Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB384

Introduced
1/14/25  

Caption

One Agency ActThis bill consolidates federal antitrust enforcement authority in one department by transferring the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) antitrust functions, employees, assets, and funding to the Department of Justice (DOJ).The bill provides a one-year period for DOJ to implement the transition and allows DOJ to extend the period once for an additional 180 days. During the transition period, DOJ may restructure the department's antitrust division and deputize FTC antitrust employees to investigate and prosecute antitrust violations on behalf of DOJ prior to the completion of the transfer of personnel from the FTC to DOJ.DOJ is also authorized to require businesses to file annual or special reports about the business’s organization, conduct, practices, management, and relationship to other businesses filing such reports.

Impact

If passed, HB384 would fundamentally alter the framework of antitrust enforcement in the United States. It would lead to the transfer of all pending antitrust actions, personnel, and resources from the FTC to the DOJ. This transition not only consolidates expertise and resources but also aims to minimize confusion regarding the enforcement of antitrust laws. During a specified transition period, the FTC would be prohibited from initiating new investigations, which may delay the resolution of ongoing antitrust issues and investigations.

Summary

House Bill 384, titled the One Agency Act, proposes to transfer the enforcement of antitrust laws from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to the Attorney General. The intent behind this legislation is to streamline antitrust enforcement by consolidating authority within a single agency. Proponents argue that the current dual-system, which involves both the FTC and the Department of Justice (DOJ), has led to inefficiencies, wasted resources, and confusion for businesses and consumers. By placing responsibility solely in the hands of the Attorney General, the bill aims to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of antitrust actions across the nation.

Contention

The bill has sparked a debate concerning the balance of power between federal agencies and the adequacy of antitrust enforcement. Some advocates for consumer protection express concern that shifting authority to the Attorney General might undermine the FTC's role in protecting consumers from monopolistic practices. Critics fear that the politicization of enforcement might result in a less aggressive approach towards preventing anti-competitive behavior. The effectiveness of the Attorney General’s office in handling such matters compared to the specialized experience within FTC's antitrust unit is also a significant point of contention.

Congress_id

119-HR-384

Policy_area

Commerce

Introduced_date

2025-01-14

Companion Bills

US SB1059

Related bill One Agency Act

Previously Filed As

US HB1696

Ocean Shipping Antitrust Enforcement Act of 2023

US SB4308

Competition and Antitrust Law Enforcement Reform Act of 2024

US SB4290

Antitrust Freedom Act of 2024

US HB147

Teddy Roosevelt Fair Competition and Public Trust Act of 2023 This bill applies antitrust laws to the business of professional baseball. For purposes of this bill, the term antitrust laws means laws to protect against unlawful restraints and monopolies (Clayton Act) and to protect against unfair methods of competition (Federal Trade Commission Act).

US SB2818

Strengthening Antitrust Enforcement for Meatpacking Act of 2023

US SB5647

A bill to require Federal agencies to impose in-person work requirements for employees of those agencies and to occupy a certain portion of the office space of those agencies, and for other purposes.

US HB128

Defund Planned Parenthood Act of 2023 This bill restricts federal funding for Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc. or any of its affiliates or clinics for one year. Specifically, it prohibits funding those entities unless they certify that the affiliates and clinics will not perform, and will not provide funds to entities that perform, abortions during that year. If the certification requirement is not met, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture must recoup any federal assistance received by those entities. However, the bill's funding restriction does not apply to abortions performed in cases of rape or incest or when necessary to resolve a physical condition that endangers a woman's life. The bill also provides additional funding for community health centers for the one-year period. These funds are subject to the same abortion-related restrictions and exceptions.

US HB371

Defund Planned Parenthood Act of 2023 This bill restricts federal funding for Planned Parenthood Federation of America Inc. or any of its affiliates or clinics for one year. Specifically, it prohibits funding those entities unless they certify that the affiliates and clinics will not perform, and will not provide funds to entities that perform, abortions during that year. If the certification requirement is not met, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Department of Agriculture must recoup any federal assistance received by those entities. However, the bill's funding restriction does not apply to abortions performed in cases of rape or incest or when necessary to resolve a physical condition that endangers a woman's life. The bill also provides additional funding for community health centers for the one-year period. These funds are subject to the same abortion-related restrictions and exceptions.

US HB264

Faithful Execution of the Law Act of 2023 This bill expands the circumstances under which the Department of Justice (DOJ) is required to report to Congress on a policy to refrain from enforcing federal law. Currently, DOJ is required to report to Congress when the Attorney General or other DOJ officer establishes or implements a non-enforcement policy on the grounds that the relevant provision of law is unconstitutional. This bill requires DOJ to report to Congress when any federal officer establishes or implements a non-enforcement policy on any grounds. Further, the bill requires the report to state the grounds for the non-enforcement policy.

US HB208

Pet Safety and Protection Act of 2023 This bill revises requirements concerning the sources of dogs and cats used by research facilities. Specifically, the bill revises the list of permissible sources of dogs and cats used by research facilities to include dogs and cats obtained (1) from a licensed dealer, (2) from a publicly owned and operated pound or shelter that meets specified requirements, (3) by donation from a person who bred and raised the dog or cat or owned it for not less than one year, or (4) from a research facility licensed by the Department of Agriculture. The requirements pertaining to sources apply to dogs and cats obtained through sales, donations, or offers. Monetary penalties are established for violations.

Similar Bills

US SB1059

One Agency Act

US SB4308

Competition and Antitrust Law Enforcement Reform Act of 2024

US SB130

Competition and Antitrust Law Enforcement Reform Act of 2025

US SB4412

STOP Bad Mergers Act Stopping Threats to Our Prices from Bad Mergers Act

US HB7737

One Agency Act

US SB1796

HART Act Housing Acquisitions Review and Transparency Act

US SB232

Preventing Algorithmic Collusion Act of 2025

CA AJR24

Antitrust law enforcement.