Did you hear the news? The American Horse Slaughter Prevention Act (HR 503) just passed the House of Representatives with a final vote of 263 to 146:

"I applaud every U.S. Representative who voted in favor of H.R. 503. Thank you for standing up for America, for our ideals, and for our horses," said T. Boone Pickens, legendary oilman and philanthropist, who along with his wife, Madeleine, is an outspoken opponent of horse slaughter.

Regardless of how you feel about horse meat, it is logical to question why our policians are supporting this type of legistlation instead of bills that protect Americans? The Data Accountability and Trust Act (HR 3997) has been in a holding pattern since June. Sure, this act has some serious loopholes but at least if would offer additional protections for identity theft victims and some rules for businesses that lose data. Here are a few more consumer bills that are floating around:

• Servicemembers Credit Protection Act (HR 5427) - Would help to strengthen and promote special credit and financial protections available to active duty military personnel.
• Credit Card Reform Act of 2006 (S 2655) - Would prohibit the Universal Default Clause, put a cap on fees and require credit cards issuers to consider a borrower&39;s ability to repay before extending credit.
• Government Credit Card Sunshine Act (HR 4089) - Would require government credit card bills to be made public. (wouldn&39;t that be interesting!)
• Identity Theft Relief Act (HR 3804) - Would allow identity theft victims to deduct 100% of their expenses related to fraud.
• College Student Credit Card Protection Act (HR 1208) - Would set restrictions on the marketing of credit cards to college students. Includes not allowing creditors to give more than one account to a student with no income.
• Comprehensive Identity Theft Prevention Act (S 768) - Would establish an Office of Identity Theft with jurisdiction to regulate and enforce laws. Includes new online security regulations, Social Security number protections  and privacy rules.

Want to read more? Search GovTrack.us for the terms "credit," "identity theft" or "horse meat."