Attempt to freeze credit card rates, fees killed

Senate Republicans killed an attempt yesterday to freeze credit card rates and fees until stricter regulations take effect in February.

Colorado Democratic Sen. Mark Udall, a sponsor of the bill, said the last thing families need are higher interest rates and extra fees, but Republican Sen. Thad Cochran from Mississippi objected on behalf of fellow Republicans, and a request to vote on the provision was killed.

The provisions of the Credit Card Accountability, Responsibility and Disclosure Act, which place limits on rate changes passed earlier this year, take full effect during February 2010.

Republicans offered no reason for their decision to block a vote.