WASHINGTON, D.C. – Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.) today released the following statement after the House passed H.R. 2547, The Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act.

“Throughout the pandemic, many consumers and small businesses have struggled to keep up with their bills through no fault of their own, while debt collectors have seen record profits. Recent reports found that almost 26 percent of Americans have an item in collections listed on their credit reports, and we know that abusive debt collection practices disproportionately harm communities of color and low-income communities.

“The Comprehensive Debt Collection Improvement Act would provide important protections for small businesses, servicemembers, students, and other consumers against mistreatment and harassment by certain debt collectors. The bill would allow for higher damages under the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act for abuses by collections agencies engaging in unfair and deceptive practices and requires the agencies to obtain a consumer’s permission before using emails or text messages to collect on past due debt. Importantly, it would also prohibit collectors from threatening servicemembers with reductions in rank or revocation of security clearance.

“By enhancing consumers’ rights, increasing the accountability of debt collectors, and amending the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, H.R. 2547 will ensure debt collectors can no longer prey on consumers and small businesses. At a time when Americans and small business owners are struggling more than ever, we must protect them from egregious practices from debt collectors and update existing decades-old statutes to hold them accountable.”

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KENT, WA – Today, Representative Adam Smith (D-Wash.), Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, visited Pacific Propeller International’s facility in Kent, Washington.

“I had the pleasure of visiting Pacific Propeller International’s facility today in Kent to see firsthand how they plan to fabricate and manufacture propellers and parts for aircraft including C-130s and P3s,” said Rep. Adam Smith. “I want to thank the employees and those who are also former servicemembers for their continued support on such important platforms that ensure the safety, efficacy, and readiness of our military operations. It is crucial that we also work to bring more production back to the U.S. to create good American jobs and support the union workers who continue to elevate the standard of what it means to be ‘American made.’ I will continue to work with the Biden-Harris Administration to support domestic production, build back the economy, and ultimately keep our men in women in uniform safe.”

“On behalf of the Pacific Propeller team members, thank you for visiting PPI today,” said Jeff Heikke, CEO of Precision Aerospace Products. “With 70 years of proud tradition servicing our US military, foreign allies, and the commercial aerospace industry, we are honored that you are joining us at this critical time as we look to expand our manufacturing in the US to support our military customers domestically and overseas. We appreciate your time and interest.”

“We are honored to be represented by Congressman Adam Smith and appreciate his visit to our facility, Pacific Propeller International in Kent, Washington this week,” said George (Jorge) Canovas, Chief Compliance Officer, Strategic Global Relations, of Precision Aerospace Products. “His concerns for the wellbeing of our Country, business, our workers, and specifically his interest in bringing back jobs to the U.S.A. and Washington State, underscore his commitment to each citizen of this great Country and State.”

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