Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34) today voted for the Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights to end the unfair practices of the credit card industry and protect consumers from the abusive tactics that continue to drive so many Americans deeper and deeper into debt.

“With so many families struggling to make ends meet, the Credit Cardholders’ Bill of Rights gives credit card customers a break from unfair and confusing credit card gimmicks that result in customers paying more than what they should owe to the credit card companies,” Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard said.  “The bill protects cardholders against arbitrary interest rate increases, empowers them to set limits on their credit and requires card companies to fairly credit and allocate payments. It also prohibits charging fees just to pay a bill by phone or issuing credits cards to minors.  All of these new restrictions would  level the playing field and prevent the credit card industry from continuing to reap excessive profits from often unsuspecting customers.”

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the measure today in a vote of 357 to 70.  It now awaits passage in the U.S. Senate.