Transcripts For CSPAN2 Federal Trade Commission Confirmation

It is 11 13 p. M. I now call and senator marquis. You are just as good a sister superior. Get that breakin perfectly. Neutrality. In december federal trade commissioner mcsweeney wrote, scrapping the fccs Net Neutrality rules will harm consumers and content creators and the federal trade commission is and can be able to stop it. They do not have specialized expertise in telecommunications. We dont have engineers data Network Management practices, these are real and significant limits to the tools ensuring networks are open and free of harmful discrimination. To agree . I share a lot of the skepticisms and concern. Given ongoing litigations the ftc may face and on level Playing Field were some majors are exempt while others are subject to. My view is that the ftc, if it gets back its authority in the internet space there will be a vigorous enforcer, will take the Statutory Authority and use it as best we can. I dont know what types of unfair practices may, if they cannot we can reach them under statute. Something comes up we cant reach that i would come to you and the committee and talk to about it. The federal trade commission lacks Rulemaking Authority and does have authority, you do a group that. We both have rulemaking, their different types. In terms of being able to deal with those issues of throttling, you do not have that authority. I like to talk to the general counsels office before give a specific answer. Im not entirely clear. In terms of. I will just say that it just like the authority. On kids privacy theres a growing body of evidence from experts and executives that technologies are be purpose purposely made to be addicted. The goal is like the Tobacco Industry have to get them early. Then they might be lifetime customers. Get them hooked early to make it addictive, under the commissions of child Online Privacy protection act mandate which i am the author of the 1999, what will you do to ensure the applications and parent consent processes are fashioned in ways that protect privacy sure that they can make informed decisions about their kids. That includes investigations enabling profile and targeting. Those laws first need to be vigorously enforced. Loosing the market develop so quickly in ways that our whole society cannot see coming in the amount of data being collected over children continues to increase. We need to be vigilant come back to especially if we feel we dont have adequate authorities semantically each commit to an active, pro child Privacy Protection policy at the federal state commission during your tenure if confirmed . Absolutely. Senator, i think you for your leadership and agree. If confirmed, absolutely. I think that will be a cuttingedge set of issues. These Companies Need to come under scrutiny amid accountable for what theyre doing. This addiction amongst young people especially in the Minority Community its much higher. Something we need to pay closer attention to. Thank you. We had very good meetings and thank you to all of you. I appreciate your bipartisan work, that means a lot given how important these issues are. The first is on the paper delay issue. See former chair leave whats out there somewhere. Weve had court cases that change this. But pharmaceutical prices have continued to increase. Senator grassley and i have a bill that says he can make these deals to keep generic soft the market. I like to get someones thoughts on that and the role the ftc place. Im well aware of yours and senator grassleys issue interest in the issue. The president called a few weeks ago for focus on the cost of the jerks that had all americans, myself included in the pocketbook every day the ftc has a long, bipartisan tradition of policing anticompetitive conduct in prescription markets. If confirmed i look forward to working with mike commissioners, and with you and continuing that. The cyber attack against echo facts expose personal information more than a hundred 5 million americans. Specially anyone with a credit history. I recently sent a letter to broad indicating the director of office of management and budget have investigators pull back from their investigation. What is the ftcs role in conducting the investigation . Are you committed to investigating it . I dont want to prejudge any matter. On any major issue involving data reaches id expect the commission to be all over, providing and using the necessary resources to be very vigorous. My third areas antitrust subcommittee and judiciary. Last fall i introduced an act in the consolidation and promotion act to enhance the ability of antitrust agencies to conduct enforcements. Ensuring the agencies have the financial and Legal Resources to protect competition is more important than never as these become more sophisticated sec these takeover of certain areas especially what you say no and the bills. One is focused on getting more resources, visit that controversial were sealed. The second is more focused on the changes weve seen so in the current economic climate, should merger enforcement be a priority for the ftc . Why and why can we do to bolster . We face issues with barriers to entry in Many Industries with Small Business start settle low. One observation i have in general is that its not so easy to adapt its personal workforce to changing market conditions. The Interest Rate environment what the markets tell us is that these deals will be robust and big. Whether the commission has adequate resources and flexibility to vigorously police in a timely fashion is an open question for me. Listlessly, promised to send a question on the record. Is a pleasure to meet you talk with you. Welcome tell the family members. All of you have been patient although fidgeting a little. But well, and we are almost done. Mr. With a few questions for all of you. Can i get your commitment to be an active Consumer Protection agency including marketing practices and Data Security . Yes. Absolutely. Absolutely. Yes, never dad the commission needs to be a key partner with attorneys general anothers on this. What to vision is the most contentious and difficult set of Consumer Protections coming before you . How we handle the data breaches. They are becoming more significant, more frequent and i think that is a real serious concern and we need to pay close attention to it. I would agree with mr. Simon. When i was at the commission in early 2000s we spent a lot of time working on Data Security and Consumer Privacy issues. I for see the same in the coming years have confirmed. I agree, we cannot allow contentious issues to distract us from the bread and butter of the agency. Looking at for the children and the elderly. I agree on the issues related to big data. It implicates the Consumer Protection mission as well is the competition and Privacy Mission and it is to be high on the list if not the highest. The data breach at echo facts underscores how the fair credit reporting act and agencies needs to be paramount. Lets talk about interaction with states. How do you envision your interaction with the states and attorneys general i matters that you have. For close working relationship. I think their critical test using our assets most efficiently. To very much in favor. Not surprisingly, i agree. Its important to have this relationship with the state attorney general who can be more familiar with the facts and nuances on the ground. As you know, he can be a force multiplier for the ftc. They are closer to the ground and understand issues of how her compacting. We need to work collaboratively with other parts of the government. There are some areas where we may not have expertise but other parts too. Ive worked for frequently with the attorneys general on Enforcement Matters over the years. I like to see us go beyond this and other state officials have unique expertise to the authorities. They can be a different leverage point to make sure resources are being used effectively. Had you see the ftc continuing to work with the bureau to take actions against companies that intentionally mislead people. They have an existing memorandum of understanding to coordinate Enforcement Matters and other tools in the toolbox. It will be critical to coordinate on the specific special population issues as well as areas where theres other jurisdiction. I agree. To the extent that i have seen this communication, everybody working together may ask you if you are the chair, how do you incorporate Board Members in everyday decisionmaking and enforcement moving for . I for see this being team ftc. Were very fortunate that the nominees have significant expertise. I want to make use of that. Thank you. Congratulations to all for the nominees. I spent two years at the ftc in the early 2000s. Its wonderful institution with tremendously talented career professionals and with the traffic and longstanding tradition of effective pace partisan cooperation in forcing the antitrust laws, and protecting consumers. I commend you for your willingness to serve. We go back a long way. We Work Together plus five years with you do good work was senator cornyn. Sorry to see you leave us, mr. Simon ms. Wilson, were all together at the ftc and it was a wonderful team. It was a pleasure working with the both of you each and every day for those two years, you both did an extraordinary job during your tenure there. We are blessed to serve under the chairman who is extraordinary. I dont think there has been another chairman before sense but had the vision that tim brought to the job every day. The question i wanted task because he worked with tim every day, what positive lessons did you learn from your tenure working under the chairman and how did you expect to implement those lessons going forward. Thank you. I look very fondly pack on those days and i was by far the best job ive ever had for all the reasons you just described. One of the most important things i learned from the chairman was its important to have your priorities, to communicate them will so the staff knows whats expected, what matters will turn into Enforcement Actions so the staff is busy and doing productive things and has very high morale. That is critical in terms of leading the ftc. That is my intent to follow that lead. Codec on mr. Simons comments. It is a pleasure to work with you and get to know you then in terms of the things that i learned from the chairman, i would echo what mr. Simon said. Its important to have a positive agenda. If you go in without one reacting to the forces of losing an opportunity to shape policy and make important progress in the mission of the agency. Second, the chairman is very good at enlisting all of the commissioners to advancing his agenda. It is very important to capitalize on the unique experiences and expertise that we each bring to the table. That will be a force multiplier for him in the agency. Third, i know that the chairman was excellent at advancing competition advocacy. He was insuring the ftc was a voice for free markets and minimal regulation to the extent feasible but that the federal level in the state level. I think is head of the policy you play an Important Role in i think with the acting chairman has been doing is also important in terms of economic liberty to understand the hindrance that licensing requirements can impose. Then taking into the global arena as well. Having the ftc and department of justice together in a leadership role in the International Arena supporting the sound enforcement is critical for American Consumers and companies. What are your views on competition advocacy . In the robust role the ftc is a in that . I dont think i could do better justice to it they what mrs. Wilson just said. Its critical. It has had tremendous effects historically. I would expect that to continue in the future. A number members are concerned about the scope and control a big tech. That the size and power of it is unprecedented. Theres an article recently that pointed out that facebook and google are worth 1. 3 trillion which you could merge the top five advertising companies, the five major media companies, and add also the five major communications company, and you would only get to 90 of what google and facebook are worth. The scope of market power, size and controls unprecedented. How should the commission approach this development which i find unprecedented. I think the commission this reminds me of what people the old joke about when people asked jesse james of why he robbed the banks comments because where the money is. With respect to antitrust. The place most likely to have antitrust problems are places that a market power. Those are the places you want to look the most and are monitoring carefully and paying attention to. And if theres conduct occurring there thats we get the most bang for your buck. I appreciate the opportunity to have a conversation and appreciate you visiting with me in my office yesterday. The member of the committee thats responsible for the funding of the ftc. The ftc allocated 313 million for fy 17 and earlier this week the white house revealed its 19 budget about 3 million more than last years budget request. As congress attempts to appropriate the resources what would you remind me to be prioritizing . If confirmed that i would do relatively quickly is get a handle on the budget and what the resource allocation looks like. Also to reach out to the staff make sure i understand where the commissions money is being spent and how well it is being spent. In terms of the budgetary issues, i dont know enough to tell you that we need more or could do okay with less. My feeling would be to keep the ship steady. The subcommittee that cheers this is funded by chaired by senator capitola. Senator blumenthal is here. He and i have recently submitted a lead letter to the active chairwoman seeking investigation into the fraudulent activities that help plans increase social Media Presence among real users ask unanimous consent to submit this letter. Without objection. I feel strongly the practice needs to be investigated. What are some of the inherent consumer harms of allowing bots to be sold to individuals and Companies Market conditions would you expect . If there is young girl who found her identity being used in such a damaging way. Sales and marketing is more effective with the trust. Because these are undermining trust and how their communicative back and report something concerned about. Deception has specific legal criteria. Will make sure the letters provided to all of you. In the minute remaining the topic of race with you my office and i ask again about the issue of bots, the legislation that was adopted, designed to give our constituents access to quality tickets at face value, it will require enforcement and someone being made an example of. I wonder if any of you have reviewed the current actions of the ftc or have suggestions about what could be done to make sure the bots act is enforced . We are not yet privy to any nonpublic information. If confirmed, we will vigorously enforce the law following the facts where they lead making sure violators are held up as an example. Has run a highlight this senators emphasis or priorities. While you might not be able to answer in detail the questions im asking, i hope youre taking them as something that is valuable to pursue. Thank you to free willingness to pursue Public Service. Thank you all for your time this morning. And congratulations on your nomination. I know you have already been asked and each of you have answered questions relating to the equity facts breach as well as the priority that are to be placed on data breaches in your work. Will not re ask those questions, but i like to use my prerogative to tell you that is also a high priority of mine. I was pleased to hear you agree that this ought to be a high priority of the ftc. Want to begin by asking about travel waiting websites. Number of my constituents barricades have fallen prey to a tainted alcohol problem in mexico. It has resulted in blackouts, reported robberies, sexual assaults, and deaths. Over 142 date that had been identified by some excellent investigative journalism. Mexican authorities have failed to address the issue. The Current State Department protocol for warning american travelers of these stagers in the alternative, many victims have turned to travel radio websites like trip advisor to report their experiences and warn others who might be traveling to the areas. Unfortunately it has been reported that trip advisor has censored or taken down hose that detail these adverse experiences that these type of mexican resorts. This is concerning because trip advisor raises revenue through click based advertising in hotel transactions. They might thus have an incentive to maximize positive reviews and minimize negative reports. In november i wrote to the federal trade commission asking them to review the practices. Id like to ask each of you view it commit to looking into this issue and the impacts of the context of these websites consumers if you are confirmed. I would be happy to. I too would be happy to look into that. Yes, it is scary enough to do with those issues in the country. You can imagine how your constituents would have felt in a foreign country. Yes, and of i can add, there many issues we have seen over the past decade and beyond withers a clear mismatch incentives between consumer and intermediate or. Rescinded in the mortgage crisis in other markets. You are right teresa. In my minute remaining now that you have already been asked specifically about the student debts release scams i wanted just add given your professional history of advocating for student borrowers if you can talk a little bit more about the coordination and how important it is for the ftc to coordinate with the department of education and other agencies to respond to pursue his reprehensible actors mac theres no question that the ftc, and the Net Neutrality<\/a> rules will harm consumers and content creators and the federal trade commission is and can be able to stop it. They do not have specialized expertise in telecommunications. We dont have engineers data Network Management<\/a> practices, these are real and significant limits to the tools ensuring networks are open and free of harmful discrimination. To agree . I share a lot of the skepticisms and concern. Given ongoing litigations the ftc may face and on level Playing Field<\/a> were some majors are exempt while others are subject to. My view is that the ftc, if it gets back its authority in the internet space there will be a vigorous enforcer, will take the Statutory Authority<\/a> and use it as best we can. I dont know what types of unfair practices may, if they cannot we can reach them under statute. Something comes up we cant reach that i would come to you and the committee and talk to about it. The federal trade commission lacks Rulemaking Authority<\/a> and does have authority, you do a group that. We both have rulemaking, their different types. In terms of being able to deal with those issues of throttling, you do not have that authority. I like to talk to the general counsels office before give a specific answer. Im not entirely clear. In terms of. I will just say that it just like the authority. On kids privacy theres a growing body of evidence from experts and executives that technologies are be purpose purposely made to be addicted. The goal is like the Tobacco Industry<\/a> have to get them early. Then they might be lifetime customers. Get them hooked early to make it addictive, under the commissions of child Online Privacy<\/a> protection act mandate which i am the author of the 1999, what will you do to ensure the applications and parent consent processes are fashioned in ways that protect privacy sure that they can make informed decisions about their kids. That includes investigations enabling profile and targeting. Those laws first need to be vigorously enforced. Loosing the market develop so quickly in ways that our whole society cannot see coming in the amount of data being collected over children continues to increase. We need to be vigilant come back to especially if we feel we dont have adequate authorities semantically each commit to an active, pro child Privacy Protection<\/a> policy at the federal state commission during your tenure if confirmed . Absolutely. Senator, i think you for your leadership and agree. If confirmed, absolutely. I think that will be a cuttingedge set of issues. These Companies Need<\/a> to come under scrutiny amid accountable for what theyre doing. This addiction amongst young people especially in the Minority Community<\/a> its much higher. Something we need to pay closer attention to. Thank you. We had very good meetings and thank you to all of you. I appreciate your bipartisan work, that means a lot given how important these issues are. The first is on the paper delay issue. See former chair leave whats out there somewhere. Weve had court cases that change this. But pharmaceutical prices have continued to increase. Senator grassley and i have a bill that says he can make these deals to keep generic soft the market. I like to get someones thoughts on that and the role the ftc place. Im well aware of yours and senator grassleys issue interest in the issue. The president called a few weeks ago for focus on the cost of the jerks that had all americans, myself included in the pocketbook every day the ftc has a long, bipartisan tradition of policing anticompetitive conduct in prescription markets. If confirmed i look forward to working with mike commissioners, and with you and continuing that. The cyber attack against echo facts expose personal information more than a hundred 5 million americans. Specially anyone with a credit history. I recently sent a letter to broad indicating the director of office of management and budget have investigators pull back from their investigation. What is the ftcs role in conducting the investigation . Are you committed to investigating it . I dont want to prejudge any matter. On any major issue involving data reaches id expect the commission to be all over, providing and using the necessary resources to be very vigorous. My third areas antitrust subcommittee and judiciary. Last fall i introduced an act in the consolidation and promotion act to enhance the ability of antitrust agencies to conduct enforcements. Ensuring the agencies have the financial and Legal Resources<\/a> to protect competition is more important than never as these become more sophisticated sec these takeover of certain areas especially what you say no and the bills. One is focused on getting more resources, visit that controversial were sealed. The second is more focused on the changes weve seen so in the current economic climate, should merger enforcement be a priority for the ftc . Why and why can we do to bolster . We face issues with barriers to entry in Many Industries<\/a> with Small Business<\/a> start settle low. One observation i have in general is that its not so easy to adapt its personal workforce to changing market conditions. The Interest Rate<\/a> environment what the markets tell us is that these deals will be robust and big. Whether the commission has adequate resources and flexibility to vigorously police in a timely fashion is an open question for me. Listlessly, promised to send a question on the record. Is a pleasure to meet you talk with you. Welcome tell the family members. All of you have been patient although fidgeting a little. But well, and we are almost done. Mr. With a few questions for all of you. Can i get your commitment to be an active Consumer Protection<\/a> agency including marketing practices and Data Security<\/a> . Yes. Absolutely. Absolutely. Yes, never dad the commission needs to be a key partner with attorneys general anothers on this. What to vision is the most contentious and difficult set of Consumer Protection<\/a>s coming before you . How we handle the data breaches. They are becoming more significant, more frequent and i think that is a real serious concern and we need to pay close attention to it. I would agree with mr. Simon. When i was at the commission in early 2000s we spent a lot of time working on Data Security<\/a> and Consumer Privacy<\/a> issues. I for see the same in the coming years have confirmed. I agree, we cannot allow contentious issues to distract us from the bread and butter of the agency. Looking at for the children and the elderly. I agree on the issues related to big data. It implicates the Consumer Protection<\/a> mission as well is the competition and Privacy Mission<\/a> and it is to be high on the list if not the highest. The data breach at echo facts underscores how the fair credit reporting act and agencies needs to be paramount. Lets talk about interaction with states. How do you envision your interaction with the states and attorneys general i matters that you have. For close working relationship. I think their critical test using our assets most efficiently. To very much in favor. Not surprisingly, i agree. Its important to have this relationship with the state attorney general who can be more familiar with the facts and nuances on the ground. As you know, he can be a force multiplier for the ftc. They are closer to the ground and understand issues of how her compacting. We need to work collaboratively with other parts of the government. There are some areas where we may not have expertise but other parts too. Ive worked for frequently with the attorneys general on Enforcement Matters<\/a> over the years. I like to see us go beyond this and other state officials have unique expertise to the authorities. They can be a different leverage point to make sure resources are being used effectively. Had you see the ftc continuing to work with the bureau to take actions against companies that intentionally mislead people. They have an existing memorandum of understanding to coordinate Enforcement Matters<\/a> and other tools in the toolbox. It will be critical to coordinate on the specific special population issues as well as areas where theres other jurisdiction. I agree. To the extent that i have seen this communication, everybody working together may ask you if you are the chair, how do you incorporate Board Members<\/a> in everyday decisionmaking and enforcement moving for . I for see this being team ftc. Were very fortunate that the nominees have significant expertise. I want to make use of that. Thank you. Congratulations to all for the nominees. I spent two years at the ftc in the early 2000s. Its wonderful institution with tremendously talented career professionals and with the traffic and longstanding tradition of effective pace partisan cooperation in forcing the antitrust laws, and protecting consumers. I commend you for your willingness to serve. We go back a long way. We Work Together<\/a> plus five years with you do good work was senator cornyn. Sorry to see you leave us, mr. Simon ms. Wilson, were all together at the ftc and it was a wonderful team. It was a pleasure working with the both of you each and every day for those two years, you both did an extraordinary job during your tenure there. We are blessed to serve under the chairman who is extraordinary. I dont think there has been another chairman before sense but had the vision that tim brought to the job every day. The question i wanted task because he worked with tim every day, what positive lessons did you learn from your tenure working under the chairman and how did you expect to implement those lessons going forward. Thank you. I look very fondly pack on those days and i was by far the best job ive ever had for all the reasons you just described. One of the most important things i learned from the chairman was its important to have your priorities, to communicate them will so the staff knows whats expected, what matters will turn into Enforcement Actions<\/a> so the staff is busy and doing productive things and has very high morale. That is critical in terms of leading the ftc. That is my intent to follow that lead. Codec on mr. Simons comments. It is a pleasure to work with you and get to know you then in terms of the things that i learned from the chairman, i would echo what mr. Simon said. Its important to have a positive agenda. If you go in without one reacting to the forces of losing an opportunity to shape policy and make important progress in the mission of the agency. Second, the chairman is very good at enlisting all of the commissioners to advancing his agenda. It is very important to capitalize on the unique experiences and expertise that we each bring to the table. That will be a force multiplier for him in the agency. Third, i know that the chairman was excellent at advancing competition advocacy. He was insuring the ftc was a voice for free markets and minimal regulation to the extent feasible but that the federal level in the state level. I think is head of the policy you play an Important Role<\/a> in i think with the acting chairman has been doing is also important in terms of economic liberty to understand the hindrance that licensing requirements can impose. Then taking into the global arena as well. Having the ftc and department of justice together in a leadership role in the International Arena<\/a> supporting the sound enforcement is critical for American Consumers<\/a> and companies. What are your views on competition advocacy . In the robust role the ftc is a in that . I dont think i could do better justice to it they what mrs. Wilson just said. Its critical. It has had tremendous effects historically. I would expect that to continue in the future. A number members are concerned about the scope and control a big tech. That the size and power of it is unprecedented. Theres an article recently that pointed out that facebook and google are worth 1. 3 trillion which you could merge the top five advertising companies, the five major media companies, and add also the five major communications company, and you would only get to 90 of what google and facebook are worth. The scope of market power, size and controls unprecedented. How should the commission approach this development which i find unprecedented. I think the commission this reminds me of what people the old joke about when people asked jesse james of why he robbed the banks comments because where the money is. With respect to antitrust. The place most likely to have antitrust problems are places that a market power. Those are the places you want to look the most and are monitoring carefully and paying attention to. And if theres conduct occurring there thats we get the most bang for your buck. I appreciate the opportunity to have a conversation and appreciate you visiting with me in my office yesterday. The member of the committee thats responsible for the funding of the ftc. The ftc allocated 313 million for fy 17 and earlier this week the white house revealed its 19 budget about 3 million more than last years budget request. As congress attempts to appropriate the resources what would you remind me to be prioritizing . If confirmed that i would do relatively quickly is get a handle on the budget and what the resource allocation looks like. Also to reach out to the staff make sure i understand where the commissions money is being spent and how well it is being spent. In terms of the budgetary issues, i dont know enough to tell you that we need more or could do okay with less. My feeling would be to keep the ship steady. The subcommittee that cheers this is funded by chaired by senator capitola. Senator blumenthal is here. He and i have recently submitted a lead letter to the active chairwoman seeking investigation into the fraudulent activities that help plans increase social Media Presence<\/a> among real users ask unanimous consent to submit this letter. Without objection. I feel strongly the practice needs to be investigated. What are some of the inherent consumer harms of allowing bots to be sold to individuals and Companies Market<\/a> conditions would you expect . If there is young girl who found her identity being used in such a damaging way. Sales and marketing is more effective with the trust. Because these are undermining trust and how their communicative back and report something concerned about. Deception has specific legal criteria. Will make sure the letters provided to all of you. In the minute remaining the topic of race with you my office and i ask again about the issue of bots, the legislation that was adopted, designed to give our constituents access to quality tickets at face value, it will require enforcement and someone being made an example of. I wonder if any of you have reviewed the current actions of the ftc or have suggestions about what could be done to make sure the bots act is enforced . We are not yet privy to any nonpublic information. If confirmed, we will vigorously enforce the law following the facts where they lead making sure violators are held up as an example. Has run a highlight this senators emphasis or priorities. While you might not be able to answer in detail the questions im asking, i hope youre taking them as something that is valuable to pursue. Thank you to free willingness to pursue Public Service<\/a>. Thank you all for your time this morning. And congratulations on your nomination. I know you have already been asked and each of you have answered questions relating to the equity facts breach as well as the priority that are to be placed on data breaches in your work. Will not re ask those questions, but i like to use my prerogative to tell you that is also a high priority of mine. I was pleased to hear you agree that this ought to be a high priority of the ftc. Want to begin by asking about travel waiting websites. Number of my constituents barricades have fallen prey to a tainted alcohol problem in mexico. It has resulted in blackouts, reported robberies, sexual assaults, and deaths. Over 142 date that had been identified by some excellent investigative journalism. Mexican authorities have failed to address the issue. The Current State Department<\/a> protocol for warning american travelers of these stagers in the alternative, many victims have turned to travel radio websites like trip advisor to report their experiences and warn others who might be traveling to the areas. Unfortunately it has been reported that trip advisor has censored or taken down hose that detail these adverse experiences that these type of mexican resorts. This is concerning because trip advisor raises revenue through click based advertising in hotel transactions. They might thus have an incentive to maximize positive reviews and minimize negative reports. In november i wrote to the federal trade commission asking them to review the practices. Id like to ask each of you view it commit to looking into this issue and the impacts of the context of these websites consumers if you are confirmed. I would be happy to. I too would be happy to look into that. Yes, it is scary enough to do with those issues in the country. You can imagine how your constituents would have felt in a foreign country. Yes, and of i can add, there many issues we have seen over the past decade and beyond withers a clear mismatch incentives between consumer and intermediate or. Rescinded in the mortgage crisis in other markets. You are right teresa. In my minute remaining now that you have already been asked specifically about the student debts release scams i wanted just add given your professional history of advocating for student borrowers if you can talk a little bit more about the coordination and how important it is for the ftc to coordinate with the department of education and other agencies to respond to pursue his reprehensible actors mac theres no question that the ftc, and the Education Department<\/a> have to tackle this together along with state attorneys general. I would add when deploying these resources, we need to look at the symptom and the cause. The cause of the proliferation is often due to stub part subpar servicing where the they are deceived along the way. We have to correct those fundamental problems. Otherwise will continue to see the scams going on. Think all of you for being here today and i appreciate it. We talked a little bit about this when youre in my office yesterday. But i want to get your opinions on it. Its about concentration in the egg industry. In a note to with all of it. But you deal with fertilizer chemicals. For your reference, 80 of the b for this country is controlled by four companies. 60 pork and 40 chicken. Thats not very capitalistic. Makes me want to dig Teddy Roosevelt<\/a> up and bring him back to life. I want to know from each of you who think its a problem and if so, what can be done if anythi anything . Is there something we can do about it. And go ahead and that we know. One thing we talked about the hearing today is doing a Merger Retrospective Program<\/a> to see if we been too lax in our enforcement. One area will focus on is the egg area. If you find out youre too lax, does this china situation have impacts on that . Yes. Any mergers that would come ahead in the future would be subject to, our analysis would be informed by the the merger. That any merger that has been done and in the past is a done deal. Thats generally the case. This could also be the results of anti competitive unilateral practices. If there were such cases then we could get an injunction and prohibit those practices maybe that would make the market more competitive. To go see it the same way . Yes. Yes. I would add that the ability for people to sustain livelihoods and agriculture, figures sure barriers to entry are not illegal is critical. We talked about this a little bit. Forty kids in my graduating class, another whole school has 40 kids in it. Weve seen that across rural america. I hope you are able to do that. When it comes to competition in the marketplace, whether selling it or what you putting on the crop is critically important. The family farm in your culture goes away, this country changes, and not for the better. I was sitting in Homeland Security<\/a> meeting in the day. My phone ring. Its a 202 number so i thought it should take it there was a telemarketer. I guess i should have taken it but it couldve been something important. And it wasnt, it was a nuisance. Think were far too many of these and have failed in this regard. How can we stop this one going on. If i want to buy a hotel room, a call then. How do we stop this . I think the original do not call role was good at the initiation but it doesnt work anymore as you have experienced. The answer is its probably technological solution. I know the ftc and the fcc are having conversations and working to explore that solution. By the else have any great ideas . There are Software Solutions<\/a> that are affected to a certain degree. Anyone else want to comment on that . Associate myself with what mr. Simon said this should be a priority for us. Right behind the a competition. Its a priority, but im worried about the resources and tools to solve it. I think if we need more we need to come to. Amen, brother. You have a job to do. If you dont have the door to do it we can hold you accountable. Thank you. We will go to a brief second. I had one other question mine is more of an education for me in terms of what the fcc role would be. Senator mentioned addictive quality of gaming on young mind. The region of the country has had issues with opiate addictions increases those cascading across the country. Does the ftc have a role in seen that addiction which is considered a health issue, does addiction play into decisions that the commission could or would make on certain products and how do you see that . This goes back a long way to dealing with the cigarette tobacco issues. Basically are talking about a population that is put in a very vulnerable situation where they are misled about the product theyre buying and using and then you have this addiction that attaches before they understand what is happened. Thats a serious issue. Addiction can lead to the conditions for very serious scams and fraud. With respect to opiates you may know of issues related to body brokering were certain individuals receive kickbacks or payments to refer add next to certain rehabilitation facilities. Theres issues with the adequacy of those. It implicates the number of our authorities. I dont believe addiction appears anywhere in the statute that the commission enforces. If i confirmed something i know well need to tackle. I agree with my colleagues. The only thing i would add is that addiction creates Fertile Ground<\/a> for folks to Profit Solutions<\/a> that are not really solutions. That has long been a concern for the ftc. Confirmed i committed to continuing the tradition to focus on the. I appreciate that and where were going with other issues particularly around the opiate crisis. When you load a lot of money into a program it becomes more Fertile Ground<\/a> for the type of things are talking about. Thank you for the last question which raises a profoundly important topic. Estate attorney general i sued one of the major open manufacturers in this country. It happens to be a connecticut company. Because it had misleading or deceptive advertising. We led the federal government in that effort. Eventually were trying by the department of justice. His Estate Attorney<\/a> general who joined the my action. There is still ongoing come in my view misleading and deceptive advertising surrounding powerful painkillers that can lead to opiate addiction into as well as lasting damage to careers and lives. I welcome your septimus and i look forward to working with you on ongoing solutions. I want to go back to the bread and butter of the ftc. The versus at t mobility. As a note this decision enables companies to escape ftc authority and jurisdiction are purchasing a minor side business. Creates a major gap in your jurisdiction providing a common Carrier Service<\/a> even if it engages in all kinds of unfair and deceptive practices with a gap regarded the rest of its business. In fact means that verizon, and yahoo can simply escape enforcement of privacy and others. I like your commitment that your continued the appeal of the ninth circus misguided decision. I lead a brief in support of a rehearing and i hope that you will pursue an appeal vigorously. I fully expect the ninth circuit will reverse the lower court. Every hole for about that. Generally, i think it would be a great idea if we got rid of the common carrier entirely. Have all the future commissioners will agree on that point as well as on the vigorous appeal. Im assuming by your nodding that you agree. Bipartisan commissions over many years has advocated for repeal of the common carrier exception. Seems like a good way to ensure a level Playing Field<\/a>. Speaking a bipartisan. Mr. Simon has the potential future chair, you agree that the commission should consist of five commissioners, not just for men should be bipartisan, do you agree . Yes, i agree. Mobile cramming. The unscrupulous practice of wireless carriers allowing third parties to add charges to monthly bills without authorization by consumers. In many cases without consumers receiving anything in return. The fcc has brought numerous concerns. I hope you continue that vigorous. By the nodding i will assume consent and agreement. You do want to ask a question about airlines. I understand its not within your jurisdiction. But im emboldened to ask this question. You are not only the enforcers, you also have a platform bully pulpit. I hope that you will be consumer advocates but it comes to this industry as well. Numbers ago i asked for the department of justice to investigate potential collusion on the airline of pricing. The department of justice announced it would do so to results. I am not overstating the sense of frustration among consumers by saying they feel they need a bill of rights but stronger than the legal rights i have now. Partly it is the results of consolidation mergers within the industry. I have a pose many, if not all of them. I like your commitment that you will take a vigorous and proconsumer attitude towards airline practices, even though it is not in your jurisdiction. A little reluctant to do that just out of courtesy to the people at the antitrust division. Im reluctant to do it because i have very good relations with them in coordination with them. I really dont want to start off on a bad foot. There jurisdiction is over mergers and antitrust policies. Those have already occurred. , unfortunately over objections from consumer evidence who for solid consolidation i think it is now 85 of the capacity is concentrated in four airlines. This is not personal, hope you understand i have Great Respect<\/a> for delta and its many employees. This is an industry issue. Im raising the consumer issues because they are within your purview. If the consumer issue is within the purview that its appropriate to speak about it. My understanding is that the Transportation Department<\/a> enforces laws with respect to unfair practices of air travel. I do think there is a role for economists and researchers at the ftc when doing cross industry comparisons and analysis to show how certain types of actions taken by the agency what the results were. Looking at the tools and models informs for both agencies to vigorously medicating those could be helpful to policymakers also respecting the jurisdictions of her agencies. Just one more thing. We have spoken a number of times here about our commitments work with other agencies who have expertise over issues. If comfort i plan to make us a resource to those agencies really do have jurisdiction and expertise. I appreciate the comment. I appreciate your comment as well as a longstanding professional development and consumer advocacy. Going beyond the ftc being a resource, i would like you to be a champion. I think there is a real opportunity here for this new populism we see sweeping the country to be articulated. In fact, enforced through your advocacy going beyond your narrow legal jurisdiction i understand it may not be within the legal jurisdiction. You could bring attention to issues that nobody else will at the federal level. Forward to working with all of you. Thank you. Theres a statement from the antitrust caucus that they wish to include. Class that included in the record sweat given our hope to place the nominees on the sex market this will remain open until tuesday february 20. Senators can submit questions. Witnesses are requested to submit written answers as soon as possible but no later than february 26. I think our witnesses for notches your dedication to Public Service<\/a> where open and honest answers. This hearing is not adjourned. [inaudible] [inaudible] [inaudible] [inaudible] [inaudible] [inaudible] [inaudible] [inaudible] [inaudible] [inaudible] [inaudible] [inaudible] [inaudible] [inaudible] [inaudible] [inaudible] cspans washington journal, live everyday with these policy issues that impact to saturday morning to discuss president trumps infrastructure plan. Then, in these times contributor doug on his piece of the february issue about our systems on wall street is adding to it. Watch live 7 00 a. M. Eastern on saturday morning. Join the discussion. This weekend, the city tour takes you to virginia, located along the james river its home to Liberty University<\/a> of Thomas Jeffersons<\/a> retreat. With the help of our Cable Partners<\/a> we will explore lynchburgs rich literary life. And was an american poet associated with the renaissance. That is how harlem comes to lynchburg. Theres a group of People Associated<\/a> with it that people dont know about. At 2 00 p. M. Eastern eight interview with Jerry Falwell<\/a> junior about the origins of the university, its impact on lynchburg and the role evangelicals play on politics. In spite of trumps background pleasantly surprised with how he has come around to issues with the evangelicals in his been the best president for those issues i think this command up in one of the greatest president s we ever had. He transfer learning into a program that would provide players an opportunity to integrate into the sport. Watch more tv on cspan2. Sunday 2 00 p. M. On American History<\/a> to be in cspan three. Rod rosenstein has announced charges have been filed against 13 russian nationals and three Russian Companies<\/a> for interfering with u. S. Political system including the 2016 president ial election. This is ten minutes. It afternoon. The grand jury in the district of columbia returned an indictment presented by the special counsels office. Charges 13 russian nationals and three Russian Companies<\/a> for committing federal crimes will","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"archive.org","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","width":"800","height":"600","url":"\/\/ia600107.us.archive.org\/27\/items\/CSPAN2_20180217_044600_Federal_Trade_Commission_Confirmation_Hearing_Part_2\/CSPAN2_20180217_044600_Federal_Trade_Commission_Confirmation_Hearing_Part_2.thumbs\/CSPAN2_20180217_044600_Federal_Trade_Commission_Confirmation_Hearing_Part_2_000001.jpg"}},"autauthor":{"@type":"Organization"},"author":{"sameAs":"archive.org","name":"archive.org"}}],"coverageEndTime":"20240630T12:35:10+00:00"}