FTC Announces Agenda for July 1 Open Commission Meeting

Today, Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan announced an open meeting of the Commission will be held virtually on Thursday, July 1, 2021. This will be the first of a series of monthly meetings that will open the work of the Commission to the public. The open meeting will begin at 12 p.m. ET, and will be followed by a time for members of the public to address the Commission.

The following items will be on the tentative agenda for the July 1 event:

Business Before the Commission

Made in the USA Rule: The Commissioners will vote on whether to finalize the Made in the USA Rule. The rule would help ensure that consumers can confidently buy American, and that honest companies can realize the benefits of the Made in USA label.

Section 18 Rulemaking Procedures: The Commissioners will vote on whether to streamline the procedures for Section 18 rules prohibiting unfair or deceptive acts or practices. Section 18 rules allow the Commission to seek redress for defrauded consumers and penalties against firms that cheat.

“Statement of Enforcement Principles Regarding ‘Unfair Methods of Competition’ Under Section 5 of the FTC Act” (2015): The Commissioners will vote on whether to rescind the policy statement issued by the Commission in 2015 in order to better align with the requirements set out by Congress to condemn “unfair methods of competition.”

Enforcement Investigations: The Commissioners will vote on whether to approve a series of resolutions that will streamline investigations by Commission staff into specific industries or specific conduct. The resolutions would provide ongoing authority for a single Commissioner to approve the use of compulsory process in those investigations.

Public Comments

After conducting its business, the Commission will invite members of the public to share feedback on the Commission’s work generally and bring relevant matters to the Commission’s attention. Members of the public must sign up for an opportunity to address the Commission virtually at the July 1 event. Anyone who cannot participate during the event may submit a prerecorded video via weblink. Each commenter will be allowed to speak for no more than one minute. Written comments will be accepted through a web form.

The FTC’s public meeting agendas will be posted on the Commission’s website at least seven days prior to the Commission’s next monthly meeting. The event will be recorded, and the webcast and any related comments will be available on the Commission’s website after the meeting.  The Commission retains discretion to make public comments available following the event on ftc.gov. Due to challenges related to the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis, open meetings will be held virtually until further notice.