Foxx Introduces 'ROBO C.O.P.' Bill to Curb Automated Calls

WASHINGTON - United States Rep. Virginia Foxx (N.C.-5) has introduced legislation that would allow citizens to be placed on a "do not call list" for recorded political telephone messages or "robo calls."

The "ROBO C.O.P." bill, which stands for Robo Calls Off Phones, will direct the Federal Trade Commission to revise its regulations for the "do-not-call registry" and allow politically oriented recorded messages to be added to that list.

At her constituents' request, Rep. Foxx pledged to introduce the bill after dozens of recorded political calls went out in the weeks prior to last year's elections.

"During my campaign, I made thousands of personal calls to voters to ask for support. Many of them were relieved to hear from a live human being but frustrated about the number of 'robo calls' they were receiving," said Rep. Foxx. "Many indicated they would not vote because of those 'robo calls.' As candidates, the last thing we should do is discourage people from voting."

Rep. Foxx explained that when a live person makes calls for a campaign, it gives voters the opportunity to ask questions about a candidate and his or her platform. She also pointed out that live calls allow voters the opportunity to ask to be removed from a calling list. Recorded calls do not offer voters that opportunity.

"Just like unsolicited calls from sales companies, 'robo calls' are a nuisance to many families. We should allow voters who do not want to receive these calls to opt out. Those who do not mind recorded calls do not have to sign up for the list," said Rep. Foxx. "This is simply an issue of respecting people's privacy."

Source