Rep. Payne, Jr. Votes to Protect Americans from Harassment from Debt Collectors

Media Contact: Patrick Wright -- Patrick.Wright@mail.house.gov

Washington, D.C. — Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. voted for The Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act today. The bill (H.R. 2547) provides protections from mistreatment and harassment by debt collectors to many Americans and American small businesses. It includes an amendment from Rep. Payne, Jr. that requires the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to study and report to Congress how many people are unable to pay their debts because their debt collectors refuse cash payments.

"Americans in debt are struggling enough without the endless harassment from debt collectors," said Rep. Donald M. Payne, Jr. "We need to help these Americans pay their debts and improve their financial security. The constant phone calls and notices from debt collectors do not help them achieve this goal. When people are behind on bills, we need to support them instead of harass them."

The bill enhances consumers' rights, increases the accountability of debt collectors, and protects consumers from egregious debt collection fees. It prohibits a debt collector from contacting a consumer by email or text message without a consumer's consent. It requires the CFPB to analyze how debt collectors are using electronic communication every year to see if it violates the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. In addition, the bill provides stronger protections from debt collectors for small businesses, military servicemembers, and Americans with disabilities or medical debt.

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