During debate on legislation to impose federal rules on the rent-to-own industry, Congressman LaFalce (D-NY) offered an amendment which would have limited the total cost of a product bought through a rent-to-own contract to twice its cash price. Progressives endorsed LaFalce's proposal as a necessary consumer protection. Moreover, Progressives argued, many rent-to-own customers earn low incomes and are forced to rent because they cannot afford the cash price of the merchandise; those individuals, in the view of Progressives, should not pay an excessive amount before they are conferred ownership. The LaFalce amendment was defeated by a 184-232 margin.