WHAT’S GOING ON?
DSA Urges Congress to Address FTC Enforcement DSA, the Chamber of Commerce, and eight other trade associations sent a letter to the Senate Commerce Committee expressing support for S.3410, the Consumer Protection and Due Process Act introduced by Senator
Mike Lee (R-UT). The letter affirms that the legislation strikes a balance, giving the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) the tools to collect monetary damages while providing safeguards for legitimate businesses.
US Senate Commerce Subcommittee Hearing Highlights DSA and DSSRC The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Data Security held a hearing in February entitled “Stopping COVID-19 Frauds and Scams.” Mary Engle, Executive Vice President of Policy at the BBB National Programs, served as a witness at DSA’s suggestion. Ms. Engle’s written and oral testimony highlighted DSA’s support of the Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) and its work regarding COVID-related income and product claims. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) expressed her support for the DSSRC’s work during her questioning of Ms. Engle.
FTC Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection Sam Levine also testified at the hearing. His written testimony acknowledged the letters he’s received from direct sellers in the last twenty-four months as an example of the FTC’s work on behalf of direct selling. Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) questioned Mr. Levine on FTC 13b authority—specifically—on what guardrails could be built into the enforcement authority if Congress grants it to the Commission.
Direct Selling Caucus Holds Virtual Briefing The Congressional Direct Selling Caucus held a virtual briefing, “Growth of the Micro-Entrepreneur and Legislature Update,” on February 14, 2022. Caucus co-chairs, Reps. Richard Hudson (R-NC) and Marc Veasey (D-TX), discussed with DSA President and CEO Joseph N. Mariano the recent growth of the industry and important legislative issues that included protecting the
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independent contractor status for all Americans, consumer protection, and self-regulation for the industry. Reps. Hudson and Veasey encouraged their colleagues to support the caucus and reiterated that direct selling is an important piece of the American economy. They also stressed that independent direct sellers are vital to their hometown communities.
