FTC Act S. 13(b) Legislation Advances to House Commerce
The House Consumer Protection Subcommittee passed by voice vote Thursday legislation to restore FTC Section 13(b) authority (see 2104280028), despite Republican opposition. The Consumer Protection and Relief Act (HR-2668), from Rep. Tony Cardenas, D-Calif., advanced to the full committee. House…
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Commerce Committee ranking member Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., and subcommittee ranking member Gus Bilirakis, R-Fla., criticized a “rushed” legislative process. They cited lack of commissioner input at the bill’s legislative hearing and partial responses from DOJ (see 2105170040). Commerce Chairman Frank Pallone, D-N.J., claimed Republicans didn’t offer any potential changes until Thursday morning. Republicans’ core concern is the potential for lack of due process and proper analysis, said Rodgers. Republicans offered amendments that were ultimately withdrawn. Subcommittee Chair Jan Schakowsky, D-Ill., committed to working with Republicans on provisions including an amendment from Bilirakis that would alter the statute of limitations. Rushing the bill to committee reflects a “broken process,” McMorris Rodgers said. The legislation is “urgently needed,” said Schakowsky: Nothing in the FTC Act can replace authorities gutted by the Supreme Court. Bilirakis “sincerely” appreciates introduction of the bill because it attempts to address a gap in consumer protection, but he accused the majority of wanting to ram this through without bipartisan input. Congress needs to restore FTC authority, said Cardenas.