Congresswoman Janice D. Schakowsky | Congresswoman Janice D. Schakowsky Official Website
Congresswoman Janice D. Schakowsky | Congresswoman Janice D. Schakowsky Official Website
WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), a Chief Deputy Whip and Ranking Member of the Innovation, Data, and Commerce Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, reintroduced the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Autonomy Act, which would give the FTC more freedom to seek civil penalties by eliminating burdensome red tape that can delay enforcement activity.
“The Federal Trade Commission is our nation’s premier consumer protection enforcer. On Wednesday, I reintroduced the FTC Autonomy Act to give the agency the authorities it needs to hold lawbreakers accountable effectively and efficiently,” said Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky. “This legislation allows the FTC to seek fines from companies for ripping off consumers without having to go through the Department of Justice. As one of our hearing witnesses said in 2021, the current inefficient process ‘just doesn't make any sense.’ It is time to reinvigorate the FTC’s independence as they continue their essential work to protect consumers.”
The practice of requiring the FTC to refer civil penalty cases to the Attorney General serves no purpose. The FTC Autonomy Act would amend the FTC Act to permit the Commission’s own lawyers to bring cases seeking civil penalties, rather than having to first enlist the assistance of the Attorney General.
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