OTHER NEWS - Nov. 19, 1991

Bill Would Curb Unwanted Phone Calls: The House, reacting to consumer complaints, passed a bill to restrict telephone advertising calls and automatic dialing systems. It would also put limits on facsimile machines used to send “junk” messages. The bill, passed by voice vote, directs the Federal Communications Commission to develop a plan to register the names of individuals who did not want to receive commercial calls. Companies would be prohibited from calling those persons unless they already did business with them. The bill now goes to the Senate, which has passed a similar measure and may accept the House legislation. The Bush Administration opposes the bill. The bill was prompted by complaints about unwanted telephone and fax calls that often tie up lines and sometimes do not disconnect until a recorded message is completed.