S.1059 - One Agency Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The "One Agency Act" aims to consolidate antitrust enforcement by transferring responsibilities from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to the Department of Justice (DOJ). This includes transferring antitrust actions, employees, assets, and funding from the FTC to the DOJ. The bill argues that overlapping jurisdiction between the FTC and DOJ leads to wasted resources and uncertainty for businesses.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the FTC would no longer handle antitrust enforcement, with the DOJ becoming the sole federal entity responsible. This would lead to a restructuring of the Antitrust Division of the DOJ and a transition period for transferring ongoing cases and personnel. The Act also includes technical amendments to various laws to reflect this transfer of authority.
Potential Benefits
- Streamlined antitrust enforcement by eliminating overlapping jurisdictions.
- Potential for more efficient use of taxpayer resources by consolidating functions.
- Reduced uncertainty for businesses due to a single point of contact for antitrust matters.
- Enhanced expertise and focus within the DOJ's Antitrust Division.
- Greater consistency in antitrust enforcement policies and decisions.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential for reduced scrutiny of certain industries if the DOJ's priorities shift.
- Risk of disruption during the transition period, potentially delaying enforcement actions.
- Possible loss of specialized knowledge and expertise from FTC antitrust employees.
- Concerns about the concentration of power within the DOJ.
- Potential for political influence on antitrust enforcement decisions.
Constitutional Alignment
The Act primarily concerns the organization and function of government agencies, which falls under the broad authority of Congress to create and regulate federal entities (Article I, Section 8). The transfer of powers does not appear to infringe on individual rights or liberties protected by the Constitution. The Act's focus on promoting effective enforcement of laws aligns with the government's responsibility to ensure justice and domestic tranquility.
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).