[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 1 (Wednesday, January 6, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E6]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             INTRODUCTION OF THE SWEEPSTAKES PROTECTION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES E. ROGAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, January 6, 1999

  Mr. ROGAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Sweepstakes 
Protection Act, legislation I introduced today aimed at encouraging 
accuracy in advertising mail pieces.
  Many of my constituents, especially seniors, regularly receive offers 
for products in the mail that include tantalizing promises of money and 
other grand prizes. I have in my office literally dozens of such offers 
received by just one resident of the 27th District. Some of these 
offers are legitimate, but too many are not.
  The envelopes entice recipients with such promises as: ``designated 
entry for cash settlement,'' ``immediate response required, 
$3,450,000.00 cash payment pending;'' and ``you have won.'' While these 
promises are shouted in big, bold letters, the real details are hidden 
in fine print on the bottom of the last page. Expecting to win a prize, 
trusting consumers respond to offers of products that they do not need 
by sending money they cannot afford.
  The Sweepstakes Protection Act will compel businesses that rely on 
such offers to identify their advertisements as a game of chance or 
sweepstakes on the mailing envelope. It will also require mailers to 
put a clear, legible disclaimer prominently on the first page of their 
literature.
  By implementing these consumer protections, the Postmaster General 
will have authority to go after those who previously tried to portray 
marketing schemes as prize offerings.
  Mr. Speaker, as we work on issues vital to all Americans, it is 
crucial that this House pursue policies that protect our senior 
citizens. Too many of our seniors have been exploited by fraudulent 
promises of prosperity that have depleted their savings.
  With the Sweepstakes Protection Act, we take a step toward limiting 
the ability of opportunists to misrepresent their products and prey on 
the unsuspecting. For the sake of our seniors, I urge the House to 
support the Sweepstakes Protection Act.

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