Energy and Commerce Committee advances four bills to modernize the FTC, promote innovation

Four bills recently approved by the House Energy and Commerce Committee to reform the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) aim to promote transparency and stronger consumer protection measures.

The FTC Process and Transparency Reform Act, H.R. 5510, would address liability issues, the Consumer Review Fairness Act, H.R. 5111, would prevent gag clauses from prohibiting consumer reviews, the Reinforcing American-Made Products Act, H.R. 5092, would establish clear standards for “Made in USA” product labeling, and the Better Online Ticket Sales Act, H.R. 5104, would prevent ticket-buying software scams.

U.S. Rep. Fred Upton (R-MI), the chairman of the committee, said that the “Disrupter Series” of bills address outdated policies that harm innovation.

“We consolidated 11 legislative initiatives into four bills that we advanced (on July 14) that balance the need for consumer protection and transparency,” Upton said. “We also have solutions to restore fairness to online consumer reviews, protect consumers’ rights to buy tickets to their favorite events, and strengthening Made in USA labeling. These thoughtful solutions lay the groundwork for significant economic growth while continuing to encourage innovation and investment.”  

U.S. Rep. Michael Burgess (R-TX), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade, has led the Disrupter Series over the last year to explore how federal policies help and inhibit innovation in various industry sectors over the last year.

“These reforms to the FTC today provide a critical step forward, as we work to usher in transparency and better protect consumers from scams and other deceptive practices,” Burgess said. “In passing today’s FTC reform bills, we underscore the larger goal of the subcommittee’s ongoing Disrupter Series – to enhance our understanding of how federal policies are hindering the efficiency, transparency, and functionality of our government. The four bills clearing full committee today are significant as we aim to provide greater clarity to innovators and consumers alike.”