This morning the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation favorably reported the TRACED Act, S. 151. This action came after the bill picked up Committee Chairman Roger Wicker (R-MS) as a co-sponsor, along with two other Democratic Senators, Tom Udall of New Mexico and Jack Rosen of Nevada, in the days before the Committee’s Executive Session.
The Committee acted unanimously and approved a Thune Substitute which contained minor changes to the bill as originally introduced. (Click here to view the Thune Substitute.) Also included was an amendment by Congressman Jerry Moran (R-KN) which in effect incorporated his bill, S. 819, requiring an annual Federal Communications Commission (FCC) TCPA enforcement report. (Click here to view Congressman Jerry Moran’s amendment.)
No other amendments were acted on during the meeting, although in subsequent statements during the Session, Senators Blumenthal (D-CT) and Klobuchar (D-MN) mentioned that they had submitted proposed amendments to the Committee. Senator Blumenthal’s proposal related to a requirement that carriers offer free robocall blocking services. Senator Klobuchar mentioned a proposed amendment that would require the FCC to establish a task force on robocall issues. Senator Markey (D-MA), an original co-sponsor of the bill, also noted that he would be working on “clarifying the intent of the enforcement section.” He did not go beyond that comment. These proposals may be addressed as the bill now moves toward potential consideration by the full Senate.
When Senate Floor action on S. 151 might occur is uncertain. However with Senators Thune (R-SD) and Durbin (D-IL), who are each second ranking in the leadership of their respective parties, and broad bi-partisan support, such action seems highly likely.