Fair Debt Collection Practices for Servicemembers Act

Floor Speech

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Ms. PRESSLEY. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1491) to amend the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act to provide enhanced protection against debt collector harassment of members of the Armed Forces, and for other purposes.

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Ms. PRESSLEY. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I thank Representative Dean for her leadership on this important bill, which will provide much-needed relief and protection for our servicemembers.

Two out of every five servicemembers' complaints submitted to the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau are about predatory debt collection practices. Some examples of what servicemembers reported experiencing include inappropriate threats of punishment under the Uniform Code of Military Justice, threats to the rank and security clearance of the servicemember, and even reports of debt collectors inappropriately contacting the commanding officer of the debt holder.

It is a disgrace that people serving in the military are being threatened and intimidated. The impact of these abusive collection practices is severe. Servicemembers have reported increased stress and hardship because of predatory debt collectors.

These unfair and unnecessary practices against people who are putting their lives on the line for this country must end, which is why the National Military Family Association; the National Consumer Law Center; and the former CFPB Assistant Director for Servicemember Affairs, retired Army Colonel Paul Kantwill, all support this bill.

I am happy to say that Democrats and Republicans agree that Congress should put a halt to these abusive practices, and this bill does just that. Congresswoman Dean's work across the aisle and with the House Armed Services Committee last Congress resulted in a House floor vote of 355-0.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to unanimously support this bill again so we can better protect our servicemembers, who do so much to protect us.

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Ms. PRESSLEY. Madam Speaker, in closing, I yield myself the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I commend Congresswoman Dean for her excellent work on H.R. 1491 to help ensure our servicemembers are not threatened or harassed by unscrupulous debt collectors.

Madam Speaker, I urge all Members to support our servicemembers by voting ``yes'' on H.R. 1491, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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