NCL joins 25+ advocacy organizations in opposing expansion of 340B drug pricing program in New York 

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

Washington, DC – Today, the National Consumers League (NCL) joined over 25 patient and provider advocacy organizations in voicing strong opposition to the proposed expansion of the 340B Drug Pricing Program under NY Senate Bill 1913. The groups, which represent a broad coalition of patients, healthcare providers, and consumer advocates, assert that the 340B program, originally designed to support vulnerable populations, has instead become a profit-driven mechanism benefiting large hospital systems and middlemen—without delivering on its promises to the low-income individuals it was meant to help.  

“The 340B program was designed to help vulnerable patients, but it’s become a profit-driven system that benefits hospitals, not those in need,” said Samantha Sears, Health Policy Associate at NCL. “It’s time for policymakers to demand real accountability and transparency.” 

Without these changes, 340B will continue to drive up costs while failing to serve those who need it most. Rather than expanding a flawed and dysfunctional system, the coalition is urging state legislators to take meaningful action to reform 340B. They are calling for: 

  • Greater transparency on how 340B savings are reinvested into patient care. 
  • Direct benefits to lower drug costs for uninsured patients. 
  • A focus on expanding the program in truly underserved areas. 

The full letter is available here. 

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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.

Fifteen organizations call on senate commerce committee to support TICKET Act  

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

Washington, DC – Today, the National Consumers League (NCL) joined a coalition of 15 organizations in support of the TICKET Act (S. 281). This bipartisan bill, reintroduced in the Senate by Senators Edward Markey (D-MA) and Eric Schmitt (R-MO), is scheduled for markup in the Senate Commerce Committee this Wednesday, February 5. NCL has championed this legislation since its introduction last Congress and continues to stand with numerous consumer and fan advocacy organizations and live event industry stakeholders in endorsing its key provisions.  

“Consumers deserve fair, transparent, and reliable ticketing practices, and the TICKET Act delivers just that,” said John Breyault, NCL Vice President of Public Policy, Telecommunications, and Fraud. “Hidden fees, speculative ticketing, and deceptive marketing practices have plagued the live event industry for far too long, leaving fans frustrated and out of pocket. The TICKET Act takes important steps toward fixing these issues, and NCL is proud to continue our support for this vital consumer protection legislation.”  

The TICKET Act requires all-in pricing, which would eliminate hidden fees and provide consumers with clear and transparent pricing upfront. It also bans speculative ticketing and deceptive marketing practices, ensures refunds for canceled or postponed events, and mandates a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) study on the enforcement of the BOTS Act.  

“The TICKET Act’s common-sense provisions will empower consumers and promote a more equitable and transparent live event ticketing marketplace,” said Breyault. “By supporting this bill, the Senate has the opportunity to protect millions of fans from deceptive practices and ensure that ticket buyers can confidently purchase tickets without fear of hidden costs or other unfair practices.” 

To view the organizations’ letter, click here. 

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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 the public to heed warnings about unregulated versions of GLP-1 weight loss drugs

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

Washington, DC — As an organization with a long history of helping the public avoid fakes and unregulated products, the National Consumers League (NCL) is urging consumers and health professionals to heed the warning from the Food and Drug Administration that compounded versions of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists) drugs now widely promoted on television and online are not FDA approved and may cause serious health problems.

Because studies show that FDA-approved anti-obesity medications (semaglutide and tirzepatide) can help individuals achieve significant weight loss, demand for GLP-1s has surged, prompting supply shortages and consumers to seek alternative ways to obtain these drugs because many health plans do not cover GLP-1s. This dynamic first opened the door for compounding pharmacies to sell non-identical versions of GLP-1 drugs under specific FDA regulations that apply when there is a shortage. Yet now, consumers are navigating a largely unregulated marketplace where numerous actors – telehealth companies, med-spas, illegal online pharmacies, and others – are marketing untested compounded GLP-1 drugs or actual counterfeits that, according to the FDA, may contain incorrect dosages, the wrong ingredients, too much, too little or none of the active ingredients, and possibly bacteria.

Underscoring the potential health consequences from dosing errors and exposure to the wrong ingredients, the FDA has received 607 adverse event reports related to compounded versions of semaglutide and tirzepatide as of November 24, 2024, many of which involve life-threatening and even deadly consequences. This includes approximately 10 deaths and over 100 hospitalizations from compounded semaglutide alone.

Besides the potential health risks, the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) warns that illegal online pharmacies are selling substandard or falsified GLP-1 agonists without holding the required pharmacy licensure and without requiring a valid prescription. In fact, NABP has identified thousands of websites that promote the illegal sale of GLP-1 agonists, including sites that are connected to domain names that include GLP-1 drug’s brand names, including Ozempic and Wegovy. Additionally, NCL is aware of new research reported in the JAMA Health Forum, which finds that many websites for mass-produced compounded GLP-1 drugs do not include information about the drugs’ adverse effects, warnings, and contraindications, including hospitalizations, and use misleading language suggesting the compounded product is FDA-approved or equivalent to an FDA approved GLP-1 drug.

Recognizing that incorrect beliefs about obesity, misinformation about treatment options, and restrictive insurance policies keep Americans from getting quality obesity care, NCL and the National Council on Aging issued the first Obesity Bill of Rights for the nation, which establishes The Right to Accurate, Clear, Trusted, and Accessible Information as essential for informed decision-making. In furtherance of this right, NCL urges Americans to follow this advice from the FDA and obesity medicine specialists regarding compounded GLP-1 drugs:

  • Be aware that a compounded drug for obesity is not a copy of an FDA-approved GLP-1 drug. There are differences in how the different medicines are produced and often, the ingredients are different. Further, unapproved drugs have not gone through the FDA’s rigorous review process to ensure safety, effectiveness, and quality.
  • Before seeking treatment with an injectable GLP-1 drug, talk to your doctor or health provider to determine if you are a candidate for treatment with a GLP-1 based on your risk factors and degree of obesity. Also, ask questions about the differences between FDA-approved innovator drugs and off-brand compounded versions.
  • Because GLP-1 drugs are serious medicines that carry risks as well as benefits, it is best to obtain a prescription from your doctor or a health professional you know and fill the prescription at a state-licensed pharmacy.
  • In situations where you choose a telehealth option, beware of prescribing practitioners who do not take your personal history, do not diagnose the degree of obesity with appropriate evaluation measures, or prescribe a GLP-1 drug without ongoing monitoring.

Before ordering a compounded GLP-1 drug through an online pharmacy, follow the FDA’s tips to spot the warning signs that the website may be unsafe, such as the online pharmacy is not licensed in the US or by a state board of pharmacy and offers deep discounts that seem too good to be true.

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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 condemns Trump’s efforts to undermine CFPB’s ability to protect consumers 

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

Washington, DC — The National Consumers League (NCL) strongly condemns the Trump Administration’s reported plans to have the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) or the Department of Treasury supervise CFPB operations. Such steps would undermine critical consumer and small business protections, cost hardworking Americans their jobs, and leave millions of consumers more vulnerable to predatory financial practices.

The CFPB was established as an independent agency to protect consumers from deceptive practices in the financial marketplace, and it has been a vital safeguard for American consumers since its creation in 2011. Since that time, the agency has recovered $19.7 billion for consumers.

“We are deeply concerned about the potential consequences of these actions,” said John Breyault, Vice President of Public Policy. “It is crucial that we keep the CFPB strong, independent, and fully operational in order to protect consumers nationwide from financial harm.”

Congress explicitly designed the CFPB to be an independent agency within the Federal Reserve System. Executive actions to place the agency under OMB or Treasury supervision are likely illegal. NCL believes that undermining the CFPB’s independent structure would take the country backward, eroding the essential consumer protections that have helped combat abusive practices in the financial industry, such as payday lending, illegal credit card fees, deceptive loans,  and mortgages, and more.

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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 calls for immediate action on aviation safety following tragic Washington, DC plane crash

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

Washington, DC — National Consumers League (NCL) is heartbroken by the tragic crash of American Airlines Flight 5342 in Washington, DC. We extend our deepest condolences to the families and loved ones of the 64 passengers and crew members who perished, as well as the three service member aboard the Army Black Hawk helicopter. This tragedy is a stark reminder that safety must be the #1, #2, and #3 priority, above all else, in our nation’s aviation system.

This crash follows a long-standing and growing concern about the dangers of overcrowded airspace, particularly at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), home to the busiest runway in the nation. The airspace around DCA, heavily congested with both passenger planes and military aircraft on security patrols, has seen a series of near-misses and incidents. Experts and lawmakers have repeatedly warned about the risks, citing a series of near-misses and incidents—including a recent incident where a catastrophic runway collision was narrowly avoided. Despite these red flags, Congress continues to push for increased flights in this already overburdened airspace.

This tragedy must serve as a wake-up call for the urgent action. It is critical to reevaluate flight patterns, air traffic control resources, and safety protocols. To restore passenger trust in air travel, we need a thorough, transparent investigation into this tragedy, along with a concrete plan to address the underlying issues of congestion and air traffic control shortages.

“While investigations will seek to determine the precise cause of this crash, one thing is clear: we must not wait for another catastrophe to make air travel safer,” says John Breyault, Vice President of Public Policy, which has been pushing for passenger safety and updated evacuation policies. Breyault served on the Aviation Consumer Protection Advisory Committee from 2021-2024.

When speaking to the media President Trump has recklessly blamed diversity, equity, and inclusion hires —along with the last two Democratic presidents —for the crash. This politically motivated finger-pointing isn’t just misleading; it’s a blatant attempt to distract from the real issues. NCL urges lawmakers, regulators, and the aviation industry to come together and take immediate steps to enhance safety in our nation’s airspace. It is time to prioritize reforms that protect the lives of passengers and restore confidence in air travel.

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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’s lawsuit against Starbucks moves forward in DC superior court 

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

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) is pleased to announce that its lawsuit against Starbucks will proceed in the DC Superior Court after a ruling yesterday by the Federal judge ordering that the case be remanded back to DC Superior Court from where it sits currently in federal court.

NCL’s lawsuit alleges that Starbucks misled consumers with deceptive claims about the ethical sourcing of its products. This decision comes after several months of delay caused by Starbucks’ improper removal of the case to federal court.    

“The National Consumers League is pleased that the case we filed against Starbucks can finally move forward on the merits in the DC Superior Court, where it was originally brought, after months of delay caused by the defendant’s improper removal of the action to federal court,” said NCL CEO Sally Greenberg. “This is especially important because the case was brought under DC law, the Consumer Protection Procedures Act (CPPA), and the DC courts are best equipped to hear this case.”   

The decision to keep the case in DC court ensures that the legal process will be handled under the applicable local laws, particularly the Consumer Protection Procedures Act, which is designed to protect District residents from unfair or deceptive business practices.  

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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 swift passage of the TAKE IT DOWN Act

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.

A win for human rights: DC mayor’s signature is a major step in banning child marriage

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

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) applauds Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser for signing the Child Marriage Prohibition Amendment Act of 2024 into law. This important legislation prohibits child marriages in the District of Columbia, ensuring the protection of minors from this harmful practice. The bill will now undergo 30 days of congressional review. If approved by Congress, the District of Columbia will join the 13 U.S. states and two U.S. territories that have already banned child marriage.

As a longstanding advocate for the basic human rights of girls and women worldwide, NCL expresses deep gratitude to Mayor Bowser and Councilmember Pinto for their leadership in addressing this critical issue.

“We’re delighted that Washington, DC is taking a significant stand against child marriage,” said Reid Maki, Director of Child Labor Advocacy at the National Consumers League and Coordinator of the Child Labor Coalition. “This legislation, in a city that has unfortunately seen an increase in child marriages, sets a powerful example for other cities, states, and nations to follow. Ending this practice will protect young girls from the many negative health and social consequences that early marriage brings.”

The decision to protect children from the harmful practice of early marriage is not just a local victory but a beacon of hope for girls around the world. Recent global developments, such as Iraq’s troubling decision to reduce the legal marriage age to just 9, emphasize the urgency of upholding basic human rights for girls and women everywhere.

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About the National Consumers League (NCL)
Founded in 1899, the National Consumers League (NCL) 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.

Additional Resources

Forced Marriage Still a Reality in the U.S. (Blog)

Child Marriage Survivors Share Their Stories (Podcast)

Child and Forced Marriage Put the “Lock” in Wedlock (Podcast)

Cecile Richards, a champion of women’s reproductive rights

 

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League joins in mourning the untimely death of Cecile Richards, long-time Planned Parenthood president.

Consumers and patients owe Cecile Richards a debt of gratitude for the heroic efforts to protect access to healthcare and reproductive freedom for women across America and especially for championing the reproductive rights of those of modest means. Richards spent 12 years at the helm of Planned Parenthood and expanded membership from 3 to 11 million.

Since NCL’s founding in 1899, the healthcare of women and their babies has been of paramount importance to the NCL. There is no better example than Cecile Richards of someone who embodies these values. While her death saddens us, we know that she left an incredible legacy and strengthened the movement probably more than any other American. We thank her for her many years of dedication and hard work and for standing up for the principle that all women are entitled to make decisions about their own bodies without government interference.

Our thoughts are with Cecile and her family at this sorrowful time.

-Sally Greenberg, CEO, National Consumers League

 

NCL celebrates White House’s affirmation of Equal Rights Amendment ratification 

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

Washington, DC – Today, the president of the United States affirmed that the Equal Rights Amendment became the 28th amendment to the Constitution when Virginia became the 38th state to ratify the measure in 2020. The amendment prohibits discrimination based on sex, which would solidify protections for both consumers and workers.

There was a time not so long ago when women couldn’t get their own credit cards, couldn’t sign a mortgage or open a bank account in their own names. They needed their husbands or fathers to co-sign. And a time when women couldn’t be hired for certain jobs that were deemed too dangerous or unsavory. Laws adopted since have helped protect against that kind of discrimination, but laws can be altered or amended.

The ERA would guard against any rollbacks of women’s rights by legislation or court cases that are often politically motivated. Indeed, in recent years, many of the equality gains made by the women’s rights movement have been weakened.

“Non-discrimination is the basis for all other consumer protections,” said NCL CEO Sally Greenberg. “Non discrimination in goods and services without bias against gender, should be a fundamental right. It’s long past time the Constitution officially protected Americans from sex-based prejudice.”

The movement for the Equal Rights Amendment has been over a century in the making. Legal experts from the American Bar Association to the American Civil Liberties Union agree that the amendment has reached the requisite thresholds for ratification to the Constitution.

NCL extends gratitude to President Joe Biden for his record of championing rights and protections of all citizens and for his outstanding consumer and worker initiatives throughout his four years in office.

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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.