ERA is closely tracking the Justice Department’s Operation Coke Point for member companies.  Indicators are that this could potentially affect members ability to get credit card payment processing.  The House Judiciary Committee’s Subcommittee on Regulatory Reform, Commercial, and Antitrust Law will be holding a hearing “Guilty until Proven Innocent? A Study of the Propriety & Legal Authority for the Justice Department’s Operation Choke Point.” 

ERA submitted written testimony were we express our concern with developments and support self-regulatory efforts including the Electronic Transactions Association (“ETA”) recent publication of comprehensive guidelines for underwriting and monitoring merchant processing accounts aimed at keeping unlawful merchants from harming consumers.