Testimony offers comments on the harmful effects on consumers of some current credit card industry practices, as well as recommendations on how the Senate can strengthen protections for consumers. Such action is more urgent than ever because taxpayers are now propping up major national credit card issuers through several enormously expensive government programs. If the government is going to invest in the credit card industry and attempt to spur the extension of credit, it is essential that it ensure that the loans that this industry is offering to Americans are fair and sustainable.