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Challenges Facing the Federal Trade Commission
Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade, and Consumer Protection
Prepared Statement of The Honorable Billy Tauzin
Let
me thank you, Mr. Chairman, for calling this morning's hearing, which promises
to provide us an excellent opportunity to discuss various challenges facing the
FTC. This
hearing will allow us to look forward a bit, to see what may be just over the
horizon and how the federal agency charged with consumer protection plans to
confront them. So I am pleased, as
well, to welcome our distinguished guest, Federal Trade Commission Chairman Tim
Muris. Given
its general statutory authority to protect consumers from unfair or deceptive
acts or practices, the FTC serves as consumers' principal federal guardian in
the marketplace. From its policing
of Internet fraud to generic drugs, to gas prices, the FTC helps to ensure the
competition and honest dealing that is necessary for markets to thrive.
And as the former head of the Bureau of Consumer Protection, Chairman
Muris - I am sure - fully understands the scope of the public trust he now
holds. Over
the past few years, the FTC has also made its mark on the Internet age, as the
body in charge of approving mega-mergers, such as the union of AOL and Time
Warner, of establishing online anti-fraud guidelines, and providing safeguards
to protect the Internet users' personal information.
The future, doubtless, will contain many of the same debates. Privacy,
for instance, is one issue that has been actively debated in this Subcommittee
and I look forward to more discussion on that front this morning.
I commend Chairman Muris for his thoughtful examination of this complex
issue, as demonstrated by his recent speech in Cleveland, which focused on rededicating
the FTC's attention and resources to enforcement issues, specifically actions
related to consumer privacy. Chairman
Muris' focus on enforcement is right on target.
Although
it is unlikely the Committee will have time to tackle the issue this year, given
the shrinking session, I do see a need to explore additional legislative efforts
that will help address an apparent
failure in the marketplace to protect consumers' privacy.
Perhaps there are some additional tools we can provide that will bring
confidence to consumers and the industry without unnecessarily interfering with
good business practices. Finally,
Chairman Muris has long argued, and I agree with him, that the Commission should
evaluate the economic impact of its actions closely and make sure that any
proposed action will benefit consumers. The
Commission should take aggressive law enforcement actions against fraud and
deception, but take care to steer clear from cumbersome rule-makings designed to
transform entire industries. Consumers benefit tremendously from free markets
and competition, and I look forward to continued acknowledgement of this fact at
the FTC. Mr. Chairman, I look forward to the discussion today, and to working with you during your term."
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