H.R. 8311 is a bill that aims to broaden the scope of the existing Do Not Call rules under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). The bill seeks to include all telephone subscribers under these rules, which likely means extending protections against unsolicited calls to a wider audience. Additionally, it proposes to expand the private right of action, allowing more individuals to take legal action if they receive calls that violate these rules. The bill also intends to modify the definition of certain terms within the TCPA to ensure clarity and effectiveness in enforcement.
Supporters of H.R. 8311 highlight its potential to significantly reduce the number of unwanted telemarketing calls received by consumers. By expanding the Do Not Call rules to cover all telephone subscribers, the bill is seen as a comprehensive approach to consumer protection. The enhancement of the private right of action is also praised for empowering individuals to hold violators accountable, potentially leading to stricter compliance from telemarketers.
Critics of H.R. 8311 express concerns that the expanded regulations could impose additional burdens on legitimate businesses that use telemarketing as a vital part of their operations. There is also skepticism about the effectiveness of the private right of action, with some arguing that it could lead to an increase in frivolous lawsuits, potentially overwhelming the legal system without significantly deterring violators.
Based on the available data, there appears to be no direct conflict of interest between the sponsor's donors and the bill's subject matter. The bill, H.R. 8311, aims to expand the scope of the Do Not Call rules under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. The sponsor, Janice Schakowsky, does not have any top donors from industries that would be directly affected by this legislation. Furthermore, the lobbying activity related to this bill's policy area does not involve any of the sponsor's top donors. Therefore, there is no evidence of a money trail that could suggest a potential conflict of interest. It is important for voters to know that the integrity of this legislative process appears to be intact, as there are no financial ties that could potentially influence the sponsor's decision-making in favor of special interests.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| HOGAN LOVELLS, LLP OBO ZHONGJI INNOLIGHT CO., LTD. | MO STRATEGIES, INC. | $350,000 |
| RADIANCE TECHNOLOGIES, INC. | VENN STRATEGIES | $60,000 |
| BLOCKCHAIN ASSOCIATION | ZERO ONE STRATEGIES | $50,000 |
| MOLNLYCKE HEALTH CARE US, LLC | MOLNLYCKE HEALTH CARE US, LLC | $30,000 |
| CLARK STREET ASSOCIATES ON BEHALF OF MARVELL TECHNOLOGY, INC. | HOLLAND & KNIGHT LLP | $30,000 |
| IMPERIAL HEALTH | MCWILLIAMS GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS CONSULTANTS | $20,000 |
| WILLIAMS & LAKE, LLC | MCWILLIAMS GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS CONSULTANTS | $20,000 |
| KICKAPOO TRADITIONAL TRIBE OF TEXAS | MCWILLIAMS GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS CONSULTANTS | $20,000 |
| CITY OF KOTZEBUE, ALASKA | HOLLAND & HART LLP | $10,000 |
| SPACE GOVERNANCE INSTITUTE, INC. | SPACE GOVERNANCE INSTITUTE, INC. | undisclosed |
| MCKEES ROCKS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION | CRANMER CONSULTANTS | undisclosed |
| LYTEN, INC. | JHS CONSULTING, INC | undisclosed |
| SOCIETY OF INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY | SOCIETY OF INTERVENTIONAL RADIOLOGY | undisclosed |
| PRESERVATION ACTION | PRESERVATION ACTION | undisclosed |
| GOLD PR LTD. (ON BEHALF OF OJSC "BAKAI BANK") | THROUGHLINE GLOBAL ADVISORS | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Janice Schakowsky, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)