Bill · S. 5153· Senate(119-S-5153)
Federal Trade Commission Governance Reform Act
- Introduced
- 7/28/2026
- Last activity
- 7/28/2026 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Sponsored by
- John Curtis
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Federal Trade Commission Governance Reform Act aims to change how the Federal Trade Commission operates. It requires the Commission to maintain a quorum of at least three Commissioners before taking certain actions. These actions include creating, changing, or removing general policies, guidance, or interpretations. This requirement covers rulemaking proceedings and the adoption or rescission of policy statements or industry guides. The changes would go into effect on January 20, 2029.
Yes
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+3
The bill increases transparency and stability in the rulemaking processes of the FTC.
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?+2
The bill provides more stable and predictable governance for consumer protection policies by requiring a quorum.
The opposite
Would business owners be better off under this?-2
The quorum requirement may create administrative delays and constraints on FTC agency actions.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Ensures consistent governance through a required quorum: By requiring at least three Commissioners to be present before taking action, the bill ensures that policy changes are not made by a single individual. This applies to initiating or completing rulemaking proceedings, as noted in Section 2(a)(1).
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Provides structure for policy and industry guidance: The bill requires a quorum for adopting or rescinding policy statements, interpretive rules, or industry guides under Section 2(a)(2), which ensures more than one person is involved in setting these standards.
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Regulates formal Commission actions: According to Section 2(a)(3), the requirement for a quorum extends to any formal action that establishes or revises generally applicable policy or guidance regarding laws enforced by the Commission.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Potential for delays in Commission actions: Because the Commission must maintain a quorum of not fewer than 3 Commissioners before taking specific actions under Section 2(a), any vacancy or absence could prevent the Commission from advancing, rescinding, or completing rulemaking proceedings as described in Section 2(a)(1).
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Constraints on changing policies or industry guides: The requirement for a specific number of Commissioners to act before adopting, amending, or rescinding policy statements or industry guides under Section 2(a)(2) may impact how quickly the Commission can respond to changes in the administration or enforcement of the law.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+3
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners-2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+2
- 7/28/2026
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Introduced in Senate