H.R.384 - One Agency Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.384, the "One Agency Act," proposes to consolidate antitrust enforcement within the Department of Justice (DOJ) by transferring responsibilities, personnel, assets, and funding from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to the Attorney General. The bill argues that the current overlapping jurisdiction between the DOJ and FTC leads to inefficiencies and uncertainty. The Act aims to streamline antitrust enforcement by centralizing it within a single agency.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the FTC would no longer handle antitrust enforcement, and the DOJ would become the sole federal entity responsible for these actions. This could lead to more consistent application of antitrust laws. The transition period outlined in the bill allows for a structured transfer of responsibilities and resources.
Potential Benefits
- Streamlined antitrust enforcement leading to quicker resolutions.
- Reduced duplication of effort and potential cost savings for taxpayers.
- Greater clarity for businesses regarding which agency to engage with on antitrust matters.
- Potential for more consistent application of antitrust laws across different sectors.
- Increased efficiency through the consolidation of expertise and resources within the DOJ.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for reduced scrutiny of certain industries if the DOJ's priorities shift.
- Risk of disruption during the transition period, potentially delaying ongoing investigations.
- Loss of specialized expertise within the FTC that may not be easily replicated within the DOJ.
- Possible decrease in the number of antitrust cases pursued due to resource constraints within the DOJ.
- Concerns about the concentration of power within a single agency, potentially leading to less oversight.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's transfer of powers does not appear to directly violate any specific constitutional provision. Congress has the authority to create and modify agencies responsible for enforcing federal laws, as derived from Article I, Section 8, which grants Congress the power to make laws necessary and proper for carrying out its enumerated powers. The bill does not infringe on individual rights or liberties protected by the Bill of Rights.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).