[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 27 (Thursday, February 13, 2003)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E243] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] DO-NOT-CALL IMPLEMENTATION ACT ______ speech of HON. RON PAUL of texas in the house of representatives Wednesday February 12, 2003 Mr. PAUL. Madam Speaker, as someone who has, my share of insolicited telemarketing calls, I sympahize fully with the concerns of the sponsors of the Do-Not-Call Implementation Act (HR 395). However, I would remind those who support federal intervention to ``put a stop'' to telemarketing on the basis of its annoyance, that the Constitution prohibits the federal government from interfering in the areas of advertising and communications. In addition to exceeding Congress' constitutional authority, legislation to regulate telemarketing would allow the government to intrude further into our personal lives. Our country's founders recognized the genius of severely limiting the role of government and reserving to the people extensive liberties, including the freedom to handle problems like this on the local level and through private institutions. The fact that the privately-run Direct Marketing Association is operating its own ``do-not-call'' list is evidence that consumers need not rely upon the national government to address the problems associated with telemarketers. Furthermore, many state public utility commissions have imposed regulations on telemarketers. Further regulation at the federal level will only result in a greater loss of liberty. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to take the constitutional course and oppose the Do-No-Call Implementation Act. ____________________