Comer Furthers Federal Trade Commission Oversight with Probe into Engagement with EU Officials - United States House Committee on Oversight and Accountability

WASHINGTON—House Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer (R-Ky.) today is furthering the Committee’s ongoing oversight of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) by investigating whether the FTC subverted U.S. due process rights by improperly coordinating with foreign officials and European Union (EU) agencies. In a letter to FTC Chair Lina Khan and top officials at the FTC, Chairman Comer is requesting documents and information between FTC and European governing bodies regarding the Digital Markets Act and related issues.

“The FTC’s decision to send agency officials to Europe to help implement and enforce the European Union’s (EU) Digital Markets Act under the guise of ‘international cooperation’ undermines U.S. economic interests. Several other actions the FTC has taken in conjunction with EU agencies indicate an alarming pattern of FTC exporting its authority to Europe to achieve FTC’s political goals. The Committee is following up for documents and information regarding FTC’s engagement with officials at foreign governing bodies,” Chairman Comer wrote.

The Oversight Committee is investigating the role the FTC plays to protect the American marketplace and serve U.S. economic interests. On June 1, 2023, Chairman Comer sent a letter to top officials at the FTC in response to the resignation of Commissioner Wilson and allegations that the FTC has abused its power and disregarded the rule of law under Chair Khan’s leadership.

“While the Committee recognizes longstanding cooperation between the FTC and EU counterparts, the FTC should not be using this framework to accomplish abroad what the agency cannot accomplish in its own jurisdiction,” continued Chairman Comer. “The FTC should act in a manner that is consistent with its mission and promotes the most innovative tech industry in the world.”

Read Chairman Comer’s letter here.