WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), senior member of the Energy and Commerce Committee and House author of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, released the following statement today after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) unanimously approved new rules to help prevent the addition of hidden, unwarranted third-party charges on landline telephone bills. The practice, known as “cramming”, costs American consumers more than $2 billion each year.
 
“Today’s unanimous approval by the FCC of these much needed regulations is welcome news for American consumers. The new anti ‘cramming’ rules mean consumers will now be able to identify and have removed these sham charges from their bills. I look forward to working with the FCC as the agency continues to investigate this practice as it relates to wireless telephone services.”
 
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