U.S. PIRG’s Watchdog team is on the ground in Washington, D.C., keeping an eye on any legislation or policy that threatens common-sense consumer protections, or puts consumers at risk. And together with our 25 state affiliates we’re working to build enough consumer champions in the Senate that we can keep our Consumer Cop on the financial beat.

Through our research and public education, we’re also working to make sure that when it comes to consumer protections, lawmakers have all the facts, citizens stay informed, and decisions that affect all of us are made in the open. And when consumer protections are threatened, we work with the media to get the word out, and to put pressure on our leaders to do the right thing.

Our focus is on making a difference in public policy and in our lives. We look for the places where our combination of advocacy, grassroots action and policy expertise can make the biggest impact.

Recently we’ve taken actions and won policies that helped to establish the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, helped protect consumers from identity theft in the wake of the Equifax data breach, ensured products we bring into our homes are safe, stopped credit card and payday lenders from ripping people off, and helped consumers find the best deals on banks and other financial services. We’ve worked hard to win these victories, and with our members and other supporters, we’re determined to defend them.

We work to unite people from all across the political spectrum around common-sense solutions to problems we all face. Our advocates in Washington, D.C., lobby members of Congress from both parties. Our advocates in the states build coalitions that include small business owners, health care professionals, religious leaders and people from all walks of life. Our organizers and canvassers talk to thousands of people every week.