#DisruptFTC: Putting Innovation First, #SubCMT Unveils Half Dozen Bills to Modernize FTC for 21st Century

Press Release

The Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, chaired by Rep. Michael C. Burgess, M.D. (R-TX), today unveiled a number of bills to bring needed reforms to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Leading up to the rollout of these bills, #SubCMT launched The Disrupter Series, which has examined the marketplace of tomorrow and informed the subcommittee's effort to develop targeted reforms. The bills that were officially introduced today are a first step in the subcommittee's ongoing efforts to create more jobs and unleash innovation. Additional legislation is expected.

"We are in the midst of an era of great innovation, making it imperative that our policies reflect the exciting realities of today. We've seen incredible and unthinkable advancements thanks to American ingenuity," said Burgess. "For example, 3D printing will transform precision medicine. Medical students today will study and learn in ways that no other doctor has done before. It's an exciting time, but it's especially critical that government agencies like the FTC are at the forefront of job creation and encouraging innovation, not impeding it. Our team at #SubCMT has put together a number of thoughtful solutions to help modernize the FTC in meeting the challenges of the 21st century. "

The FTC's ability to hamper a new business from growing has raised many questions and concerns. While the FTC should be able to address new kinds of harm, it's important for the appropriate evidence and reasoning to be presented before moving against a company. All of the bills unveiled today address the issues at the FTC and work to protect consumers, spur innovations, and create jobs.

H.R. ___, the Technological Innovation through Modernizing Enforcement (TIME) Act -- sponsored by Chairman Burgess, would place an eight-year cap on most consent orders from the FTC to small businesses.

H.R. ___, the Consumer Review Fairness Act -- sponsored by subcommittee Vice Chairman Rep. Leonard Lance (R-NJ), would bar companies from attempts to silence customer opinions online.

H.R. ___, the Solidifying Habitual and Institutional Explanations of Liability and Defenses (SHIELD) Act -- sponsored by Rep. Mike Pompeo (R-KS), would clarify that informal policy guidelines issued by the FTC do not create an independent basis for liability.

H.R. ___, the Clarifying Legality and Enforcement Action Reasoning (CLEAR) Act -- sponsored by Rep. Brett Guthrie (R-KY), would require the FTC to report annually on consumer protection investigations

H.R. ___, the Start Taking Action on Lingering Liabilities (STALL) Act -- sponsored by Rep. Susan Brooks (R-IN), would automatically terminate investigations that are inactive for six months, unless the FTC votes to keep them open.

H.R. ___, the Statement on Unfairness Reinforcement and Emphasis (SURE) Act -- sponsored by Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), would give the FTC clearer guidance in prohibiting unfair acts or practices in commerce.
"It is important that our policies put innovation first. Modernizing government, protecting consumers, and creating jobs drives our efforts every day. We must continue pushing the envelope on innovation, and these bills will help lay new groundwork for greater transparency between the FTC and consumers," said full committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-MI).

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