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The House Banking and Urban Affairs Committee's Subcommittee on consumer affairs earlier this year voted to prohibit credit card issuers from charging interest rates more than 8 percentage points above the yield of one-year Treasury Bills. If this legislation is enacted 15 million credit card holders could lose their cards, and all cardholders would face higher annual fees, lower credit limits and other costs. INSET: State credit card ceilings..

Reports on the efforts of the United States government to control the rates charged by cable television monopolies. Impact of the 1984 Cable Act passed by Congress; Theory on rate regulation; Results of the rate regulation of cable television.

Excerpt from the American Bar Association's `Your Legal Guide to Consumer Credit.' Discusses differences between credit cards; Annual percentage rate grace period; Annual fee; Truth in Lending Act; Late fee; Variable rate provisions.

Reports on the plans of the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to reform cellular phone billing. Billing system utilized as of April 2000; Opponents of the proposed calling party pays billing system.

Reports on the decision of the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance to reverse a ruling granting tax breaks to consumers who shop around for a power company. Cost of electricity in the state; Reason behind the agency's move; Revamping of the electric power market in the state.

Reports on the sale of bills, bonds and notes by the United States Treasury Department. Information on the Department's Treasury Direct Program.

Speculates the possibility of more cable rate regulations. Reason of cable industry officials for the price hikes in cable rates; Reason why congressional Republicans prefer the modification of Telecommunications Act of 1996.

Focuses on the rise of Cable television (TV) rates in United States according to the Federal Communications Commission. Average cable rates increase per year; Reasons behind the increase in Cable TV rates; Possible solution to the problem.

Reports that a House-Senate conference committee has agreed to keep the current cable television rate in place for three more years. Increase of cable rates from deregulation.

Reports on the return of drop-off fees in the car-rental industry. Variations; Comparison with one-way rates.

Comments on the 10.3 percent increase proposed by the Postal Service board. Role of the Postal Rate Commission; How much the proposed increase would generate per year; The monopoly that is protected by federal law.

Looks at how government price controls on the cable industry, ostensibly intended to reduce cable rates, may increase the rates for some customers. The subsidy eliminated by the new law; Estimates on the percentage of customers who may face a rate increase; More.

Reports that new cable price controls have raised prices for many consumers, even though the advertised intention of the law passed by Congress in November 1992 was exactly the opposite. Impact on those who subscribe to basic service; Details.