.

For one month, the fight for health insurance reform leaves the backrooms of Washington, D.C., and returns to communities across America. Throughout August, members of Congress are back home, where the hands they shake and the voices they hear will not belong to lobbyists, but to people like you.

Home is where we’re strongest. We didn’t win last year’s election together at a committee hearing in D.C. We won it on the doorsteps and the phone lines, at the softball games and the town meetings, and in every part of this great country where people gather to talk about what matters most. And if you’re willing to step up once again, that’s exactly where we’re going to win this historic campaign for the guaranteed, affordable health insurance that every American deserves.

There are those who profit from the status quo, or see this debate as a political game, and they will stop at nothing to block reform. They are filling the airwaves and the internet with outrageous falsehoods to scare people into opposing change. And some people, not surprisingly, are getting pretty nervous. So we’ve got to get out there, fight lies with truth, and set the record straight.

That’s why Organizing for America is putting together thousands of events this month where you can reach out to neighbors, show your support, and make certain your members of Congress know that you’re counting on them to act.

But these canvasses, town halls, and gatherings only make a difference if you turn up to knock on doors, share your views, and show your support. So here’s what I need from you:

Can you sign up to attend an event near you?
In politics, there’s a rule that says when you ask people to get involved, always tell them it’ll be easy. Well, let’s be honest here: Passing comprehensive health insurance reform will not be easy. Every President since Harry Truman has talked about it, and the most powerful and experienced lobbyists in Washington stand in the way.

But every day we don’t act, Americans watch their premiums rise three times faster than wages, small businesses and families are pushed towards bankruptcy, and 14,000 people lose their coverage entirely. The cost of inaction is simply too much for the people of this nation to bear.

So yes, fixing this crisis will not be easy. Our opponents will attack us every day for daring to try. It will require time, and hard work, and there will be days when we don’t know if we have anything more to give. But there comes a moment when we all have to choose between doing what’s easy, and doing what’s right.

This is one of those times. And moments like this are what this movement was built for. So, are you ready?

Please RSVP for an event in your community to build support for health insurance reform:

http://my.barackobama.com/AugustAttend
Let’s seize this moment and win this historic victory for our economy, our health and our families.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama