summary
Introduced
12/17/2025
12/17/2025
In Committee
12/17/2025
12/17/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
119th Congress
Bill Summary
an Act amendments to the Clayton Act, and for other purposes. IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES DECEMBER 17, 2025 Mr. BOOKER (for himself, Mr. WELCH, Ms. KLOBUCHAR, Mr. MURPHY, Ms. WARREN, Mr. DURBIN, and Mr. BLUMENTHAL) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary A BILL To amend the Clayton Act to permit a State attorney general to bring a civil action for damages as parens patriae for injuries sustained by reason of price discrimination in violation of the Robinson-Patman Act amendments to the Clayton Act, and for other purposes.
AI Summary
This bill, titled the "Fair Competition for Small Business Act of 2025," amends the Clayton Act, a federal law designed to prevent anti-competitive business practices. Specifically, it allows a State Attorney General, acting as a "parens patriae" (meaning "in the place of a parent," representing the state's citizens), to file a civil lawsuit seeking damages on behalf of individuals or businesses within their state who have been harmed by price discrimination. Price discrimination, prohibited by the Robinson-Patman Act (which is an amendment to the Clayton Act), occurs when a seller charges different prices to different buyers for the same goods, potentially disadvantaging smaller businesses. Previously, State Attorneys General could only bring such actions for violations of the Sherman Act, another antitrust law. This bill expands their authority to include violations of the Robinson-Patman Act's price discrimination provisions, thereby providing a new avenue for protecting small businesses from unfair pricing practices.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (7)
Cory Booker (D)*,
Richard Blumenthal (D),
Dick Durbin (D),
Amy Klobuchar (D),
Chris Murphy (D),
Elizabeth Warren (D),
Peter Welch (D),
Last Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. (on 12/17/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/3548/all-info |
| BillText | https://www.congress.gov/119/bills/s3548/BILLS-119s3548is.pdf |
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