House budget resolution bad for consumers and America

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Budget blueprint would slash Medicaid and eliminate vital manufacturing and green energy policies

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

Washington, DC – Today, House Republicans released a budget resolution, which guides federal spending and revenue policies and initiates the reconciliation process.  The resolution calls for at least $1.5 trillion in spending reductions and $4.5 trillion in tax cuts.  The accompanying “budget blueprint” lays out a series of proposals that would eliminate core manufacturing and clean energy policies established in the Inflation Reduction Act and severely weaken Medicaid, which provides health insurance for nearly 72 million Americans.

“So much for America first,” said Sally Greenberg, CEO of the National Consumers League. “The House Republican’s budget resolution puts everyday Americans last and corporate interests first.  No matter where you live—in a red state or blue state—this budget will hurt consumers. The proposed draconian cuts to Medicaid could deprive millions of hardworking Americans of access to affordable, quality healthcare.  Eliminating vital manufacturing and clean energy policies will harm our nation’s competitiveness, workforce, environment, and health. All of this for the sake of tax breaks for ultra-wealthy corporations that merely pocket the taxes and ship jobs overseas anyway. This is bad for consumers and bad for America.”

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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 strongly supports the FTC noncompete rule 

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

Washington, DC – The National Consumer League (NCL) reiterates its strong support for the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) noncompete rule. This week, the AHA and Federation of American Hospitals filed a friend-of-the-court brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 5th Circuit urging the court to vacate the Federal Trade Commission’s noncompete rule nationwide. NCL disagrees with this effort to do away with this crucial regulation, ensuring that workers, regardless of industry, are free to pursue better opportunities without being held back by restrictive clauses that unfairly limit their mobility.

The rule reflects a fundamental principle: workers should have the freedom to advance their careers, whether they’re in healthcare, fast food, or any other field. Allowing employees to switch employers for better pay and working conditions without facing penalties or legal roadblocks is a matter of fairness.

“The rule aligns with the values of fairness and competition that benefit workers and consumers alike,” said NCL CEO Sally Greenberg. “It’s time to ensure that the workforce is empowered to thrive, and we urge the 5th Circuit to uphold the FTC’s authority in protecting workers from exploitative 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 raises alarm over meat industry push to dismantle protections amid worker and environmental concerns 

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

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) is raising serious concerns over recent lobbying efforts by the Meat Institute, which is urging the Trump administration to roll back essential regulations designed to protect workers, the environment, and consumers in the meatpacking and factory farm industries. NCL’s concerns are heightened by disturbing reports of widespread hazardous child labor in the industry, including children working night shifts to clean factories with caustic chemicals.

In its letter to the White House, the Meat Institute is pushing for the elimination of critical protections such as the Clean Water Act, food safety regulations, and farmworker protections under the Packers and Stockyards Act. NCL is opposed to these efforts, warning that weakening these protections will lead to further exploitation of workers and unsafe food production practices.

“The history of the meat industry is a stark reminder of why these protections exist,” said NCL CEO Sally Greenberg. “The horrifying conditions Upton Sinclair exposed in The Jungle led to critical reforms such as the Federal Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act in 1906—laws that NCL championed that continue to safeguard public health and ensure the safety of our food supply. We cannot afford to go backward.”

The emergence of widespread child labor in the meatpacking industry, with children working in hazardous conditions, echoes the dark past that led to these crucial regulations. The Meat Institute’s push to dismantle regulations on food safety, water pollution, and worker protections will not only harm workers, but also put consumers at risk. Without these safeguards, the public could face unsafe food products, environmental damage, and the continued exploitation of vulnerable workers.

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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 import tariffs harm small businesses and consumers: increased costs and delays ahead

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

Washington, DC – The National Consumers League (NCL) is deeply concerned about the Trump administration’s recent announcement of new tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China. NCL is fearful that this decision could significantly impact American consumers, affecting a wide range of goods that are integral to daily life.

As of this week, an agreement was made between the two North American countries to delay the tariffs for 30 days. This temporary pause allows time to see if these actions can lead to a solution without the need for harsh tariffs. If the agreements are not met or progress is not made, the tariffs could go back into effect after the 30-day period.

While these tariffs are framed as efforts to address national security concerns, the reality is that they could place an undue burden on everyday Americans. Consumers are already facing inflationary pressures, and these additional costs may only exacerbate the financial challenges that families and businesses face. The proposed 25% additional tariff on all imports from Canada and Mexico, along with a 10% tariff on energy resources, will directly drive-up prices on essential goods. NCL is concerned that consumers could feel the impact when they purchase everything from groceries to vehicles, as the increased tariffs is expected to add to the cost of manufacturing and transportation. An estimate from the non-partisan Tax Foundation puts the cost of the proposed tariffs at $800 per household this year.

“We are deeply concerned that these tariffs could hurt everyday Americans,” NCL CEO Sally Greenberg said. “Products consumers rely on daily, from fruits and vegetables to meat and energy could see price increases as supply chains are disrupted. Higher prices on basic goods would make life harder for families across the country, all as a result of these ill-conceived trade policies.”        

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

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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  

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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

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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 

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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

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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 

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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.