Us Congress House Bill HB3692

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/25/23
• Refer: 5/25/23
• Refer: 5/26/23

Caption

Stopping Cultural Marxism at the FTC Act

Impact

If passed, HB 3692 would significantly alter the operational structure of the FTC, particularly in how it manages vacancies and the political balance of its leadership. The requirement for bipartisan representation aims to enhance accountability and trust in the commission's activities by ensuring that diverse political viewpoints are considered in its decisions. However, critics may argue that this could lead to gridlock or delays in decision-making processes when vacancies at the FTC occur. Furthermore, the bill aligns with broader political debates around representation and control within federal regulatory bodies.

Summary

House Bill 3692, titled the 'Stopping Cultural Marxism at the FTC Act', seeks to mandate bipartisan representation in the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) when a vacancy occurs. This legislation aims to ensure that the remaining commissioners are not all from the same political party, thereby maintaining a balance that proponents argue is crucial for fair governance and decision-making within the FTC. Under this bill, if there are only commissioners from one party remaining, they would be prohibited from exercising the commission's powers until new commissioners from the opposing party are appointed. This change is proposed to prevent unilateral decision-making that could be perceived as biased or politically motivated.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB 3692 is the term 'Cultural Marxism', which reflects a perspective held by supporters of the bill who believe that current FTC decisions may be influenced by a singular ideological standpoint. Opponents of the bill might argue that the use of such terminology reveals broader political motivations rather than genuine concern for equitable representation. Additionally, there will likely be discussions around the implications of restricting the powers of the commission during vacancies and whether this will serve the public interest or hinder the commission's effectiveness in regulating trade issues.