WASHINGTON, OCT. 23, 2007 -- "For millions of Americans, the national Do-Not-Call list offers shelter from constant and annoying telephone calls," said Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Ocala), Ranking Member of the Commerce, Trade & Consumer Protection Subcommittee. "There is no question that this list is an effective measure protecting us from unwanted telephone solicitations." Stearns led efforts in 2003 to enact legislation establishing the national Do-Not-Call list. Under the law, the Federal Trade Commission maintains the list of home phone numbers of consumers who opted to register their number. Telemarketers then pay a fee to access the list to know which number they cannot call. However, the law's authorization expired in September. Stearns' bill, H.R. 2601, the Do Not Call Registry Fee Extension Act, would reauthorize permanently the law and the collection of fees to support it. The Commerce, Trade & Consumer Protection Subcommittee today approved H.R. 2601. Added Stearns, "This is a straightforward program and has benefited both consumers and telemarketers: telemarketers do not waste their time calling households that are not interested in receiving unsolicited offers and consumers have a means to end call they do not want." The measure now goes to the Energy & Commerce Committee for consideration.