(Washington, DC)  --  The use of bank debit cards is growing, along with overdraft penalties.

   New York Democratic Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney is co-authoring legislation aimed at restricting "deceptive practices" on overdraft fees.

   In a House hearing, she said it's ridiculous for a consumer to be hit with a steep overdraft penalty after buying a cup of coffee.
   Maloney said her bill would establish more fair and transparent overdraft practices.

   Alabama Republican Congressman Spencer Bachus called this a tough time for financial institutions and said he'd likely oppose any legislation that might further harm struggling banks.



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