Federal Enforcers To Come Under Senate Antitrust Subcommittee Microscope

On Wednesday afternoon, the Senate Antitrust Subcommittee will hold a general oversight hearing on the two federal antitrust enforcement agencies, the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division and the Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Competition.

The heads of these agencies, Assistant Attorney General for Antitrust Christine Varney and Federal Trade Commission Chair Jon Leibowitz will testify.  The hearing is scheduled for June 9, 2010, at 2 p.m. in room 226 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.    

A general oversight hearing allows the Subcommittee to consider the overall performance of the agencies without reference to a particular topic or piece of legislation.  Members of the Subcommittee are free to ask the witnesses questions about any matter within the purview of their respective agencies.  The House and Senate Judiciary Committees usually hold such a hearing about once a year.         

More information on the hearing can be found on the Senate Judiciary Committee website.