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Women’s health groups join opposition to State Department banning of terms – National Consumers League

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November 21, 2018

Media contact: National Consumers League – Carol McKay, carolm@nclnet.org, (412) 945-3242 or Taun Sterling, tauns@nclnet.org, (202) 207-2832

Washington, DC–Seven national women’s health groups have joined the chorus of those calling on Secretary Mike Pompeo and the Department of State to reconsider a proposed ban on decades’ old terminology dealing with sexual and reproductive health issues. Responding to reports in Politico, the groups expressed “deep concern” that diplomats around the world would be barred from using the terms “sexual and reproductive health” and “comprehensive sexuality education.” The groups signing the letter to Secretary Pompeo include the North American Menopause Society, the National Consumers League, American Medical Women’s Association, American Sexual Health Association, the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health, Healthy Women, and the National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health.

The groups wrote in their letter, “This proposal is counter-productive, banning widely accepted language that has been in use for decades. We strongly oppose any such change.”

The groups also noted that “sexual and reproductive health” encompasses a broad array of issues affecting both women and men, including pregnancy, prepartum and postpartum care, maternal and perinatal health, perimenopause and menopause issues, puberty issues, pap smears and cervical cancer testing, contraception, abortion, Ebola, Zika, stillbirths, female genital mutilation, infertility, adolescents and sex education, testing and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases including GC and Chlamydia (both on the rise according to the Centers for Disease Control) and HIV prevention, testing and treatment, posttraumatic stress syndrome, depression related to hormone changes, and importantly, violence against women.

The groups are joining a chorus of others, including five members of the House of Representatives who wrote last week to Secretary Pompeo: “It is critical the U.S. continue its leadership in helping to save millions of lives and protect Americans from infectious threats.”

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About the National Consumers League

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.

Seven groups join chorus of elected officials, organizations in challenge of U.S. State Departments decision regarding ubiquitous health termsSeven groups join chorus of elected officials, organizations in challenge of U.S. State Departments decision rega

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November 15, 2018

The Honorable Michael R. Pompeo
Secretary of State U.S. Department of State

Dear Mr. Secretary,

The undersigned groups are deeply concerned by reports from several sources that the U.S. Department of State is considering a proposal to prohibit U.S. diplomats around the world from using the terms “sexual and reproductive health” and “comprehensive sexuality education.” This proposal is counterproductive, banning widely accepted language that has been in use for decades. We strongly oppose any such change.

The term “sexual and reproductive health” encompasses a broad array of issues affecting both women and men, including pregnancy, prepartum and postpartum care, maternal and perinatal health, perimenopause and menopause issues, puberty issues, pap smears and cervical cancer testing, contraception, abortion, Ebola, Zika, stillbirths, female genital mutilation, infertility, adolescents and sex education, testing and treatment of sexually transmitted diseases including GC and Chlamydia (both on the rise according to the Centers for Disease Control) and HIV prevention, testing and treatment, posttraumatic stress syndrome, depression related to hormone changes, and importantly, violence against women.

The United States has tremendous influence around the world in promoting better health outcomes for all of the world’s citizens. Efforts to change or control the language and restrict the use of certain words that U.S. diplomats are permitted to use is unwise as we believe that by prohibiting the terms “sexual and reproductive health” and “comprehensive sexuality education” will undo decades of global progress for women’s access to healthcare and basic human rights.

We are committed to lifting the stigma related to sexual reproductive health communications, especially between women and their healthcare providers. Sexual health issues are very common for both sexes, with about 7 in 10 women having experienced a sexual health issue and 15-20% of men having described some kind of sexual problem when meeting with their healthcare provider.

Reproductive health is specific to reproductive processes, functions, and the reproductive system across all stages of life. Sexual and reproductive health issues are frequently preventable or treatable, yet a multitude of barriers often stand in the way of women and men discussing their concerns with a healthcare provider, leaving them to suffer in silence. Among those barriers is the culture of embarrassment or stigma that already exists in discussions about sexual and reproductive health.

Breaking down barriers that hinder or prevent conversations about sexual and reproductive health requires support and education at many levels. We believe the U.S. Department of State’s proposal to prohibit the terms “sexual and reproductive health” and “comprehensive sexuality education” will only hurt, not help, the progress that has been made and hinder ongoing efforts to further break down barriers.

For these reasons, we urge the Administration to abandon the proposal to prohibit the use of “sexual and reproductive health” and “comprehensive sexuality education.”

Thank you for your attention to our concerns about the damage this proposed prohibition of terms will have. The United States should be a leader in promoting sexual and reproductive health for men and women.

Sincerely,

Sheryl A. Kingsberg, PhD
Immediate Past President
The North American Menopause Society

Ms. Sally Greenberg
National Consumers League
Healthy Women International

Other Groups Endorsing this Request

American Medical Women’s Association
American Sexual Health Association
Healthy Women International
Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health
National Association of Nurse Practitioners in Women’s Health

Increased Consumer Risks from Purchasing Erectile Dysfunction Medicine on the Gray Market Exposed in New Research – National Consumers League

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November 14, 2018

Bayer and the National Consumers League release white paper that explores the risks consumers face when purchasing erectile dysfunction (ED) medicines from illegal online pharmacies and provides policy recommendations for increasing safe access to ED medicines.

Washington, DC–Bayer and the National Consumers League (NCL) today released a white paper, Increased Consumer Risk from Erectile Dysfunction Medication Advertised and Sold on the Gray Market, which exposes the dangers to consumers who purchase ED medication from illegal online pharmacies – also known as the gray market.

The white paper was commissioned by Bayer, and NCL, the nation’s pioneering consumer advocacy organization, served as a reviewer and research consultant. Findings from the white paper were presented today at the Alliance for Safe Online Pharmacies (ASOP) Global Foundation’s Spotlight on Illegal Online Drug Sales Research Symposium in Washington, D.C.

“Online pharmacies offer convenient access to prescription medicines, but without proper precautions and guardrails, convenience can come at the cost of safety and security,” said NCL Executive Director Sally Greenberg, who authored a foreword to the white paper and presented the findings at the ASOP Symposium. “When consumers cut corners by shopping at illegitimate online sources, they inadvertently place themselves at risk. We are committed to ensuring access to safe, effective medicines for all Americans and contributing to recommendations that place the gray market front-and-center in health policy decision making in order to reduce consumer reliance on these illicit online channels.”

“Certain medicines, particularly those used to treat ED, are commonly sought after through illegitimate internet pharmacies, despite known risks to consumers,” said Raymond F. Kerins Jr., Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Bayer in the U.S. “Consumer and patient safety, health and well-being are at the heart of our life science mission. It’s our hope that this research helps to create additional awareness and actionable steps to deter online purchasing in today’s digital age.”

Erectile dysfunction medications are among the most common medications offered by illegal online pharmacies. Many men with ED choose not to visit a doctor for consultation or to obtain prescriptions for these medications due to embarrassment over discussing the issue, because they lack sufficient insurance coverage or simply out of a preference for convenience. Increasingly, men are turning to online pharmacies, however, a 2018 review conducted by the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy found 94.8 percent of online pharmacies do not comply with U.S. pharmacy laws and practice standards, placing consumer health and safety at risk. The drugs sold through these illegal channels may contain too much, too little or no active pharmaceutical ingredients. Likewise, these products may contain substitutes and altogether different pharmaceutical compounds or ingredients found to be ineffective, harmful or even deadly.

To address these serious risks to consumers, the white paper concludes that gray market deterrents should be an integral component of health policy in the digital age and offers steps for policymakers to take action. These policies include enhancing consumer awareness about the gray market and promoting health literacy; encouraging healthcare providers to talk about the risks of illegal online pharmacies with their patients; increasing access by making ED medicines available over-the-counter, which includes consumer education and information programs; and collaborative law enforcement actions to combat illegal sales on the gray market.

This white paper and the Ipsos Gray Market Survey were developed with funding provided by Bayer. Bayer, the National Consumers League and Faegre Baker Daniels Consulting contributed research and reviewed the content of this paper.

Please visit Bayer at www.bayer.us and the NCL at www.nclnet.org to learn more about the research and access the white paper.

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About the National Consumers League

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.

About Bayer
Bayer is a global enterprise with core competencies in the Life Science fields of health care and agriculture. Its products and services are designed to benefit people and improve their quality of life. At the same time, the Group aims to create value through innovation, growth and high earning power. Bayer is committed to the principles of sustainable development and to its social and ethical responsibilities as a corporate citizen. In fiscal 2017, the Group employed around 99,800 people and had sales of EUR 35.0 billion. Capital expenditures amounted to EUR 2.4 billion, R&D expenses to EUR 4.5 billion. For more information, go to www.bayer.com.

Forward-Looking Statement
This news release may contain forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by Bayer Group or subgroup management. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors could lead to material differences between the actual future results, financial situation, development or performance of the company and the estimates given here. These factors include those discussed in Bayer’s public reports which are available on the Bayer website at www.bayer.com. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.

Contact:

Carol McKay, National Consumers League

carolm@nclnet.org, (412) 945-3242 

 

Jennifer Brendel, Bayer

Jennifer.brendel@bayer.com, (862) 246-5028

NCL applauds FTC and DOJ settlement against MoneyGram for failing to police scammers

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November 9, 2018

Media contact: National Consumers League – Carol McKay, carolm@nclnet.org, (412) 945-3242 or Taun Sterling, tauns@nclnet.org, (202) 207-2832

Washington, DC—The National Consumers League (NCL), the consumer group known for its expertise in fraud, is commending the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) fine of $125 million imposed on MoneyGram for failing to police fraudulent transactions.

Under the agreement, the company said it would take steps to crack down on scammers who trick victims into wiring money in schemes that often target grandparents, seniors, and others in phony sweepstakes, lottery, and other scams, including impersonating IRS government officials.

“MoneyGram’s alleged failure to implement key provisions of the order allowed scammers to continue to use its money transfer system to rip off consumers,” said FTC Chairman Joe Simons in a news release. The FTC found that from January to September of this year, 54 percent of government-impostor scams involved the use of a gift card or reloadable payment card.

The following statement can be attributed to NCL’s Executive Director Sally Greenberg:

“MoneyGram is a repeat offender. We hear from consumers every day that the service was used to delivered cash or money on a gift card wired at a scammer’s request. Once that’s done, the funds cannot be recovered. Companies like MoneyGram know how to reduce fraud, but they haven’t taken the steps necessary to do so. Some of the MoneyGram outlets had incidences of fraud at 50 percent of their transactions. We are disappointed at the failure of this company to act responsibly. While NCL works to educate the public, we rely heavily on federal law enforcement to police this type of fraud. We are grateful to the dedicated civil servants at the FTC and the Department of Justice (DOJ) for bringing these cases and holding companies accountable.

As reported in The Washington Post, MoneyGram has agreed to take the following steps as part of the settlement:

  • Reported fraudsters will be blocked from using MoneyGram’s transfer system within two days of receiving a complaint identifying those individuals.
  • Individuals worldwide will be required to show government-issued identification to send or receive money transfers.
  • Money transfers from the United States will be monitored.
  • Agents who are found to have processed a high volume of transactions connected to reported fraudsters will be terminated, disciplined or restricted.

If you think you were a victim, the DOJ is directing consumers to MoneyGramRemission.com or providing this number to call: (844) 269-2630. Consumers can sign up for updates that will include how to request compensation.

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About the National Consumers League

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 commends FTC for crackdown on ‘shoddy’ healthcare plans

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November 6, 2018

Media contact: National Consumers League – Carol McKay, carolm@nclnet.org, (412) 945-3242 or Taun Sterling, tauns@nclnet.org, (202) 207-2832

Washington, DC—The National Consumers League (NCL) has issued praise for the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) recent action against Simple Health Plans LLC, a Hollywood, FL-based company duping consumers into purchasing shoddy healthcare plans purporting to be Affordable Care Act-compliant. At the request of the FTC, a federal judge temporarily shut down the company that allegedly bilked consumers out of more than $100 million by selling worthless plans and simultaneously leaving victims uninsured.

In August, NCL expressed concern that the Short-Term Limited Duration Insurance (STLDI) Plan rule would allow for the sale of short-term health insurance plans that do not comply with the requirements of the Affordable Care Act—and allow insurers to offer junk insurance policies that fail to meet consumers’ healthcare needs. 

The following statement can be attributed to NCL Executive Director Sally Greenberg:

“We commend the FTC for its swift action against Simple Health Plans and the con artists disguised as health care company executives. This company has gone further than just preying on consumers’ finances — they’ve misled consumers into believing they were buying legitimate insurance coverage. Instead, they’ve left their victims without basic coverage for  doctors’ visits and pre-existing conditions, and many with mounting debt. We appreciate the FTC’s efforts to protect consumers from false advertising and unscrupulous actors in this industry and hope justice is served for these fraudsters and others who prey on vulnerable healthcare consumers.”

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About the National Consumers League

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 welcomes federal food waste initiative

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October 19, 2018

Media contact: National Consumers League – Carol McKay, carolm@nclnet.org, (412) 945-3242 or Taun Sterling, tauns@nclnet.org, (202) 207-2832

Washington, DC—The National Consumers League (NCL) is welcoming an announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of a new initiative to reduce food waste. The agreement is aimed at improving coordination and communication across federal agencies attempting to better educate Americans on the impacts and importance of reducing food loss and waste.

According to a statement issued by the agencies, U.S. food waste is estimated at between 30-40 percent of the food supply. This figure, based on estimates from USDA’s Economic Research Service of 31 percent food loss at the retail and consumer levels, corresponded to approximately 133 billion pounds and $161 billion worth of food in 2010. Wasted food is the single largest category of material placed in municipal landfills and represents nourishment that could have helped feed families in need.

“We welcome this acknowledgement by the federal government that food waste is a problem that warrants our attention,” said NCL Executive Director Sally Greenberg. “The amount of food we waste—while millions of others go hungry, in our own country and around the globe, is shameful, and we can all do better. We eagerly await hearing more about the concrete steps the administration is recommending to tackle the problem.”

NCL has been an early leader on identifying reducing food waste as a priority and is a co-founder of Further with Food: Center for Food Loss and Waste Solutions, a virtual resource to share information about proven solutions and innovative new approaches to reduce the volume of surplus food generated, feed hungry people, and divert food and scraps to the highest beneficial use. In 2016, NCL hosted a food waste summit to identify causes and search for solutions to engage consumers on reducing food waste. In 2015, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a national goal to cut U.S food waste in half by 2030. 

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About the National Consumers League

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 letter to USDA on E. coli – National Consumers League

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October 15, 2018

Media contact: National Consumers League – Carol McKay, carolm@nclnet.org, (412) 945-3242 or Taun Sterling, tauns@nclnet.org, (202) 207-2832

Washington, DC-The National Consumers League (NCL) led the Safe Food Coalition in a letter sent today to the United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) expressing concern over regulations related to E. coli control and prevention in the aftermath of two recent recalls of E. coli contaminated beef produced by Cargill Meat Solutions, Inc.

Both Cargill recalls are Class I recalls, the most severe risk category FSIS assigns to human food recalls. Cargill’s first recall applied to 25,288 pounds of ground beef products that may have been contaminated with Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC) O157:H7, or the most well-known serotype of E. coli but did not cause any illnesses. Cargill’s second recall applied to a far greater amount of food product – 132,606 pounds of ground beef – contaminated with E. coli O26, an extremely virulent pathogen that is often grouped with six other serotypes known as the “non-O157 STECs.”

The recent outbreak linked to Cargill’s beef caused 18 illnesses and one death, underscoring the seriousness of the public health risk posed by non-O157 STECs. In the letter sent to Acting Deputy Under Secretary Rottenberg, NCL asks FSIS to amend agency guidance to formally recommend a “test and hold” procedure for all STECs, not just E. coli O157:H7, so that consumers are adequately protected from contaminated meat products before the product enters the marketplace. The letter also urges FSIS to discontinue the assumption that testing and safety protocols for the O157:H7 serotype are sufficient to control or eliminate the risks posed by the six other non-O157:H7 STECs.
“We are asking FSIS to hold all plants handling beef products to to the same testing standards that can capture all serotypes of E. coli. We are aware of two beef processors – Beef Products Inc, Inc and Costco Wholesale – who conduct “test and hold” for all seven serotypes of E. coli, beyond the minimum standard for just E. coli O157:H7 as FSIS currently requires. A large entity like Cargill should also be required to do the same.” said NCL Executive Director Sally Greenberg. 

Read the letter here.

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About the National Consumers League

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.

Consumer watchdog group to present 45th annual Trumpeter award to Senators Duckworth, Markey on Tuesday, 10/16

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October 15, 2018

Identity Theft Resource Center’s Eva Casey Velasquez to receive grassroots activism award 

Media contacts: National Consumers League – Carol McKay, carolm@nclnet.org, (412) 945-3242 or Taun Sterling, tauns@nclnet.org, (202) 207-2832

Washington, DC— The National Consumers League (NCL), the nation’s pioneering consumer and worker advocacy organization, has announced it will honor Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) with its highest honor, the Trumpeter Award, on Tuesday, October 16 in Washington, DC.

In addition to the Trumpeter Award, NCL will the honor Eva Casey Velasquez, President and CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center, with the 2018 Florence Kelley Consumer Leadership Award.

MEDIA ADVISORY

What: National Consumers League’s 2018 Trumpeter Awards
When: Tuesday, October 16, 2018
7 pm Dinner and Presentation of Awards
Where: Marriott Marquis | Liberty Ballroom
901 Massachusetts Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001

This year marks the 45th anniversary year of the Trumpeter Award, which honors leaders in the fight for consumer and worker rights. Past honorees include: Senator Ted Kennedy, the award’s inaugural recipient, as well as Labor Secretaries Hilda Solis, Robert Reich, and Alexis Herman, Senators Carl Levin and Paul Wellstone, Delores Huerta of the United Farm Workers, and other honored consumer and labor leaders. Last year’s recipients were the legendary social justice leader Rep. John Lewis (D-GA) and then-Director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Richard Cordray.

“Senator Tammy Duckworth embodies America’s best values throughout her career, as an Iraq War Veteran, a Purple Heart recipient, and former Assistant Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs,” said NCL Executive Director Sally Greenberg. “She is an inspirational leader and justice-minded policymaker on civil rights, standing up for immigrants and veterans, and speaking out on behalf of consumers on healthcare and justice reform. We are thrilled to honor her this October with this historic award.”

“For nearly five decades, Senator Ed Markey’s leadership has been a model for Americans of all generations,” said Greenberg. “Whether on issues dealing with commerce, protecting the environment, or in defense of privacy, healthcare, and cybersecurity, his commitment to policy that serves consumers and workers is exemplary.”

“Eva Casey Velasquez’s leadership at the Identity Theft Resource Center and her commitment to broadening public education and awareness about important issues that affect almost every consumer have earned her this year’s Florence Kelley Consumer Leadership Award,” said John Breyault, NCL vice president on public policy, telecommunications and fraud. “Velasquez’s work has helped to put consumers at the center of ID theft prevention, and we are delighted to present her with this award to honor her commitment to consumer education and protection.”

This year’s Trumpeter Awards will feature a reception, dinner, and speaking appearances by NCL leadership and the honorees, as well as Maria Cardona, CNN/CNNE Commentator & Principal of Dewey Square Group. To learn more, visit nclnet.org/about-ncl/trumpeter-awards_awards.

Members of the media are welcome to attend this event but must RSVP. For questions or to RSVP: Call Carol McKay, (724) 799-5392 or Taun Sterling, (202) 207-2832

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About the National Consumers League

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.

Women’s health experts launch the Alliance for Advancing Women’s Health

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October 9, 2018

Media contact: National Consumers League – Carol McKay, carolm@nclnet.org, (412) 945-3242 or Taun Sterling, tauns@nclnet.org, (202) 207-2832

Washington, DC–The National Consumers League is pleased to join with other leading national women’s health and sexual health organizations in announcing the launch of the Alliance for Advancing Women’s Health (AAWH), a new collaborative initiative to advance women’s sexual healthcare by improving the interaction between clinicians and patients about sexual health.

Through AAWH, made possible with support from AMAG Pharmaceuticals, Inc., member organizations will work together to empower women with information to seek better sexual healthcare. AAWH will also work to increase healthcare providers’ understanding of women’s sexual health needs to better address their patients’ sexual health concerns.

“Women’s sexual health is critically important to a woman’s overall health, and it can help to improve social and emotional wellness. But too often, women’s sexual health concerns go unaddressed,” said AAWH Co-Chair Sally Greenberg, Executive Director, National Consumers League. “As women’s health experts and advocates, we know that cultural discomfort with the topic of sexual health, as well as limited clinician time and training, contribute to a lack of dialogue and through this alliance we will seek to change that.”

A survey of U.S. women found that about seven in 10 had experienced a sexual health issue. Despite the reported prevalence of sexual health concerns, a culture of discomfort around women’s sexual health often inhibits open conversation about women’s sexual health even in a healthcare professional’s office. Surveys of patients and healthcare professionals found that most women (73%) preferred their clinician to broach the topic of sexual health, while most clinicians (74%) relied on their patients to initiate the conversation. AAWH members will volunteer their time and expertise to help bridge this gap and improve women’s sexual health outcomes.

“For too long, women and their clinicians have not had open conversations about sexual health concerns, to the detriment of women’s physical, mental, emotional and social wellbeing,” said AAWH Co-Chair Sheryl Kingsberg, PhD, President, North American Menopause Society and Division Chief of Behavioral Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. “AAWH will work with clinicians and women across the country to foster an open dialogue and to advance sexual health care for women everywhere.”

Learn more about AAWH at https://advancingwomenshealth.org/.

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About the National Consumers League

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.

National Consumers League statement on Senate passage of FAA Reauthorization Bill

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October 4, 2018

Media contact: National Consumers League – Carol McKay, carolm@nclnet.org, (412) 945-3242 or Taun Sterling, tauns@nclnet.org, (202) 207-2832

Washington, DC–Yesterday’s vote by Congress to send the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization bill to President Trump’s desk represents a missed opportunity to address the lack of competition and rampant abuse of add-on fees by the nation’s biggest airlines, said the National Consumers League. The inclusion of some new consumer protections in the bill particularly the prohibition on involuntary bumping and minimum seat size standards, promises to improve consumers’ experience in the air. However, the omission of the bipartisan FAIR Fees Act language in the bill, a provision that would have helped consumers who are being gouged to the tune of $2.9 billion a year, will hurt consumers for years to come. Congress’ inaction on the FAIR Fees Act is a significant setback for the flying public.

The following statement is attributable to NCL Executive Director Sally Greenberg:

“The FAA Reauthorization Act will not protect consumers from unreasonable change and cancelation fees as we had hoped. However, it can protect consumers from shrinking seat sizes that hamper evacuations and contribute to deep vein thrombosis.

“Much of the advocacy around airline consumer protection will now turn to the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the FAA, which, as a result of this bill, will craft rules on issues such as minimum seat size standards, involuntary bumping, consumer complaint handling, and fee refunds. We urge Chairman Chao and Acting Administrator Elwell to listen to consumers, not just the legions of airlines lobbyists as it begins these important rulemaking proceedings.”

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About the National Consumers League

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.