NCL condemns illegal firings of FTC commissioners 

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

March 18, 2025: Washington, DC — Today, President Trump unlawfully terminated Commissioners Alvaro Bedoya and Rebecca Slaughter from their positions at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Commissioner Slaughter was terminated more than five years before her term would expire; Commissioner Bedoya was terminated more than two years before his term would expire.

The Commission conducts important work to protect Americans from a range of harms, including elder fraud, children’s privacy violations, and deceptive advertising. Today’s egregious violation of the consumer protection agency’s independence jeopardizes its bipartisan mission to protect everyday Americans from marketplace harms, even those perpetrated by politically-connected individuals.

“Consumer protection work is not a partisan game,” said NCL Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud John Breyault. “With consumers losing more than $150 billion to fraud each year, we need consistent and reliable watchdogs at our law enforcement agencies. The firing of dedicated public servants because they belong to the wrong political party will make the FTC’s work even harder. NCL unequivocally condemns these firings.”

Despite its hamstrung resources, the Commission does irreplaceable work to defend Americans from bad actors like scammers and monopolists. The agency returned $324 million in refunds to Americans in 2023. Every $1 of the FTC’s costs return an estimated $14 in benefits to consumers through its consumer protection and competition law enforcement efforts.

By illegally subjecting commissioners to White House control, President Trump has sent a message that common-sense consumer protection work should not continue unless it serves his political goals. Congress established independent agencies like the FTC, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, and the Federal Elections Commission to ensure that federal oversight of critical issues is insulated from electoral, partisan, and personal games.

The Supreme Court has already ruled that a president cannot fire FTC commissioners simply for political purposes. The Supreme Court upheld this precedent as recently as 2020.

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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.

New legislation to protect fraud victims from tax penalties 

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829
Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) is appreciative of Representative Haley Stevens’s (D-MI) proposed legislation designed to protect fraud victims from being unfairly taxed when they are forced to tap into their 401(k)s early due to fraudulent schemes. Fraud prevention and consumer protection are central to NCL’s mission, and we strongly support this critical step in ensuring that fraud victims are not penalized further.
“Fraud victims are harmed enough when criminals steal their life savings,” said John Breyault, NCL Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud. “The last thing victims should worry about after being scammed is a bill from the IRS. NCL is thankful for Representative Stevens’ efforts to reduce the burdens fraud victims face after a crime has occurred.”
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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 sounds alarm over measles outbreak, calls for stronger immunization leadership

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Media Contact: Lisa McDonald, Vice President of Communications, 202-207-2829
Washington, DC — As of this week, there are a total of 223 cases of measles in western Texas, and it is spreading to neighboring counties in New Mexico and Oklahoma. Yet, recently confirmed Secretary of U.S. Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy is not actively pushing for Americans to get immunized. The National Consumers League (NCL) stands firmly on the side of science and evidence-based medicine.  In February, we expressed concern over his appointment, and now we are witnessing the significant risk to Americans’ health and well-being we previously stated.
“This spread of an extremely contagious virus should be a wakeup call to the American people and a stark reminder of the importance of immunization,” said Sally Greenberg, NCL CEO. “Decades ago, we saw a similar situation turn, polio, turn into an epidemic causing major disabilities and death to millions of Americans. We cannot go back. As a nation, our leaders and lawmakers should lead with facts, scientific data, and a commitment to public well-being.”
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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 opposes effort to shutter ED and defund education 

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

Last night, the Trump Administration began firing almost half of the U.S. Department of Education’s (ED) staff and kicked employees out of the DC office. President Trump and Education Secretary McMahon have made clear that this is only the beginning of their efforts to shut down ED entirely. With these most recent firings, ED is down to approximately 2,000 employees to handle a massive portfolio that includes administering billions of dollars in funding for rural and low-income public schools across the nation.

“The Education Department plays a critical role in our public education system despite being the smallest of the cabinet agencies,” said Eden Iscil, NCL Senior Public Policy Manager. “Weakening—or eliminating—the Department serves no purpose other than to defund our schools, allow for greater discrimination in education, and eliminate oversight of the private companies we pay to manage trillions of dollars in student loans. Leaders in Congress and the states must stand up and support the agency.”

With its already strained resources, ED enforces civil rights law, distributes billions of dollars to rural and low-income schools, and oversees trillions of dollars in aid and loans for higher education. The agency’s funding makes up less than 3% of the federal budget.

ED’s resources disproportionately go to states that largely voted for Republicans over Democrats in the last election. Mississippi, South Dakota, and Arkansas have some of the highest dependency on federal funding for their public schools, while states like New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut rely the least on ED.

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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. 

Trump administration shortens ACA enrollment, threatening healthcare for millions of consumers

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

Washington, DC – Millions of Americans would be affected by the Trump administration’s attempts to shorten the Affordable Care Act (ACA) open enrollment period and eliminate the monthly enrollment option for low-income families.   

By shortening the open enrollment window from 12 weeks to just 30 days, the proposal issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) would inevitably result in eligible individuals failing to enroll in coverage. The drastic reduction in time creates unnecessary barriers to enrollment for consumers, particularly those who need time to research their options, gather necessary documentation, contact brokers, or navigate the enrollment process. This is a direct attack on consumers’ access to healthcare, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, including low-income families, the elderly, and those with limited internet access or health literacy.  

In Trump’s first term, the administration cut outreach and public education funding and allowed short-term plans that offer subpar coverage, leading to a significant drop in ACA enrollment. This latest attempt will create further confusion and chaos for consumers seeking affordable healthcare options.     

Additionally, the CMS proposal to deny ACA coverage to immigrant “Dreamers”—young people brought to the U.S. illegally as children—raises further concerns. These individuals are hardworking, tax-paying contributors to the U.S. economy and should not be excluded from accessing healthcare plans. CMS also proposed limiting coverage for gender-affirming care starting in 2026.    

“This is a cruel and calculated attempt to roll back the ACA, undermine consumers, and restrict access to healthcare for millions,” said Sally Greenberg, NCL CEO. “By shortening the enrollment period, the administration is making it harder for hardworking Americans to find the coverage they need. Denying Dreamers access to health care is unjust, shortsighted, and could put in danger the broader community. We are disappointed by this proposal as Mr. Trump has pledged not to harm Dreamers.”   

In December of 2024 President Trump discussed Dreamers during a “Meet the Press” interview: “We have to do something about the Dreamers because these are people that have been brought here at a very young age,’ If Dreamers have the right to stay in this country, as Mr. Trump says they should, it is essential they have the same health care options available as all other Americans.

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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 joins 300+ organizations to oppose the dismantling of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau   

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

Washington, DC – Next week, the National Consumers League (NCL) will join hundreds of consumer advocates and constituents from 45 states to urge lawmakers to support a strong and independent Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Since its creation in 2011, the CFPB has recovered more than $21 billion for consumers who have been harmed by corporate greed and fraud. Cutting the CFPB would leave millions of hard-working Americans vulnerable to scams and other illegal conduct. 

Prior to the meetings, NCL also signed on to a letter urging Congress to restore a strong and independent CFPB and vote against any legislative attacks on the agency. During the meetings, known as Consumer Advocacy Week, constituents and consumer advocates will request legislators to oppose active efforts to undo key consumer protections, such as capping most bank overdraft fees at $5, removing medical debt from credit reports, and ensuring payment apps comply with the law.  

“The CFPB has been a lifeline for millions of consumers nationwide. In just a few years, the agency has punched far above its weight, returning billions of dollars to individuals harmed by the illegal conduct of banks, student loan servicers, and other bad actors,” said Eden Iscil, NCL Senior Public Policy Manager. “This coalition has brought hundreds of advocates from across the country to tell Congress to step up and protect the CFPB.”  

As the watchdog for consumers everywhere, the CFPB holds financial institutions accountable when they defraud and cheat people, and the agency has returned more than $21 billion to over 200 million people in the form of restitution or canceled debts. The CFPB has fiercely protected everyday Americans and their families against frauds, rip-offs, and market failures, and now it is our time to safeguard its existence.    

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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 urges lawmakers to protect oversight of payment apps  

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

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) is calling on lawmakers to vote in favor of maintaining the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) larger participants rule, which establishes much-needed oversight of companies that offer services like digital wallets and payment apps—such as Zelle and Apple Pay—and ensures they are properly regulated. The rule protects consumers, making sure that all forms of payment, whether provided by traditional banks or nonbank companies, are secure and trustworthy.   

“Fraud continues to be a major financial burden on consumers, stealing an estimated $158 billion annually from American families,” said John Breyault, NCL’s Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud. “Unfortunately, Congress is considering weakening protections for digital wallets and payment apps—platforms that are often used to perpetrate fraud. While the current Administration talks about reducing fraud, its actions are instead shifting the financial burden onto hard-working Americans.”   

As more Americans use digital payment apps and wallets, complaints about fraud and unauthorized charges have skyrocketed. The CFPB’s rule will help strengthen consumer protections and ensure that these financial products adhere to privacy laws, ultimately safeguarding the public from emerging threats in the digital payment space.   

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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 Steven Bradbury committee vote

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

Washington, DC – Today, the U.S. Senate Commerce committee approved Steven Bradbury for Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation, sending his nomination to the Senate floor. The National Consumers League (NCL) is urging Bradbury to commit to using the position to support critical safety and consumer protection initiatives at DOT.     

To date, President Trump’s DOT appointees have refused to commit to basic consumer protections, like allowing families to be seated together while flying or following federal law and updating decades-outdated airplane evacuation standards. Senators should not vote to confirm Bradbury as Deputy Secretary until he pledges to protect the numerous consumer protection advancements made in the past few years.  

The following statement is attributable to John Breyault, NCL Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud:  

“Steven Bradbury is seeking to rejoin DOT at a time of deep concern among the traveling public. Multiple crashes and close calls are making airline passengers fearful for their safety at a time when DOGE is cutting FAA safety staff. Automobile fatalities and injuries remain at unacceptably high levels, yet many vital safety technologies are not mandated equipment, and the nation still lacks a framework for the safe deployment of autonomous vehicles. Consumers will not regain confidence in our travel infrastructure if Mr. Bradbury uses his new position to implement the Project 2025 plan to roll back important advancements that the Biden Administration achieved in EV charging, fuel economy standards, family seating, data privacy, and airline consumer protection. NCL will defend these critical safeguards with all the tools at our disposal.” 

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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 supports new legislation to combat crypto ATM fraud  

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

Washington, DC – The National Consumer League (NCL) expresses strong support for the Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act introduced by Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL). This critical legislation aims to protect consumers from rising scams involving cryptocurrency ATMs. The minimal regulation of these machines, combined with the anonymity and irreversibility of cryptocurrency transactions, makes crypto ATMs a preferred tool for scammers.   

  “This legislation is a vital step in protecting everyday consumers from the growing threat of crypto ATM fraud,” said John Breyault, NCL VP of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud. “The Crypto ATM Fraud Prevention Act will provide necessary safeguards to stop scammers from exploiting cryptocurrency ATMs to steal hard-earned savings. We applaud Senator Durbin’s leadership in addressing this urgent issue.”   

  NCL’s Top Ten Scams report for 2024 found staggering losses from cryptocurrency scams. The median loss reported to NCL’s Fraud.org reached a new peak of $30,000 for the complaint category, including crypto fraud. Additionally, according to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Americans lost $66 million to crypto ATM fraud in the first half of 2024. The bill would require crypto ATM operators to inform consumers about scams, implement safeguards to prevent fraud and give law enforcement new tools to investigate and stop these crimes.     

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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 joins American Vehicle Owners Alliance as founding member 

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New Coalition Will Champion Vehicle Owners’ Data Rights 

Washington, DC – Today, The National Consumers League (NCL) proudly joins the American Vehicle Owners Alliance (AVOA) as a founding member. This new coalition brings together eight members who will work together to ensure that vehicle owners—not just manufacturers—have full access and control over the data generated by their vehicles. AVOA will advocate for policies protecting consumers’ property rights, fostering competition, and preventing unnecessary and burdensome restrictions on owner’s access to vehicle-generated data. 

“We are excited to be a founding member of the American Vehicle Owners Alliance,” said NCL CEO Sally Greenberg.  “Together, we are committed to ensuring that vehicle owners retain full access and control over their data, protecting their property rights and fostering fair competition in the marketplace.” 

“When you purchase a vehicle—whether as an individual or a business—you own it, just as you would any other property. The same should be true of your vehicle’s data,” said Richard Ward, Executive Director of AVOA. “Manufacturers should not have the power to lock owners out of that data or charge them extra fees to access what is rightfully theirs.”  

AVOA will work with Congress and the Trump administration to ensure vehicle owners own and manage their vehicles’ data. This ownership model increases cybersecurity, upholds privacy, protects consumers, reinforces our fundamental understanding of property rights, and makes vehicles and drivers safer. 

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About the American Vehicle Owners Alliance (AVOA)  

The American Vehicle Owners Alliance is a coalition committed to protecting vehicle owners’ rights to access and control all the data generated by their vehicles – data that rightfully belongs to the vehicle owner, not the manufacturer. americanvehicleownersalliance.org 

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.