summary
Introduced
01/31/2019
01/31/2019
In Committee
01/31/2019
01/31/2019
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
12/31/2020
12/31/2020
Introduced Session
116th Congress
Bill Summary
A bill to amend the Clayton Act to modify the standard for an unlawful acquisition, and for other purposes. This bill amends the Clayton Act to revise merger requirements. Specifically, the bill prohibits a merger that materially (currently, substantially) lessens competition in more than a de minimis amount or tends to create a monopsony (a market situation in which there is only one buyer); shifts the burden of proof to the merging companies to show that their consolidation will not harm competition; requires companies that enter into a settlement agreement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or Department of Justice regarding a merger to report information that allows the agencies to assess the competitive impact of the merger, and establishes the Office of the Competition Advocate within the FTC.
AI Summary
This bill amends the Clayton Act to revise merger requirements. Specifically, it prohibits mergers that may materially (rather than substantially) lessen competition or tend to create a monopsony. The bill shifts the burden of proof to the merging companies to show that their consolidation will not harm competition. It also requires companies that enter into a settlement agreement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) or Department of Justice regarding a merger to report information that allows the agencies to assess the competitive impact of the merger. Additionally, the bill establishes the Office of the Competition Advocate within the FTC to recommend processes, identify industries for antitrust investigation, and publish reports on market concentration and merger enforcement.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (6)
Amy Klobuchar (D)*,
Richard Blumenthal (D),
Cory Booker (D),
Kirsten Gillibrand (D),
Mazie Hirono (D),
Ed Markey (D),
Last Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (on 01/31/2019)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location | Created |
|---|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/senate-bill/307/all-info | 02/01/2019 |
| BillText | https://www.congress.gov/116/bills/s307/BILLS-116s307is.pdf | 02/14/2019 |
| Bill | https://www.congress.gov/116/bills/s307/BILLS-116s307is.pdf.pdf | 02/14/2019 |
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