[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 144 (Monday, October 12, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2094-E2095]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF THE CONSUMER PROTECTION AGAINST HUMAN TELLER FEES ACT

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                          HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 12, 1998

  Ms. DeLAURO. Mr. Speaker, I have learned that some financial 
institutions are charging teller fees to customers who want or need to 
see a bank teller. In effect, they will be fined for not using an 
automatic teller machine. This is patently wrong, and today I am 
introducing the ``The Depository Institution Customer Protection Act'' 
that would prohibit financial institutions from charging these fees.
  Customers should be able to converse with bank and credit union 
representatives without being charged to access their own money or to 
make a deposit. Some customers may be unable to use ATMs, especially if 
they are

[[Page E2095]]

blind or using wheelchairs. And no ATM or automated phone system can 
answer every question about an account. Seniors on fixed incomes, 
families living on today's pitifully low minimum wage, and blind or 
disabled customers--including veterans--will be penalized for the 
``privilege'' of making a deposit or taking funds out of their account. 
Even the most sophisticated customers sometimes need to speak with a 
teller. Now banks will punish individuals who are simply asking for 
assistance.
  My own mother is 85 years old and is still an active public servant. 
Yet I recognize the difficulty she has interacting with today's 
technology. I am confident that many of my colleague's parents--and 
perhaps some of my colleagues themselves--have difficulty using 
automatic teller machines.
  Like many of my colleagues, I have been hearing from constituents who 
feel bombarded with automatic teller machine user fees. Now, customers 
will be charged for discussing a transaction with a human teller too. 
Financial institutions are squeezing money out of customers and other 
consumers--money that should be used to improve our economy, not line 
the pockets of our wealthiest institutions.
  This user fee hurts the customers with limited means the most. These 
consumers may not be able to access electronic commerce, yet they'll be 
punished by the institution that holds--and makes money off--their 
assets.
  The bill I am introducing today will prohibit banks and credit unions 
from charging these onerous fees.
  I urge my colleagues to stand up for consumers, and protect our most 
vulnerable citizens from unfair human teller fees. Please join me in 
this effort by cosponsoring the ``The Depository Institution Customer 
Protection Act.''

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