Federal Trade Commission Authorization Act of 1983

Summary

Federal Trade Commission Authorization Act of 1983 - Amends the Federal Trade Commission Act to revise the definition of "unfair act or practice" to include any act or practice that causes or is likely to cause substantial injury to consumers. Stipulates that such a "substantial injury" be not reasonably avoidable by consumers and not outweighed by countervailing benefits to consumers or competition resulting from the act or practice. Permits the court to review certain cease and desist orders made by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Limits the authority of the FTC to find a method of competition unfair if, in any action under the Sherman Act, such method would be held to constitute State action. Authorizes the FTC to issue notice of proposed rulemaking with respect to any unfair or deceptive act or practice or false advertisement, only if it has issued two or more cease and desist orders or it believes a pattern of unfair and deceptive acts or practices or false advertisements exists. Extends the civil investigative demand procedures to the FTC's antitrust authority. Prohibits the FTC from studying, investigating, and prosecuting agricultural cooperatives for certain conduct. Limits the authority of the FTC to prohibit unfair or deceptive acts or practices engaged in by professionals in a particular State if such exercise of authority would invalidate certain State licensing and professional standards laws. Provides for congressional review and veto of final rules promulgated by the FTC. Makes any such rule effective unless a concurrent resolution of disapproval is introduced within 35 days after the rules submission to Congress, and such resolution is adopted by both Houses within 90 days of the rule's submission. Requires that any case questioning the constitutionality of the congressional veto provision must be certified by the U.S. district court to the U.S. court of appeals, which must hear the matter en banc. Provides that a decision of the U.S. court of appeals shall be reviewable by mandatory appeal to the Supreme Court. Authorizes appropriations for FY 1984 through 1986. Prohibits the FTC from intervening in the proceedings of any Federal or State agency without first notifying specified congressional committees at least 60 days in advance, or as soon as practicable. Directs the FTC to study certain issues pertaining to life insurance policies and automobile insurance. Requires a report to Congress on the results of this study and any recommendations by January 1, 1985.

This text is taken from the official record. PoliticalRepo does not editorialize.

Timeline

1. 11 May 1983

   Reported

   Clean Bill for Subcommittee Print Reported by the Subcommittee on Commerce, Transportation, and Tourism (May 10, 83).

   Source: Committee

2. 11 May 1983

   Introduced

   Referred to House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

   Source: IntroReferral

3. 11 May 1983

   Introduced

   Introduced in House

   Source: IntroReferral

4. 11 May 1983

   Introduced

   Introduced in House

   Source: IntroReferral

5. 12 May 1983

   Reported

   Ordered to be Reported (Amended).

   Source: Committee

6. 12 May 1983

   Committee

   Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

   Source: Committee

7. 16 May 1983

   Introduced

   Referred to House Committee on The Judiciary Sequentially, for a Period Ending not Later than Jun 15, 83.

   Source: IntroReferral

8. 16 May 1983

   Reported

   Reported to House (Amended) by House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Report No: 98-156 (Part I).

   Source: Committee

9. 16 May 1983

   Reported

   Reported to House (Amended) by House Committee on Energy and Commerce. Report No: 98-156 (Part I).

   Source: Committee

10. 3 June 1983

    Referred

    Referred to Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice.

    Source: Committee

11. 14 June 1983

    Reported

    Ordered to be Reported (Amended).

    Source: Committee

12. 14 June 1983

    Committee

    Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

    Source: Committee

13. 14 June 1983

    Committee

    Subcommittee on Courts, Civil Liberties, and the Administration of Justice Discharged.

    Source: Committee

14. 15 June 1983

    Calendars

    Placed on Union Calendar No: 163.

    Source: Calendars

15. 15 June 1983

    Reported

    Reported to House (Amended) by House Committee on The Judiciary. Report No: 98-156 (Part III).

    Source: Committee

16. 15 June 1983

    Reported

    Reported to House (Amended) by House Committee on The Judiciary. Report No: 98-156 (Part III).

    Source: Committee

Votes

No vote records are attached yet.

Versions

No version snapshots stored. Document URLs remain at the source.

Documents

3 official files

• Reported to House amended, Part III

  summary · EN · 15 June 1983

  Open at official source

• Reported to House amended, Part I

  summary · EN · 16 May 1983

  Open at official source

• Introduced in House

  summary · EN · 11 May 1983

  Open at official source

Sponsors

• Rep. Florio, James J. [D-NJ-1] · D · Sponsor
• · hsju00 · Standing
• · hsru00 · Standing
• · hsif00 · Standing

Related records

No cross-record relationships stored yet.