Contact:	Clarence Mills (202) 543-1440 c.mills@att.net
For Release:	Immediate News Bulletin PR-55 September 17, 2008

U.S. Congress Approves Identity Theft Bill

Bill Goes to President Bush for Signature

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 17, 2008 - The U.S. House of Representatives has passed U.S. Senate Bill 2168 for the Identity Theft and Restitution Act of 2007 via voice vote. The bill would protect businesses and individuals against cyber crimes and stiffen penalties against online criminals and identity thieves.

Senate Bill 2168 is sponsored by Sen. Patrick J. Leahy, D-Vt., Senate Judiciary Committee chairman, and was introduced on the House floor by Rep. John Conyers, D-Mich., House Judiciary Committee chairman.

Specifically, the legislation would give victims of identity theft the right to seek restitution for indirect losses, such as time and money spent rebuilding credit. Currently, victims are only compensated for direct losses. It also criminalizes online extortion and ensures that suspects of identity theft will be prosecuted under federal identity theft laws. Further, the legislation would make it a felony to use malicious software capable of collecting secure data and other account information.

To view this bill, visit the Automotive Service Association's legislative Web site, www.TakingTheHill.com.

The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind dedicated to and governed by independent automotive service and repair professionals. ASA serves an international membership base that includes numerous affiliate, state and chapter groups from both the mechanical and collision repair segments of the automotive service industry. ASA's headquarters is in Bedford, Texas.

ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services. For additional information about ASA, including past news releases, go to www.ASAshop.org, or visit ASA's legislative Web site at www.TakingTheHill.com.

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