WASHINGTON, DC - On Monday evening, the Senate unanimously passed H.R. 5111, the Consumer Review Fairness Act, authored by Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade Subcommittee Vice Chairman Leonard Lance (R-NJ). The bipartisan bill would prohibit gag clauses that prevent consumers from publishing truthful reviews and would authorize the FTC, and states, to enforce the Act with civil penalties. H.R. 5111 passed the House by voice vote in September.
“This law is about protecting consumers who post honest feedback online. Online reviews and ratings are critical in the 21st century and consumers should be able to post, comment and tweet their honest and accurate feedback without fear of retribution. Too many companies are burying non-disparagement clauses in fine print and going after consumers when they post negative feedback online. This will now end," said Vice Chairman Leonard Lance.
Full committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI) added, “The Energy and Commerce Committee has a proud record of protecting and empowering consumers, and this bipartisan solution will help restore fairness for online reviews. Websites like Yelp and Angie’s List have become invaluable resources for folks in the 21st century, offering insight on everything from finding a restaurant, hotel room, to a handyman. The bottom line is that consumers shouldn’t fear retribution from a company when they post an honest review. I look forward to this bill by Rep. Lance being swiftly signed into law and becoming an important part our record of success."
The legislation was a result of the Disrupter Series, which aims to match innovation-friendly reforms to 21st century realities. Over the past year, the series has provided an opportunity for the committee to highlight how federal policies help and hinder growth of emerging technologies. The committee’s work to modernize government for the innovation era continues.
Also passing the Senate, was H.R. 4665, the Outdoor REC Act of 2016, authored by Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) which directs the Department of Commerce to conduct an assessment and analysis of the outdoor recreation economy to ensure that it is measured and accounted for by the federal government as part of the country’s GDP. Both of these bills now head to the president to be signed into law.
“The outdoor recreation industry has become a significant driver of job and economic growth here in Southwest Michigan and across the country. This common-sense, bipartisan bill will help optimize investments in this growing industry," said Chairman Upton. “It’s critical that we continue to work together to strengthen our natural resources like the Great Lakes and also improve our outdoor recreation system.
Learn more about the Energy and Commerce Committee’s legislative accomplishments and its #RecordOfSuccess online HERE.
