To transfer antitrust enforcement from the Federal Trade Commission to the Attorney General, and for other purposes.

Hozzl · 2025-01-15T09:20:28Z

Explore the details of House Bill 384 To transfer antitrust enforcement from the Federal Trade Commission to the Attorney General, and for other purposes. currently in Congress. Get insights into its purpose, current status, sponsors, and potential impact on undefined. Stay informed on legislative developments.

1/15/2025, 9:20 AM

Summary of Bill HR 384

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.

Congressional Summary of HR 384

One Agency Act

This bill consolidates federal antitrust enforcement authority in one department by transferring the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) antitrust functions, employees, assets, and funding to the Department of Justice (DOJ).

The bill provides a one-year period for DOJ to implement the transition and allows DOJ to extend the period once for an additional 180 days. During the transition period, DOJ may restructure the department's antitrust division and deputize FTC antitrust employees to investigate and prosecute antitrust violations on behalf of DOJ prior to the completion of the transfer of personnel from the FTC to DOJ.

DOJ is also authorized to require businesses to file annual or special reports about the business’s organization, conduct, practices, management, and relationship to other businesses filing such reports.

Current Status of Bill HR 384

Bill HR 384 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since January 14, 2025. Bill HR 384 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on January 14, 2025. Bill HR 384's most recent activity was Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary. as of January 14, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 384

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Unaffiliated Sponsors

Total Number of Cosponsors

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Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 384

Primary Policy Focus

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 384

To transfer antitrust enforcement from the Federal Trade Commission to the Attorney General, and for other purposes.To transfer antitrust enforcement from the Federal Trade Commission to the Attorney General, and for other purposes.

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