Protecting Consumers and Investors

WASHINGTON—Congresswoman Katie Porter (CA-45) today introduced bipartisan legislation with more than 60 of her colleagues that would remove paid off or settled medical debt from a patient’s credit report, as well as institute a 360-day waiting period before new medical debt can be reported. “Nobody chooses to get sick and take on medical debt,” Congresswoman Porter said. “It is wrong for families ... Read more »

WASHINGTON—Congresswoman Katie Porter (CA-45) today called out Trump Administration officials for a proposal that would enable debt collection practices that place patients’ private information at risk. The Administration’s new policy, which allows debt collectors to use unsecured means of communication, is particularly concerning for Americans with medical debt, as the lack of data security could... Read more »

WASHINGTON—Congresswoman Katie Porter (CA-45) has introduced legislation to encourage the development of apps that will give users more information how electricity is delivered to homes and businesses. This bill would help consumers understand energy grid demand and supply, including how much energy is provided by renewable sources. “As a consumer protection attorney, I know from experience how kn... Read more »

WASHINGTON—A bill by Congresswoman Katie Porter (CA-45) to prevent drug manufacturers from profiting off unreasonable price hikes passed the House of Representatives today as part of broader legislation to lower prescription drug costs. The Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act, which passed with Porter’s support, would allow federal officials to negotiate fair drug prices and included Porte... Read more »

Congresswoman Katie Porter (CA-45) has introduced legislation that would improve reporting requirements for universities on the number of their graduates who can’t repay their student loans. Under the current system, institutions can artificially deflate the number of individuals who default on their loans and escape accountability. “If a large number of school’s graduates can’t repay their studen... Read more »

Congresswoman Katie Porter (CA-45) today introduced legislation that would protect patients from unnecessary price spikes. The Freedom from Price Gouging Act recovers taxpayer dollars from pharmaceutical companies when they try to hike their drug prices to increase their profits. “It’s time to hold Big Pharma accountable for jacking up drug prices to line their own pockets,” Congresswoman Porter s... Read more »

Congresswoman Katie Porter (CA-45) today called on the Trump Administration to conduct appropriate and necessary oversight for organ procurement organizations (OPOs), which are responsible for evaluating and securing organs from those who have decided to donate their organs. This request comes as a response to President Trump’s executive order signed in July of this year to improve the nation’s tr... Read more »

Congresswoman Katie Porter (CA-45) today called out the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) for rolling back protections that prevent debt collectors from harassing Americans. She was joined in her effort by 65 Members of Congress. “Debt collectors today use the exact same excuses I heard from mortgage lenders in the years leading up to the financial crisis, and we know how that turned out... Read more »

With support from Congresswoman Katie Porter (CA-45), the House of Representatives today passed a bipartisan bill to protect banks and credit unions serving marijuana business in states where cannabis is legal. The Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act includes an amendment from Porter clarifying that these protections are provided to new financial institutions, who may otherwise be hesit... Read more »

IRVINE – Congresswoman Katie Porter (CA-45) today held a roundtable with federal, state, and local entities and with community groups to coordinate efforts to ensure a fair count of Orange County residents in the 2020 census. “We need all hands on deck to make sure everyone is counted in Orange County,” Congresswoman Porter said. “I was glad to see so many community leaders come together to work t... Read more »