Energy and Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) and Consumer Protection and Commerce Subcommittee Chair Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) released the following statement today in response to Senate passage of H.R. 4779, a bill to extend the U.S. SAFE WEB Act:
“This important, bipartisan legislation strengthens the Federal Trade Commission’s ability to protect Americans from international fraudsters and scammers. Particularly now, as we are witnessing a sharp rise in scams that prey on families affected by COVID-19, getting this bill signed into law is more important than ever. Protecting consumers from scams, fraud and abuse will always be one of this Committee’s top priorities, and we look forward to seeing this important legislation become law."
H.R. 4779 reauthorizes the U.S. SAFE WEB Act of 2006 through Fiscal Year 2027. The U.S. SAFE WEB Act affirms the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) authority to pursue foreign actors engaged in fraud and deception affecting U.S. consumers and businesses. It also bolsters the FTC’s cross-border cooperation with foreign law enforcement agencies. The bill was passed out of Energy and Commerce in November 2019, and passed the full House of Representatives by voice vote in December 2019. With last night’s Senate passage, it now heads to the President’s desk for signature.
