Spring Break
House passes credit card bill that helps consumers
Marcy Gordon The Associated Press
Issue date: 5/1/09 Section: News
WASHINGTON (AP) - Riding a crest of populist anger, the House on Thursday approved a bill to restrict credit card practices and eliminate sudden increases in interest rates and late fees that have entangled millions of consumers.
The legislation passed by a bipartisan vote of 357-70 following lobbying by President Barack Obama and members of his administration.
The measure would prohibit so-called double-cycle billing and retroactive rate hikes and would prevent companies from giving credit cards to anyone under 18.
If they become law, the new measures won't take effect for a year, except for a requirement that customers get 45 days' notice before their interest rates are increased. That would take effect in 90 days.
Similar legislation is before the Senate, where its prospects appear promising.
Consumer advocates and some Democrats have unsuccessfully sought for years to bring new rules to the industry.
"A big vote in the House will create an even bigger momentum as it goes to the Senate," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told reporters.
Supporters want to get a final congressional package to Obama's desk by the Memorial Day holiday.
Before approving the bill, dubbed the Credit Card Holders' Bill of Rights, the House adopted a series of amendments - some of which were pushed by the White House - that amplified the restrictions on industry practices.
The House measure incorporates Federal Reserve regulations due to take effect in July 2010 but goes further by adding restrictions for credit cards for college students.
Double-cycle billing eliminates the interest-free period for consumers who move from paying the full balance monthly to carrying a balance.
Opponents tried vainly on the House floor to temper a fast-moving bill with amendments that would have given credit card issuers some openings to raise rates within the proposed restraints.
"We shouldn't take credit opportunities away," said Rep. Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas. "I just want consumers to have choices. I want there to be a competitive marketplace."
The legislation passed by a bipartisan vote of 357-70 following lobbying by President Barack Obama and members of his administration.
The measure would prohibit so-called double-cycle billing and retroactive rate hikes and would prevent companies from giving credit cards to anyone under 18.
If they become law, the new measures won't take effect for a year, except for a requirement that customers get 45 days' notice before their interest rates are increased. That would take effect in 90 days.
Similar legislation is before the Senate, where its prospects appear promising.
Consumer advocates and some Democrats have unsuccessfully sought for years to bring new rules to the industry.
"A big vote in the House will create an even bigger momentum as it goes to the Senate," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi told reporters.
Supporters want to get a final congressional package to Obama's desk by the Memorial Day holiday.
Before approving the bill, dubbed the Credit Card Holders' Bill of Rights, the House adopted a series of amendments - some of which were pushed by the White House - that amplified the restrictions on industry practices.
The House measure incorporates Federal Reserve regulations due to take effect in July 2010 but goes further by adding restrictions for credit cards for college students.
Double-cycle billing eliminates the interest-free period for consumers who move from paying the full balance monthly to carrying a balance.
Opponents tried vainly on the House floor to temper a fast-moving bill with amendments that would have given credit card issuers some openings to raise rates within the proposed restraints.
"We shouldn't take credit opportunities away," said Rep. Jeb Hensarling, R-Texas. "I just want consumers to have choices. I want there to be a competitive marketplace."
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