Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Bud Cramer (D-Ala.) announced today that the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3161 that reaffirms the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) authority to implement the "Do Not Call" registry.  Telemarketers are restricted from calling consumers who sign up for the "Do Not Call" registry beginning October 1^st.

The House passed the "Do-Not-Call Implementation Act" in February.  This allowed consumers to sign up for the registry that is maintained by the FTC.  However, on Wednesday, a Federal District Judge in Oklahoma ruled that the FTC did not have the specific authority to develop and implement the list.  The bill passed today ratifies the FTC's authority.

"I was disappointed by the decision of the Federal Court," said Cramer.  "Fifty million Americans have said they want their privacy at home, and the 'Do Not Call' Registry gives them that privacy.  It is unfortunate that Congress had to revisit this issue today, and I am proud that my colleagues in House were able to move swiftly and reaffirm FTC's authority needed to establish and maintain this registry."

Individuals who want to include their name on the "Do Not Call" Registry can log on to http://www.donotcall.gov