Bill > HR384

This bill proposes to transfer all antitrust enforcement responsibilities from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to the Department of Justice's Attorney General, aiming to streamline and improve antitrust law enforcement. The legislation finds that the current overlapping jurisdiction between the DOJ and FTC wastes resources, hampers enforcement efforts, and creates uncertainty for businesses and consumers. Under the bill, all ongoing FTC antitrust investigations, actions, employees, assets, and funding will be transferred to the DOJ during a transition period of up to 18 months. The bill provides detailed provisions for handling existing consent decrees, ongoing litigation, and administrative actions, ensuring a smooth transfer of responsibilities. During the transition period, the FTC will be prohibited from initiating new antitrust investigations or actions, except with the Attorney General's approval. The bill also includes technical amendments to redirect existing legal requirements related to antitrust consultation and premerger notifications from the FTC to the DOJ. The effective date will be the start of the first fiscal year at least 90 days after the act's enactment, giving agencies time to prepare for the transition. The ultimate goal is to consolidate antitrust enforcement under a single federal entity, with the Department of Justice deemed best suited to carry out this responsibility.

Justice

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/384/all-info