Entries by Lisa McDonald

Broad Coalition Opposes Politicization of DC Attorney General 

December 16, 2025 in , /by

December 16, 2025: Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL), joined by 29 nonprofit, consumer, civil rights, faith-based, and civic organizations, urged congressional leaders to reject H.R. 5179, the District of Columbia Attorney General Appointment Reform Act, today. The organizations warn that the bill would dangerously undermine the independence of the District’s chief law enforcement office and expose nonprofits and consumers to politicized enforcement.

Trump’s Attempt to Nullify State AI Regulations Is a Disaster for Consumers

December 12, 2025 in /by

December 12, 2025: Washington, DC – Yesterday, in an Executive Order, President Trump directed his administration to block state-enacted safeguards around artificial intelligence, including the restriction of federal funding to states the White House targets and the creation of a “Litigation Task Force” to challenge states’ consumer protections. NCL wholly opposes these efforts as unregulated AI products create significant risks to the public, from serious issues regarding safety and mental health, to unauthorized uses of consumer data and creative works. 

The Biloxi Lawsuit Isn’t Just Another “Hotels vs. Short-Term Rentals” Fight

December 8, 2025 in /by

December 8, 2025: When cities crack down on short-term rentals, the headlines often scream “Airbnb vs. Hotels!” — but the story is bigger than a platform feud. Behind the zoning rules and permit limits lies a high-stakes battle over who gets to control the lodging market, and whether “consumer protection” is just a cover for keeping competition out. A recent lawsuit in the Deep South may seem local, but it highlights a national trend with real consequences for travelers, homeowners, and communities alike.

Major Child Labor Victory in Ohio, Governor DeWine Vetoes Senate Bill 50

December 4, 2025 in /by

December 4, 2025: Washington, DC – Today, the National Consumers League’s Child Labor Coalition is very pleased to announce a significant victory in our fight to strengthen child labor laws in Ohio. Governor Mike DeWine has vetoed SB 50, legislation that would have weakened Ohio’s child labor protections by allowing 14- and 15-year-olds to work until 9 p.m. on school nights. 

NCL Decries Trump Administration’s Proposed Rule to Weaken Fuel Economy Standards

December 3, 2025 in /by

December 2, 2025: Washington, DC – The Trump administration today released a proposed rule to weaken fuel economy standards for light-duty vehicles.  The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates that the proposed standards would achieve a fleet average fuel economy of 34.5 miles per gallon by model year 2031, a dramatic decrease from the 50.4 miles per gallon that the Biden era standards were projected to achieve. 

‘Tis the Season for Scammers: National Consumers League Unveils the Top 10 Holiday Shopping Scams of 2025

November 21, 2025 in , /by

November 21, 2025: Washington, DC — As holiday shopping kicks into high gear, the National Consumers League (NCL) is warning Americans to beware of the wave of scams designed to cash in on the season of giving. “Scammers know the holidays are the perfect storm—consumers are busy and spending more online looking for deals,” said John Breyault, NCL’s Vice President of Telecommunications and Fraud Policy. “They count on you being distracted. Before you click that link or grab that ‘flash deal,’ take a breath and verify it’s real. A few extra seconds of skepticism can save you hundreds—or even thousands—of dollars.”  

Child Labor Coalition Applauds Introduction of the CARE Act of 2025 on Universal Children’s Day

November 20, 2025 in , /by

Washington, DC — Today, on World Children’s Day, Representative Raul Ruiz (CA-25) reintroduced the Children’s Act for Responsible Employment and Farm Safety (CARE Act) in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Child Labor Coalition (CLC) strongly supports this essential legislation, which modernizes outdated federal child labor laws and extends long-overdue protections to child farmworkers—among the nation’s most vulnerable laborers. 

DOJ’s Scam Center Strike Force Is a Major Win for Consumers

November 14, 2025 in , , /by

November 14, 2025: Washington, DC — The National Consumers League (NCL) applauded the Justice Department’s creation of a new federal Scam Center Strike Force to crack down on cryptocurrency-related fraud. NCL, through its Fraud.org campaign, has long urged stronger action to hold both scammers—and the communication and financial networks they use—accountable for the hundreds of billions lost to fraud each year.

The East Wing Was More Than a Building — It Was a Legacy of Women’s Leadership

November 13, 2025 in /by

November 13, 2025: As a child, I always dreamed of living in Washington, working in politics, making a real difference, and having a life like the ones my favorite characters in books, movies, and television shows led. I idolized women like our first ladies —Jackie Kennedy, Lady Bird Johnson, Nancy Reagan, Laura Bush, and Michelle Obama —as well as working women in Washington, like Judy Smith, Representative Jan Schakowsky, and Diane Sawyer.