Justice Department and FTC to Host First Public Meeting of Strike Force on Unfair and Illegal Pricing

The Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) are set to virtually cohost the inaugural public meeting of the Strike Force on Unfair and Illegal Pricing (Strike Force) this Thursday, August 1st. The session aims to highlight the Strike Force’s efforts to mitigate exorbitant prices imposed on Americans through enforcement actions.

According to a statement from the agencies, the meeting will commence with an open-press session at 3:30 p.m. ET. Remarks will be delivered by key figures, including Acting Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer, Assistant Attorney General Jonathan Kanter of the Antitrust Division, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton, head of the Civil Division, and FTC Chair Lina M. Khan. Senior officials from other government agencies will also contribute their insights. Following the public session, the meeting will transition to a private discussion focused on enforcement matters.

The agenda for the public portion of the event will be available on the FTC’s website prior to the meeting. Additionally, a link for viewing the virtual meeting will be posted on the FTC’s website on the day of the event, per a statement from the FTC.

Read more: Federal Judge Upholds FTC Rule Banning Noncompete Agreements in Antitrust Case

The formation of the Strike Force was announced by President Biden in March during the sixth meeting of the White House Competition Council. This initiative aims to enhance interagency cooperation in combating illegal corporate activities that inflate prices for American consumers through anti-competitive, unfair, deceptive, or fraudulent practices.

The Strike Force is a collaborative effort involving multiple federal agencies, including the Department of Agriculture, Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Transportation, Securities and Exchange Commission, Federal Communications Commission, and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.