Except for US Government Backed Debt

The Congressional budget deal includes a rider that would permit cellphone robocalls to collect debt owed to or guaranteed by the government, including federally guaranteed student loans, FHA mortgages and federal taxes.  The rider would amend the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) that bans such calls except with the advance written consent of the borrower. The Obama administration supports the rider.  The Department of Education argues that with the ability to robocall borrowers, it will be in a better position to help borrowers avoid late payments. The FCC administers the TCPA.  It has declined to comment on the budget rider.