Job losses, the tight economy and rising mortgage payments are forcing more and more Americans to turn to their credit cards for help in paying the bills. And as the credit card debt held by 53 million American households continues to rise, so does the pressure on Congress to further regulate the industry.

Lawmakers are targeting some of the most common complaints of consumers in legislation that could come up for a vote before Congress adjourns in September. Bills introduced by Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney of New York and Sen. Christopher J. Dodd of Connecticut would ban "double cycle" billing which factors in past debt already paid when calculating interest, a practice some card companies have already abandoned.

The proposals would also give consumers more time to respond to their bills by extending the 14 days now required between when the statement is mailed and the payment is due, the New York Times reported.

The bills along with proposals from the Federal Reserve would also bar a common industry practice when soliciting new cardholders with introductory offers that promise interest free periods on balance transfers. Now, card companies will apply any payments to the lower or interest-free portion of the debt while the interest-bearing amount continues to rise. The legislation would require payments be applied to that portion of the card debt with the highest rate.

Addressing another common practice, lenders would not be allowed to raise the interest rate on existing debt.

A third piece of legislation before both chambers, the Arbitration Fairness Act of 2007, singles out the mandatory binding arbitration clause in credit card agreements, which prevents cardholders from going to court if they believe they have been wronged. The bill would allow them the right to a trial.

The credit card industry objects to federal regulations restricting its practices. Ken Clayton, senior vice president for card policy at the American Bankers Association, said that regulations can have "unintended consequences, including reductions of popular low introductory-rate balance transfer offers and higher prices for prime borrowers."

Consumers have to act responsibly in using their cards, but deceptive and unfair industry practices can add to the burden. Washington appears willing to help consumers with more regulation.