Congressman Dan Goldman Holds Press Conference Urging Elimination of ‘Junk Fees’ that Cost Americans Nearly $70 Billion Annually

Surprise End-of-Transaction Fees Often Hidden in Utility Bills, Bank Overdraft Charges, and Rental Applications Contributing to Growing Cost of Living Crisis 
 
Congressman Goldman, House Democrats Join Biden Administration in Fight to Lower Costs for Working Families by Eliminating $65 Billion in Surprise ‘Junk Fees’   
 
Video of the Press Conference is Available Here

New York, N.Y. – Congressman Dan Goldman (NY-10) held a press conference with NYC Comptroller Brad Lander, Consumer Financial Protection Bureau Director Rohit Chopra and impacted New Yorkers calling for increased action to combat ‘junk fees’ that are hidden at the end of transactions like utility bills, bank overdraft charges, and rental applications. These surprise fees cost Americans over $65 billion annually. Congressman Goldman is committed to lowering costs for working families and fighting to save American consumers hundreds of dollars per year.  
 
“The nation-wide cost-of-living crisis is hitting New Yorkers hard, and we must crack down on the corporations that are unnecessarily raising costs for our families through surprise, hidden junk fees,” Congressman Goldman said. “Tacking on extra, unexpected charges to required payments like utility bills, overdraft charges, or airline travel can cost families thousands of dollars every single year. As a founding member of the Congressional Dads Caucus, I am laser-focused on legislation to lower costs for our working families and I urge all of my colleagues in Congress, regardless of party, to join in the fight to save American families billions of dollars a year.”  
 
According to a 2019 Consumer Reports study, at least 85 percent of Americans have experienced a hidden or unexpected fee for a service in the previous two years. 
 
The Biden Administration has already taken executive action to rein in ticketing fees and medical fees and has marshaled the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and the Federal Trade Commission to go after fees in banking, airlines, and more. Congressional Democrats have offered legislation to further crack down on junk fees – going beyond actions that can be done by the executive branch. 
 
Video of the press conference is available here.

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