FTC Collaboration Act of 2021

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1766) to enhance cooperation between the Federal Trade Commission and State Attorneys General to combat unfair and deceptive practices, and for other purposes.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 1766.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to speak in support of H.R. 1766, the FTC Collaboration Act of 2021. This bipartisan bill was introduced again this year by Representatives O'Halleran and Hudson.

The bill will help reinforce the important relationship between the FTC and State attorneys general.

Our State attorneys general play a critical role in enforcing and complementing Federal consumer protection laws. The FTC is a relatively small law enforcement agency charged with protecting consumers across the country. By partnering with State attorneys general, the reach of Federal consumer protection efforts is expanded. Stronger enforcement actions can be taken against unscrupulous companies and those engaging in unfair and deceptive practices hurting consumers.

When Americans are harmed by fraud and scams, they often turn to their State attorneys general for help, but these scammers may be targeting people across the country. By working together, State AGs and the FTC can pool their resources and protect consumers across the country.

This bill will help the FTC optimize its collaboration with State attorneys general by studying the matter and issuing a report on how to further promote collaboration.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I have no additional speakers. I urge support for the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1766, the FTC Collaboration Act.

As bad actors and scammers continue their efforts to take advantage of American consumers, we must not back down when it comes to ensuring the safety of our constituents and authenticity of consumer products. The FTC Collaboration Act directs the Federal Trade Commission to examine how it can work better with State attorneys general to prevent, publicize, and penalize scams in the United States.

This legislation would require the FTC to submit a report to Congress on how to enhance collaboration with State law enforcement. I remain confident this can help in other agenda items we can work together on in this particular session. It is so important that we work together with our colleagues on the State level.

I am proud of the important steps this bill takes to keep consumers safe and, importantly, prioritize our most vulnerable during COVID-19.

Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers. In closing, I ask my colleagues to support this very important bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation be discharged from further consideration of H.R. 1766, and the Senate proceed to its immediate consideration.

I further ask that the bill be considered read a third time and passed, and that the motion to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table with no intervening action or debate.