Congressman Gus Bilirakis, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, delivered an opening statement on July 22 at a hearing titled ‘Legislative Proposals to Strengthen Consumer Protection in a Changing Marketplace.’ The hearing focused on a dozen bills aimed at enhancing consumer protections and ensuring that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) have adequate tools to address current economic challenges.
“Good morning, all, and welcome to today’s legislative hearing. We are here today to consider a dozen bills aimed at strengthening consumer protections and ensuring the Federal Trade Commission and the Consumer Product Safety Commission have the tools they need to address challenges in today’s economy,” Bilirakis said.
He outlined the longstanding role of the FTC as “our nation’s primary consumer protection agency,” highlighting its work since 1914 in combating unfair practices while promoting competition. Bilirakis also addressed the CPSC’s responsibilities: “The Consumer Product Safety Commission, or the CPSC, plays an equally important role by safeguarding the American public from hazardous consumer products through education, strong safety standards, and enforcement.” He noted that as online marketplaces expand and imported goods increase—particularly from China—it is essential for CPSC to be equipped against unsafe products entering U.S. markets.
Bilirakis detailed some of the proposed legislation under review: “Several bills, including the PACK Act and the Recycled Materials Attribution Act, will improve transparency by addressing misleading recyclability claims… Others, such as the TERMS Act, would impose new transparency obligations on online platforms. We will also consider legislation such as the Nitrous Oxide Safety Act and Stop the Fraud Act, which seek to address unsafe products and strengthen enforcement against foreign companies that violate our consumer protection laws.”
The House Energy and Commerce Committee oversees issues related to energy policy, health care regulation, environmental protection initiatives, telecommunications infrastructure development—and has influenced areas such as energy innovation policy formation since its establishment in 1795, according to the committee’s official website.
“Together, these proposals represent Congress’s continued effort to keep FTC and CPSC equipped to protect American consumers. Thank you, and I look forward to listening to our witnesses’ testimony,” Bilirakis concluded.