Senator Klobuchar Introduces Sweeping Omnibus Antitrust Reform Legislation

U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), the lead Democrat on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights, recently introduced sweeping proposed legislation targeting antitrust reform. 

According to her office’s release, the Competition and Antitrust Law Enforcement Reform Act  will strengthen regulator oversight tools, reform enforcement and strengthen prohibitions on anticompetitive mergers and conduct. 

Specifically the bill seeks to accomplish the following:

• Increase enforcement resources

• Strengthen prohibitions against anti competitive mergers

• Prevent harmful dominant firm conduct

• Establishes a new, independent FTC division to conduct market studies and merger retrospectives 

• Implement additional reforms to enhance antitrust enforcement

Interestingly, the  The bill also clarifies that the law applies not only to monopoly power, but also to monopsony power, a company's power as a buyer or employer in the market.

There have been several mergers and acquisitions over the years that have raised questions about the long term effects of specific sectors, but the fears of a more aggressive regulator has not been of concern until now. 

Lanton Law is a national boutique law and lobbying firm that focuses on healthcare/life sciences, technology and clean energy. Contact us today to learn about your organization’s options to prepare for additional regulatory antitrust oversight.