Bringing Call Centers Back Home (H.R. 2909)

What is H.R. 2909?

(Updated July 18, 2017)

Requires the Secretary of Labor to maintain a publicly available list of all employers that relocate a call center overseas. Makes companies that employ overseas call centers ineligible for Federal grants or guaranteed loans. Mandates disclosure of the physical location of business agents engaging in customer service communications. Provides U.S. consumers with the right to be transferred to a customer service agent located in the United States. 

Argument in favor

Job creator. Companies should not be receiving tax credits for shipping jobs overseas.

Argument opposed

Does not stop corporations from moving jobs overseas. Unfairly targets specific companies.

Impact

Provides greater transparency in regard to whether or not American companies are employing American workers. Has the potential to create jobs in the U.S.

Cost of H.R. 2909

A CBO cost estimate is not available at this time.

Additional Info

Of Note: 

-The Senate bill, S. 1565, is identical. 

-The bill also states that civilian and defense-related government contractors would give preference to U.S. employers who do not appear on the overseas call center list.