Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle are turning up the heat on robocalls, especially those originating from overseas. Sen Ted Budd [R-N.C.] and Sen. Peter Welch [D-Vt.] have introduced S. 2666, the Foreign Robocall Elimination Act, a bill that would establish a new interagency task force to tackle unlawful foreign robocalls targeting Americans.
Why it matters: While Congress has already taken action against domestic robocalls, most notably through the TRACED Act, the problem continues to persist, particularly as fraudsters shift operations overseas. This new bill aims to close that gap by developing cross-border strategies, improving international cooperation, and bolstering the DOJ’s ability to prosecute offenders.
The details:
- The Foreign Robocall Elimination Act would require the Federal Communications Commission, in consultation with the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice, to convene a task force within 270 days of enactment.
- The task force will include representatives from relevant federal agencies and seven private-sector experts, including voice service providers, analytics providers, marketers, nonprofits, and consumer advocacy organizations.
- Its mandate: produce a report with actionable recommendations for Congress and federal agencies on how to stop foreign robocalls and bolster enforcement.
What the task force will examine:
- The volume and origin countries of foreign robocalls
- Financial losses and identity theft linked to these calls
- Adoption of technologies like STIR/SHAKEN abroad
- Technical and enforcement cooperation with foreign governments
- Incentives to encourage international collaboration
- Whether the DOJ needs a dedicated office to handle foreign robocall enforcement
Between the lines: One key provision extends the FCC’s renewal of the Industry Traceback Group from annually to once every three years, providing the group more continuity as it tracks and identifies robocall sources.
Endorsements: The bill has drawn support from AARP and USTelecom:
“Older Americans are disproportionately targeted by robocall scams,” said Bill Sweeney of AARP. “This legislation represents a critical next step in protecting Americans from fraudulent and abusive robocalls originating from outside the United States.”
Josh Bercu of USTelecom added, “Thanks to strong partnerships… we’ve made measurable progress. This bill builds on that success to empower industry and law enforcement to crack down on bad actors overseas.”
