NCL CEO Sally Greenberg mourns the passing of Pope Francis

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By NCL CEO Sally Greenberg

Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829     

Washington, DC – Having just returned from a trip to Argentina, I am especially saddened by the death of Pope Francis, whose cathedral I visited in Buenos Aires. I have admired how Pope Francis radiated love and echoed messages of humility, humanity, kindness, mercy, and decency—qualities that have become all too rare among world leaders.

Francis was a tireless advocate for the poor and the marginalized, and his papacy stood as a beacon of hope and moral courage.

In December 2023, he formally approved allowing Catholic priests to bless same-sex couples. In a declaration released by the Vatican, he affirmed, “When people ask for a blessing, an exhaustive moral analysis should not be placed as a precondition for conferring it. For those seeking a blessing should not be required to have prior moral perfection.

On the issue of immigration, Pope Francis reminded us that “Jesus, Mary, and Joseph were emigrants in Egypt, refugees escaping the wrath of an ungodly king.” He called for the consolation of emigrants and pilgrims of every age and country, “of all refugees of every condition who, beset by persecution or necessity, are forced to leave their homeland, beloved family and dear friends to foreign lands.”

The National Consumers League joins millions of admirers around the world in mourning the loss of His Holiness Pope Francis—a man of faith, conviction, and compassion, and a friend to people of all faiths.

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)    

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org. 

U.S. House vote exposes more families to fraud  

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829       

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) is outraged by today’s partisan vote by the U.S. House of Representatives to repeal the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) Larger Participants Rule. The vote approving S.J. Res 28 solidifies a gaping regulatory loophole that will allow Big Tech payment apps like PayPal, Venmo, and CashApp to evade accountability for their use by criminals to defraud millions of Americans.  

“Peer-to-peer payment app operators know that their platforms are being used by criminals to enable hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars in fraud against American families,” said NCL Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud John Breyault. “Instead of giving the CFPB the ability to crack down on this fraud, Elon Musk and his allies Congress have instead given a green light to scammers to raid the life savings of vulnerable Americans.”  

The CFPB’s Defining Larger Participants of a Market for General-Use Digital Consumer Payment Applications regulation (Larger Participant Rule) last year leveled the playing field between banks and Big Tech companies by establishing much-needed CFPB oversight over operators of digital wallets and payment apps. Should S.J. Res 28 become law, the operators of these apps will also have free rein to collect vast quantities of data about individual’s transactions with few, if any guardrails.   

NCL similarly criticized the House’s vote to overturn the CFPB’s overdraft fee rule (S.J. Res 18). The rule closed an outdated loophole that allows major banks to generate billions from excessive overdraft fees. Overdraft fees generate $5 billion in junk fee profits each year,  costing households hit with such fees approximately $225 annually. The CFPB’s overdraft fee rule lowered overdraft fees from $35 to $5 per overdraft.  

“The overdraft fee rule sent a clear message that banks should work for everyday Americans, not nickel-and-dime them with outrageous fees,” Breyault continued. “Instead of protecting this commonsense consumer protection, Republicans in Congress chose to stand with big banks and to let them continue padding their bottom lines with billions in junk fees.”  

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)       

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.    

Consumers deserve slave-free chocolate: new scorecard holds brands accountable     

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829     

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) and its organization, the Child Labor Coalition (CLC), are proud to participate in the launch of the Annual Chocolate Scorecard, an initiative coordinated by Be Slavery Free, an Australian coalition campaigning against modern slavery. This campaign aims to raise awareness about child labor in chocolate production, promote ethical sourcing, and empower consumers to choose chocolate that aligns with their values.     

“Consumers deserve to enjoy their chocolate without the bitter aftertaste of exploitation. The Annual Chocolate Scorecard empowers shoppers to make informed choices and demand better from the industry,” said Reid Maki, Director of the Child Labor Coalition. “While we acknowledge progress, the persistence of child labor and lack of transparency from major companies is unacceptable. It’s time for real accountability and action—not just empty promises.”     

The Chocolate Scorecard ranks companies based on traceability and transparency across supply chains, whether they pay farmers a living income, make efforts to prevent the use of child labor, take action on climate and deforestation, and eliminate the use of harmful pesticides.           

This year’s Annual Chocolate Scorecard highlights both progress and ongoing challenges in the chocolate industry. Mars Wrigley, the maker of Snickers, Twix, and Maltesers, was recognized for its efforts to support women, which helps reduce child labor. On the other hand, Cadbury’s parent company, Mondelēz, received the “Bad Egg” award for refusing to participate, raising concerns about transparency and accountability. While some companies report a drop in child labor, NGOs warn of “cocoa washing,” where progress is exaggerated.        

“Consumers are being asked to swallow record chocolate prices and shrinking products. The least they expect is chocolate free from slavery. The Chocolate Scorecard will help shoppers make smart purchases this Easter,” said Fuzz Kitto, Co-Director at Be Slavery Free. “Chocolate companies love to talk about policies and commitments, but 25 years since they promised to eliminate child labor from the supply chain, it’s time to stop ‘cocoa washing’ and innovate more effective action.”        

Overall, this year’s findings have shown improvements in transparency across the industry, with 82% of companies sharing data on child labor, compared to 45% in 2023.  Additionally, several companies were recognized for their progress and achievements this year. Dutch Company Tony’s Chocolonely, received the “Good Egg” award for excellence and transparency in the marketplace. USA chocolate manufacturer Beyond Good, gained recognition for using beans from Madagascar and Uganda, receiving the “Good Egg” Award for smaller companies. Finally, US company Mars Inc. received the Gender Award for policies and programs to empower women.   

To learn more the official scorecard is available here.    

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About the Child Labor Coalition (CLC)     

In 1989, NCL helped launch the Child Labor Coalition (CLC) to stamp out the worst forms of child labor and to protect teen workers from health and safety hazards. Today, it is co-chaired by NCL and the American Federation of Teachers and is staffed by NCL. For more information, visit https://stopchildlabor.org/   

NCL hails bipartisan committee vote on TICKET act

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communication’s, 202-207-2829

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League today applauded the House Energy and Commerce committee for its overwhelming and bipartisan vote to approve the TICKET Act (H.R. 1402). The TICKET Act would, for the first time in history, ensure accountability and fairness in live event ticketing across the United States. The bill, which passed the U.S. House last Congress 388-24, was recently reported unanimously out of the Senate Commerce Committee. The bill has previously received support from nearly every stakeholder in the live event ecosystem, including consumer organizations, free-market advocates, venues, artists, primary and secondary ticketing platforms, and more than 37,000 individual fans.

“The TICKET Act is the result of a hard-negotiated, bipartisan compromise that reflects the reality that the modern live event ticket-buying experience is an exercise in frustration for millions of consumers,” said John Breyault, National Consumers League Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications & Fraud. “This bill is the solution that millions of fans have been seeking to finally get rid of hidden junk fees, crack down on predatory ticket resale practices, and guarantee refunds in the event of event postponements and cancellations. We thank Representatives Guthrie, Pallone, Bilirakis, and Schakowsky for their continued support for the TICKET Act and we urge the full House to once again swiftly pass this common sense, bipartisan, consumer protection bill.”

Key provisions of the TICKET Act include:

  • Banning hidden junk fees through all-in pricing requirements;
  • Prohibiting speculative ticketing and other deceptive resale practices;
  • Requiring refunds for canceled and postponed events; and
  • Commissioning an FTC study on enforcement of the BOTS Act.

The TICKET Act’s provisions are strongly supportive of President Trump’s March 31 Executive Order on “Combating Unfair Practices in the Live Entertainment Industry.” Specifically, the bill addresses the Order’s directive to “protect fans from exploitative ticket scalper practices,” “[e]nsure price transparency at all stages of the ticket-purchase process, including the secondary ticketing market,” and “bring commonsense reforms to America’s live entertainment ticketing industry.”

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)
The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.

NCL slams introduction of resolutions weakening tailpipe emission standards

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829

Washington, DC – Congressional Republicans today introduced three Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolutions that restricts states’ rights to establish robust tailpipe emission standards. 

Under the Clean Air Act, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) may issue the State of California a waiver to exceed federal emission standards for motor vehicles.  Other states are permitted to adopt California’s standards.  In 2024, the EPA provided California waivers for the State’s Advanced Clean Cars II (ACC II), Advanced Clean Trucks, and Omnibus NOx rules.  These standards, which have been adopted in full or in part by 17 states, have nationwide benefits: conserving energy, combating the climate crisis, improving health, and reducing pain at the pump.

“Slamming the brakes on robust emission standards will inflict pain at the pump, hamper American competitiveness, exacerbate the climate crisis, and harm public health,” said Daniel Greene, Senior Director of Consumer Protection & Product Safety Policy. “These resolutions ignore a simple truth: costs are low when clean car standards are high. The United States must create a thriving EV industrial base to preserve the nation’s automobile manufacturing capacity.  Further, strong clean car standards are vital to combatting the climate crisis and preventing harmful pollutants from entering our atmosphere, which improves public health.  Congress should stop this assault on American competitiveness, affordability, health, and the environment at its inception.”

Please see this fact sheet detailing the CRAs and their effect on American competitiveness, affordability, health, and the environment

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)      

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org.    

NCL mourns the passing of Rep. Raúl Grijalva

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829     

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) mourns the passing of Rep. Raúl Grijalva, who died on March 13 from complications of cancer. Grijalva, 77, a 12-term legislator in the U. S. House of Representatives, represented Arizona as a Democrat. He was born in Tucson in 1948. 

NCL celebrates his long congressional career and his championing of child labor protections, including two vitally needed child labor bills that NCL and the Child Labor Coalition (CLC)—which NCL founded and chairs—helped draft and nurture for several congressional sessions. 

“Grijalva’s father came to the U.S. in the bracero-guest-worker program,” noted Reid Maki, NCL’s Director of Child Labor Advocacy. “Raúl never forgot his farmworker roots, and we could always count on his staunch support for legislation to protect vulnerable child farmworkers in the U.S. from the dangers of exploitative child labor.” 

Grijalva was a co-sponsor of the Children’s Act for Responsible Employment and Farm Safety, legislation to raise the minimum age for working on farms from the current 12 to 14. The bill would also raise the minimum age of hazardous work on farms from 16 to 18—all other sectors require workers to be 18 to conduct work identified as hazardous. Grijalva also co–sponsored the Children Don’t Belong on Tobacco Farms Act, legislation to ban teens from hazardous child labor in U.S. tobacco fields, where teen workers become ill from nicotine exposure. 

“Rep. Grijalva worked diligently to protect immigrant rights, unions, tribal rights, and environmental protections,” said Sally Greenberg, NCL CEO. “He was an impassioned voice for the underrepresented. His passing saddens us.”

Grijalva served on the House Education and Labor Committee and the Natural Resources Committee. He was a long-standing member of the Congressional Progressive Caucus and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. 

 

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)    

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit www.nclnet.org. 

NCL statement on court siding with airlines against price transparency 

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, (202)- 207-2829

Washington, DC – Late last night, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit chose to block a pro-consumer DOT rule that would have required the disclosure of baggage, change, and cancellation fees at the start of the purchasing process for airfares. The court cited a procedural reason related to a regulatory impact analysis in allowing airlines to continue overcharging consumers $543 million in hidden fees each year.  

“It’s disappointing that the 5th Circuit sided with airline profits over consumers. Price transparency is overwhelmingly popular and should not be a litigated issue,” said NCL VP of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud John Breyault. “While this is a temporary loss for passengers, we are pleased that the court appears to have rejected the airline industry’s efforts to get a free pass from DOT oversight entirely.” 

In the decision, the court did reject the airlines’ reckless argument that DOT lacks the authority to issue regulations prohibiting predatory business practices, a claim that threatened decades of consumer protection law. 

Further reading: 

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit nclnet.org.

NCL statement on confirmation of DOT Secretary Sean Duffy 

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, (202)- 207-2829

Washington, DC – Today, the Senate confirmed Sean Duffy as secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). Secretary Duffy will lead the Department as a number of critical aviation passenger protection issues remain unresolved or unaddressed, including: 

·                  Acting on an unfulfilled Congressional mandate to require airlines to seat families together, without incurring extra charges 

·                  Acting on multiple unfulfilled Congressional mandates to establish minimum seat sizes 

·                  Acting on an unfulfilled Congressional mandate to update emergency evacuation standards that are decades out of date 

·                  Defending the Department’s authority to require transparent pricing of airfares against a lawsuit brought by air carriers 

·                  Bringing U.S. regulations in line with international standards to promote market competition and provide cash compensation to passengers affected by significant flight disruptions and cancellations 

Secretary Duffy will also be charged with curbing the unacceptably high number of automobile fatalities and injuries on our nation’s roads, which accounted for approximately 42,000 deaths and over 5.2 million injuries in 2022. 

“Secretary Duffy inherits the mantle of one of the most pro-consumer DOT’s we’ve ever seen,” said John Breyault, NCL Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud. “We look forward working with the new leadership at DOT to complete these outstanding airline passenger protection to-do’s and take additional steps to promote the public interest and competition in our nation’s transportation industries more broadly.” 

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit nclnet.org.

NCL blasts NHTSA’s delay and reconsideration of automatic emergency braking standard

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Biden-era standard was projected to save hundreds of lives and prevent thousands of injuries each year

Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, (202)- 207-2829

Washington, DC – Today, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) delayed the implementation of a Biden-era rule that would require all passenger cars and light trucks to be equipped with automatic emergency brakes (AEB), which are automobile safety systems that automatically detect when a frontal collision with a vehicle or pedestrian is imminent and automatically applies the brakes to prevent or mitigate impact. The final rule was projected to save at least 362 lives and mitigate 24,321 injuries each year. Manufacturers would have to come into compliance with the rule by 2029.

“Mistakes should not cost lives, and with modern automobile safety technologies, they no longer have to,” said Daniel Greene, Senior Director, Consumer Protection & Product Safety Policy. “The Biden Administration took bold action to address the automobile safety crisis by requiring automatic emergency brakes to be standard safety features, not luxury items, on all new cars and light trucks. The Biden-era rule balanced the need to support safety innovation and compliance while addressing unacceptable carnage on our nation’s roads. Delaying or weakening these standards simply makes our streets more dangerous.”

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad. For more information, visit nclnet.org.

NCL urges swift passage of the TAKE IT DOWN Act

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, (202)- 207-2829

Washington, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Senators Cruz and Klobuchar reintroduced the TAKE IT DOWN Act, a bill that would make it illegal to post non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII) and require platforms to remove such content within 48 hours of notice. NCL strongly supports the TAKE IT DOWN Act and calls on the new Congress to prioritize swift passage of the measure. Last year, the legislation passed the Senate and was set to clear the House of Representatives, until Elon Musk intervened in end-of-year negotiations. 

“The TAKE IT DOWN Act has overwhelming bipartisan support. There’s no reason this can’t pass within the first 100 days.” said NCL Senior Public Policy Manager Eden Iscil. “Victims of NCII shouldn’t face pushback from digital platforms when they ask for the images of themselves to be removed. This bill would make that request a federal right.” 

The legislation also covers AI-generated NCII (i.e. deepfakes), a growing issue that can be just as damaging as in-person photography. 

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America’s pioneer consumer organization.  Our mission is to protect and promote social and economic justice for consumers and workers in the United States and abroad.  For more information, visit nclnet.org.