[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 69 (Wednesday, April 27, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H4513-H4514]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        CANCELING SUBSCRIPTIONS

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
California (Ms. Porter) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. PORTER. Madam Speaker, trying to cancel a subscription can take 
you in as many circles as looking for summertime parking at Newport 
Beach. I have experienced it myself.
  For too long, dishonest companies have gotten away with trapping 
Americans into subscriptions by intentionally making it easy to start 
and nearly impossible to stop. As a longtime consumer advocate, I am 
pleased that the Federal Trade Commission is now holding corporations 
accountable for this abusive practice.
  The FTC has made it clear that businesses should make it as 
straightforward for customers to unsubscribe

[[Page H4514]]

as it was to sign up. If they don't and they lock consumers in with 
abusive practices, they will face penalties. Policing unfair and 
deceptive business practices makes our capitalist economy stronger, 
safer, and more competitive. That is the FTC's job, and I am glad they 
are a cop on the consumer protection beat.
  I am committed to saving Orange County families time and money. If a 
company won't let you cancel a subscription, you can report this fraud 
on the FTC's website or contact my office for help.


                       Secure David Lin's Release

  Ms. PORTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of David Lin who, 
has been imprisoned in China since 2006 on charges of contract fraud.
  Although the Chinese Government has reduced David's sentence, the 
fact remains that David has been separated from his family for nearly 
16 years and may die in prison. He has already missed his children's 
graduations, his daughter's wedding, and the birth of his grandchild.
  At age 67, his health is declining, and he may never have the 
opportunity to hold his grandchildren or see his family again. 
Recently, his daughter was diagnosed with breast cancer. This is 
urgent.
  Americans wrongfully detained overseas should be allowed to come home 
to their loved ones, and I urge President Biden to continue doing 
everything in his power to secure David's release.


                       Southwest Carpenters Visit

  Ms. PORTER. Madam Speaker, Orange County infrastructure is getting an 
upgrade because of Federal funds.
  Last week, I had the opportunity to wear an orange safety vest and a 
hard hat and join the Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters Local 
714 at one of their job sites. I saw firsthand how they are working to 
improve our freeways and keep families safe. Their commitment to 
quality work was an inspiration.
  This project will improve 16 miles of the 405 in Orange County. It 
will revamp road conditions and upgrade bridges with safer sidewalks 
and bike lanes. It was paid for, in part, through Federal funds.
  I was proud to support the bipartisan infrastructure law, which makes 
additional investments to create millions of jobs and strengthen our 
economy. This law will make necessary infrastructure projects possible, 
and I will continue supporting Federal legislation that brings 
resources back home to Orange County.

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