Senator Blumenthal Week In Review 11/19/2022—11/27/2022
PROTECTING CHILDREN FROM DANGEROUS TOYS
— Ahead of the holiday season, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) joined safety experts at Connecticut Children’s Medical Center to highlight the warnings of U.S. PIRG’s annual Trouble in Toyland report. For 37 years, the U.S. PIRG Education Fund’s Trouble in Toyland reports have provided parents and gift buyers with a guide to protect children from recalled toys, choking hazards, noisy toys, data security problems and other toy-related dangers.
“The holidays should be a time of joy & celebration, but too often it ends up with trips to the ER when kids are hurt by toys. These injuries are preventable. We must provide parents with more safety info & hold companies who sell recalled toys & unsafe products accountable,” said Blumenthal. “Recalled products are commonly sold on Facebook Marketplace & eBay—putting kids at serious risk. These sites know better, must do better, or be held accountable.”
HOLDING TICKETMASTER ACCOUNTABLE
— Following the disastrous launch of ticket sales for the Taylor Swift Eras Tour, Blumenthal joined U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA) in a letter calling on the Department of Justice (DOJ) to hold Ticketmaster-Live Nation Entertainment Inc. accountable for anticompetitive behavior and investigate the state of competition in the market for live entertainment. While the senators welcomed the news that DOJ is reportedly taking steps to investigate the company for possible antitrust violations, the group urged the Department to protect consumers, artists, and venue operators by considering the strongest possible remedies, including the breakup of the Ticketmaster and Live Nation merger, if misconduct is found.
“If the investigation reveals that Live Nation has continued to abuse its dominant market position notwithstanding two prior consent decrees, we urge the Department to consider unwinding the Ticketmaster-Live Nation merger and breaking up the company,” the senators wrote. “This may be the only way to truly protect consumers, artists, and venue operators and to restore competition in the ticketing market.”
After last week’s launch of pre-sale ticket orders for Taylor Swift’s first tour in 4 years, fans encountered site crashes, hours long wait times, fluctuating ticket prices, and other disruptions on the Ticketmaster website. Ticketmaster customers not purchasing tickets to the Taylor Swift tour were also unable to access the site for refunds and ticket purchases. The senators noted that these reports, along with Ticketmaster’s abrupt cancellation of public ticket sales for the tour, suggest that, “the Department’s past enforcement efforts have failed to protect competition.”
Live Nation’s dominant position in the live entertainment and ticketing industry has repeatedly harmed consumers. The company controls about 60% of the market for promotion of major concerts, and tickets for 80 of the top 100 concert venues in the country. These anticompetitive practices have led to Ticketmaster prices more than tripling in the last 20 years, with about 27% of these prices coming from fees alone.
If DOJ’s investigation uncovers antitrust violations or ongoing misconduct, the senators urged the Department to consider unwinding the Ticketmaster-Live Nation merger and requiring structural remedies to restore competition and consumer choice in the market.
“Put simply, artists, venues, and consumers should no longer be at the mercy of a single seller. The Department must act to help consumers and the market shake off the effects of this monopoly,” the senators concluded.
WARNING CONSUMERS ABOUT BUY NOW PAY LATER PROGRAMS
— On Black Friday, Blumenthal warned consumers to be wary of popular Buy Now Pay Later programs such as Klarna, Affirm or Afterpay, which are marketed as zero risk payment plans but can involve hidden fees and few protections for consumers.
According to a 2022 report by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the Buy Now Pay Later industry is rapidly growing despite inconsistent disclosures and uneven consumer protections. In 2021, the five largest Buy Now Pay Later services reported 180 million loans to consumers totaling $24 billion —a tenfold increase from 2019.
Consumer advocates and financial experts have warned that these payment plans make it easy for consumers to rack up debt, can charge hidden fees, and often fail to protect consumers who need to return an item, get a refund or never receive their purchase.
ADDRESSING FOOD INSECURITY
— Blumenthal joined Connecticut Foodshare to highlight the urgent need for food donations and new federal legislation that would make it easier for grocery stores and restaurants to donate to individuals in need.
“35% of all the food in America is wasted despite millions facing serious food insecurity. Ahead of Thanksgiving, I stopped by Connecticut Foodshare to talk about my Food Donation Improvement Act, making it easier for restaurants & grocery stores to donate to those in need.”
Blumenthal is a lead sponsor of the Food Donation Improvement Act, which would encourage food donation efforts by extending liability protections to large food donors such as grocers, wholesalers, and restaurants. With millions of Americans facing food insecurity, ambiguous, outdated, and limited liability protections often discourage many businesses and organizations from donating food.
According to Feeding America, nearly 400,000 people in Connecticut face hunger, equating to one in every 10 residents. Connecticut Foodshare has set a goal to help more than 50,000 families this holiday season.
CALLING ON SPORTS-BETTING COMPANIES TO CLEAR OFF COLLEGE CAMPUSES
— Ahead of a weekend of college football games and amid one of the busiest sports betting weeks of the year, Blumenthal wrote Caesars Sportsbook & Casino urging the company to “end its practice of targeting colleges and universities, discontinue any existing partnerships with schools, and abide by industry standards that prohibit marketing to college students.”
Blumenthal also wrote the American Gaming Association (AGA), which has established standards that explicitly prohibit advertising sports wagering on college or university campuses as well as in college- or university-affiliated news assets.
Blumenthal’s letters follows increased reporting about the ways that sports betting companies are partnering with colleges and universities to target students with online gambling advertisements. For example, in 2021, after Louisiana State University signed a deal with Caesars, the university sent a campus-wide email encouraging students to “place your first bet (and earn your first bonus).”
As Blumenthal noted in his letter to the AGA, “experts have said that it can be difficult for young people to recognize their inability to gamble responsibly, which could lead to serious mental and financial consequences.”
SHOPPING LOCAL & SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESSES
— Blumenthal and U.S. Representative Joe Courtney (D-CT) joined state leaders and the Small Business Administration (SBA) Connecticut for a small business walking tour to launch Small Business Saturday. The walk began at the Madison Art Cinemas and continued down Boston Post Road with stops at The Dressing Room Boutique, Angie-Lu Apparel Tailor, J. Horton, Grand Apizza Madison, and RJ Julia Books.
“Small businesses are the bedrock of our economy & communities. Fantastic to join a business walking tour in Madison today with local leaders & SBA Connecticut. Don’t forget to shop locally this Saturday & every day,” said Blumenthal.
Connecticut is home to 360,127 small businesses, generating well over 742 thousand jobs. Small Business Saturday is designed to encourage consumers to support their local shops and restaurants, and support small businesses in leveraging this opportunity to drive more traffic to their businesses.
STRENGTHENING THE TICKET REFUND RULE FOR AIRLINE PASSENGERS
— Blumenthal and U.S. Senators Edward J. Markey (D-MA) and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), members of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, filed a comment on the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) proposed rule on airline ticket refunds. The senators urged the Department to strengthen and expeditiously finalize the proposed rule to ensure that consumers are fairly compensated when an airline cancels or significantly delays their flight – including secondary costs incurred from hotels, meals, and transportation in the event of a cancellation or significant delay due to a problem within the airline’s control.
This long overdue rule is urgently needed following months of travel disruptions, with airlines cancelling nearly 3% of flights during the first eight months of this year — a 63% increase over pre-pandemic figures — and delaying an additional 21% of flights.
“This rulemaking is a critical response to the increase in flight cancellations and delays during the coronavirus pandemic, resulting in a record number of consumer complaints about the refund process,” wrote the senators. “While we commend the agency for taking this step, DOT can strengthen the proposed rule by protecting consumers from other costs that are beyond their control — including ticket service fees on cancelled flights and secondary expenses resulting from a flight cancellation or delay.”
SUPPORTING ENERGY RESEARCH THROUGH THE CHIPS & SCIENCE ACT
— Blumenthal and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) joined 15 of their colleagues in urging the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to ensure that the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science is given the full amount of authorized funding allocated by the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget request. In their letter, the Senators emphasized that properly funding DOE will demonstrate the U.S.’ commitment to remaining a leader in global research.
“As you work to finalize the Administration’s budget request for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024, we urge you to follow through on the United States’ commitment to science and innovation by supporting the authorization levels set by the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 for the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science…A strong signal of support for its provisions in the FY2024 budget request is vital to solidify the United States’ renewed commitment to global leadership in science and innovation,” wrote the senators.
The senators wrote that to remain competitive on a global scale, DOE must have the resources to invest in cutting-edge research and technology.
“Previous budget requests have proven insufficient for maintaining scientific progress at the DOE Office of Science at the rate necessary to compete on the global stage. Undercutting the DOE Office of Science budget can slow or even halt critical ongoing research, construction projects, and talent retention efforts,” the senators continued.
PROTECTING THE INTEGRITY OF THE SUPREME COURT
— Blumenthal posted the following tweet following reports that a former anti-abortion leader claimed he was told the outcome of a 2014 contraception and religious rights case weeks before it was announced.
“This stunning, deeply disturbing revelation only further shatters the legitimacy & credibility of the Court. Absolutely no question, Congress should establish a SCOTUS Code of Ethics so justices can't peddle their influence & undermine our legal system. Allegations of this unconscionable leak should be investigated, just as the Dobb draft improper disclosure is under inquiry. Accountability is critical.”
ADDRESSING AMERICA’S GUN VIOLENCE EPIDEMIC
— Blumenthal reacted to the tragic mass shootings at Club Q in Colorado Springs and the Walmart in Chesapeake, VA.
“Horrible & horrific shooting at Club Q in Colorado Springs. My heart breaks for the victims, their loved ones, & the LGBTQ+ community. This hate-fueled, tragic gun violence destroys lives & shakes communities to their core. We must do more to combat this scourge.”
“My heart breaks—for the loved ones & Chesapeake community, especially at this time of giving thanks & peaceful gatherings. I also grieve for our great nation where it seems no one is immune, no time is spared, no place is safe from the scourge of gun violence.”
DEMANDING JUSTICE FOR JAMAL KHASHOGGI
— Blumenthal posted the following tweet after the U.S. determined Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is immune in a case brought by Jamal Khashoggi’s wife.
“Legal immunity for MBS mocks American values. This shield—artificially enabled by his elevation to Prime Minister—obstructs needed accountability. Our government’s acquiescence in this cynical maneuver is unacceptable.”
AROUND CONNECTICUT
— Blumenthal joined Stew Leonard Jr. for the annual turkey pardoning ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. The turkey, named ‘Inès’, will live out the rest of its life at a sanctuary in Connecticut.
“Congrats on the Thanksgiving pardon, Inès. Grateful to Stew Leonard’s for the reminder to show a little extra kindness this holiday season. Thank you for all that you do.”
— Blumenthal met with members of the Connecticut Farm Bureau Association.
“Rewarding day in Southington with members of CT's Farm Bureau Association. Farming is part of our state's culture, environment, & economy. We need to do all we can to preserve agricultural land & protect family farms.”
— Blumenthal joined a Starbucks Solidarity Sip-in in West Hartford.
“Delighted to attend yesterday’s Starbucks Solidarity Sip-in in West Hartford, supporting workers fighting for a union, fair pay, & good hours. They deserve effective rights to bargain collectively without management interference.”
— Blumenthal joined Stamford’s Downtown Parade Spectacular.
“Stamford’s Downtown Parade Spectacular was a huge hit, drawing big crowds & delighting balloon lovers. Despite the whipping wind, abundant warmth from fans happy to be back for this 29th annual event after a 2 year break.”
— Blumenthal joined the Norwalk Cornerstone Community Church’s Thanksgiving Lunch.
“Thanks to Norwalk’s Cornerstone Community Church for another Thanksgiving Lunch, providing a spectacular chef-prepared dinner with caring & encouragement. An inspiring way to begin this uniquely American holiday.”
— Blumenthal joined a Turkey Drive hosted by the Norden Club in Bridgeport.
“Congrats & thanks to the Norden Club in Bridgeport for its hugely successful Turkey Drive this weekend, helping the Bridgeport Rescue Mission provide more than 7,000 families with a full Thanksgiving feast. The club combines camaraderie & civic commitment.”
— Blumenthal joined a ceremony to welcome back members of the CT National Guard from Poland and Kuwait.
“Proud to welcome home CT National Guard’s 142nd Medical Co. & 1109 TASMG this weekend from their nearly 1-year deployments in Poland & Kuwait. Thank you for your service & sacrifice in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve, & to your families as well. Truly inspiring.”
— Blumenthal attended the National Veterans Council for Legal Redress seminar in New Haven.
“Vets, please take advantage of all the care, benefits, & more under the PACT Act, long overdue redress for victims of toxic chemicals from burn pits & elsewhere. That was my message at the New Haven seminar this weekend organized by the National Veterans Council For Legal Redress.”
— Blumenthal reacted to the passing of Connecticut Superior Court Judge John J. Ronan.
“John Ronan was a workhorse for justice—with treasured qualities of a magnificent judge, dedicated patriot, & extraordinary human being. He was rightly renowned for his fairness, integrity, & respect for the rule of law. I send deep sympathies to his family.”
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