AARP Idaho Applauds House Passage of Financial Reform

BOISE, Idaho, June 30 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed critical financial reform legislation, bringing consumer and investor protections one step closer to becoming a reality for Americans who have been hurt by the recent financial crisis.  By passing "Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act," Members voted to protect consumers and investors from abusive practices and reduce the vulnerability of the financial system.  

AARP sent a letter to each House office advising them that the Association designated today's vote as an "AARP Key Vote."  AARP will inform members and the public of how their Representative votes on this legislation.

** How a legislator votes on issues is only one factor in evaluating his or her legislative performance, which should also include such things as constituency services and committee work.

AARP supports this legislation because it will establish a watchdog that will protect Americans from getting a mortgage or credit card that has hidden fees that cause their bills to skyrocket; ensure Americans get the clear, accurate information they need to shop for mortgages, credit cards and other financial products; and crackdown on investment scams targeted at older Americans. 

"Over the last three years, older Americans have lost billions of their hard earned dollars due to the failure of an outdated and compromised financial regulatory system," said Jim Wordelman, State Director for AARP in Idaho.  "The failures that led to this crisis require bold action to restore responsibility, accountability and consumer confidence in our financial system, and this bill will protect Americans' money and help stabilize our entire economy."

"AARP polling demonstrates that Americans age 50+, regardless of party affiliation, want Congress to hold financial institutions accountable," added Wordelman.  "AARP commends Congressman Minnick for his vote in favor of this legislation and we are disappointed in Congressman Simpson for opposing it.  This bill takes important steps to ensure consumers know what they're buying and where to find help if they get scammed."

AARP notified the 111th Congress that it was tracking roll call votes on key legislation important to its members and all Americans and reporting the outcomes of these votes back to the public.

AARP has set up a website for members and the public to see how their representatives voted on financial reform: www.aarp.org/governmentwatch.

AARP's Government Watch is a one-stop online portal that will be tracking and publicizing every designated key vote on issues facing Americans age 50-plus.  A "Key Vote Summary" highlighting votes on these issues will be published at the end of each congressional session.

About AARP

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan membership organization that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial and affordable to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for 50+ Americans and the world's largest-circulation magazine with over 35.7 million readers; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for AARP's millions of members and Americans 50+; AARP VIVA, the only bilingual U.S. publication dedicated exclusively to the 50+ Hispanic community; and our website, AARP.org. AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. We have staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

SOURCE AARP Idaho

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