0
To transfer antitrust enforcement from the Federal Trade Commission to the Attorney General, and for other purposes.
1/15/2025, 9:20 AM
Summary of Bill HR 384
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.



