On Tuesday, Congressman Ben Cline reintroduced the One Agency Act. This bill suggests consolidating federal antitrust enforcement within the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. The Federal Trade Commission would remain independent, focusing on consumer protection.
“For far too long, our antitrust enforcement has been plagued by bureaucratic infighting and delays that hinder competition,” said Rep. Cline. “These inefficiencies have allowed sophisticated entities to manipulate the system to their advantage, escaping accountability for their anti-competitive actions. It’s time we address these issues head-on. We need to streamline and reinforce our antitrust enforcement within the Justice Department. The Department is more directly accountable to the American people and is structured to deliver the decisive enforcement necessary to protect consumers and ensure a fair marketplace.”
Currently, both the Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice Antitrust Division share responsibility for enforcing antitrust laws. This shared jurisdiction can lead to conflicts between agencies and delays in investigations.
The FTC today differs from what Congress initially envisioned and faces constitutional challenges that might weaken it.
Congressman Ben Cline represents Virginia’s Sixth Congressional District. He has a background as an attorney in private practice and served as an assistant prosecutor and member of the Virginia House of Delegates. He resides in Botetourt County with his wife Elizabeth and their two children.
