New credit card legislation, partly initiated by a Norman man's tragic experiences with overwhelming debt, passed through Congress this past May. It was supposed to take effect next year.

But lawmakers said banks were piling on hefty finance charges on consumers in the interim period before the measure takes effect.

Legislation passed by the House Wednesday moved up the start date on many changes. The bill now goes to the Senate where its fate is less than certain.

The proposal would speed up the ban on retroactive rate increases on existing balances. Consumers reported credit card companies heaping on such increases and over-the-limit fees for payments made a few days late.

Credit card companies brought the measure on themselves. They were using the time between passage of the new rules and implementation to take advantage of consumers. Sure, they were following the letter of the law but the gouging leaves a bad taste in the mouths of consumers.

The House moved swiftly, voting 331-92 to move up the implementation date. We hope the Senate sends the same message.