The Protecting Seniors from Emergency Scams Act and Protecting Tourism in the United States Act passed in the Senate Commerce Committee

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) announced that two of her bills have passed the Senate Commerce Committee. These bills each aim to support consumers and aid the country’s economic recovery following the coronavirus pandemic.

  • The Protecting Seniors From Emergency Scams Act with Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) would help prevent scammers from taking advantage of seniors during the coronavirus pandemic and future emergencies. 
  • The Protecting Tourism in the United States Act with Senators Roy Blunt (R-MO), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Rick Scott (R-FL), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and Kevin Cramer (R-ND) would launch a comprehensive study into the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on the travel and tourism industry and identify policy recommendations for assisting the industry.

“As we move forward from the pandemic, we must take steps to protect Americans and rebuild our economy,” said Klobuchar. “Today, two of my bills passed the Commerce Committee that will protect seniors from scams during emergencies and revitalize the travel and tourism industry. I look forward to them becoming law.”

About the legislation:

The Protecting Seniors From Emergency Scams Act directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to report to Congress on scams targeting seniors during the coronavirus pandemic and make recommendations on how to prevent future scams during emergencies. The bill also directs the FTC to update its website with information that will help seniors and their caregivers access contacts for law enforcement and adult protective agencies, and directs the FTC to ensure seniors and their caregivers are informed. Companion legislation was introduced by Representatives Robin Kelly (D-IL) and Troy Balderson (R-OH).

The Protecting Tourism in the United States Act directs the U.S. Department of Commerce, in consultation with the United States Travel and Tourism Advisory Board and the heads of other relevant federal agencies, to study the effects of the coronavirus pandemic on different sectors of the travel and tourism industry. The bill also requires the Commerce Department to consult with representatives from a range of travel and tourism sectors and provide policy recommendations for promoting and assisting the travel and tourism industry. To facilitate action on policies that provide immediate relief to the industry, the bill requires completion of an interim study within three months of the bill being enacted. Companion legislation is led in the House by Reps. Kathy Castor (D-FL) and Fred Upton (R-MI).

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