Robo COP Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Foxx, Virginia [R-NC-5]
- Committees
- Energy and Commerce Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 8, 2026
Bottom line
The Robo COP Act aims to expand the existing do-not-call registry to include and prohibit automated political robocalls, thereby reducing unwanted solicitations for registered individuals.
What it actually does
This bill directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to amend its Telemarketing Sales Rule within 180 days of enactment. The revision will expand the national "do-not-call" registry to prohibit "politically-oriented recorded message telephone calls" to any telephone number listed on that registry. Such calls are defined as outbound calls playing a recorded message, where the purpose is to promote or solicit for/against a political candidate or issue, or if the message includes a candidate's name.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill addresses a significant source of public annoyance and intrusion, extending consumer protection against unwanted telemarketing to the political sphere. They contend that individuals who have opted into the do-not-call registry should not be subjected to unsolicited recorded political messages, as these calls are often disruptive and can be perceived as harassment, regardless of their content. Proponents believe it empowers citizens to control their privacy and reduce unwanted interruptions.
Opponents contend
Opponents might argue that prohibiting politically-oriented robocalls could infringe upon free speech rights, particularly the ability of political campaigns and advocacy groups to communicate with voters. They may contend that such restrictions could disproportionately impact smaller campaigns or grassroots organizations that rely on cost-effective automated calls to reach a broad audience. Critics might also raise concerns about the practical enforcement of such a ban and potential legal challenges based on First Amendment grounds.
The bill is very short and straightforward, making it highly accessible for any reader to understand its provisions quickly.
Section 2(a) and 2(b)
Prohibition of Politically-Oriented Recorded Message Phone Calls
This provision mandates the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to update its "do-not-call" registry regulations within 180 days of the bill's enactment. The revision will make it illegal for anyone to make "politically-oriented recorded message telephone calls" to phone numbers that are on the national do-not-call registry. A "politically-oriented recorded message telephone call" is defined as an automated call playing a recorded message, where the purpose is to promote a political candidate or issue, or if the message simply mentions a political candidate's name.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that this provision directly addresses a major public nuisance by extending privacy protections to political communications, which are often perceived as intrusive. They believe it respects the choice of individuals who have explicitly indicated they do not wish to receive unsolicited calls, enhancing personal privacy and reducing daily disruptions.
Critics contend
Opponents contend that this provision could be seen as an undue restriction on political speech, potentially hindering the ability of candidates and organizations to engage with voters, especially those who rely on cost-effective automated messaging. They might argue that political speech deserves broader protection than commercial speech and that this prohibition could face First Amendment challenges.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances individual privacy rights and the desire to reduce unwanted solicitations against the constitutional protections for political speech and the need for political entities to communicate with the public. It creates a tension between consumer convenience and the freedom of expression in the political arena.