Bill 119 HR 384, also known as the "Antitrust Enforcement Transfer Act," proposes to transfer the responsibility of enforcing antitrust laws from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to the Attorney General. The bill aims to streamline the enforcement process and ensure more effective oversight of antitrust practices in the United States.
Under the current system, the FTC and the Department of Justice share responsibility for enforcing antitrust laws. Proponents of the bill argue that consolidating this responsibility under the Attorney General would lead to more efficient enforcement and better coordination between agencies.
Opponents of the bill express concerns about the potential for politicization of antitrust enforcement and the impact on the independence of the FTC. They argue that the FTC, as an independent agency, is better equipped to handle antitrust cases without interference from the executive branch.
If passed, the bill would also establish a new Antitrust Division within the Department of Justice to oversee antitrust enforcement. This division would be responsible for investigating and prosecuting antitrust violations, as well as providing guidance to businesses on compliance with antitrust laws.
Overall, the Antitrust Enforcement Transfer Act seeks to improve the enforcement of antitrust laws in the United States by consolidating responsibility under the Attorney General and creating a new Antitrust Division within the Department of Justice. The bill has sparked debate among lawmakers and stakeholders, with differing opinions on the potential implications of transferring antitrust enforcement from the FTC to the Attorney General.