Taxpayer Watchdog Calls for Greater Restraint Amid Rising Antitrust Scrutiny

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Mazie Goodlett (803)-369-2181     

WASHINGTON D.C.: Today, as Amazon Prime Days begin for July, the Taxpayers Protection Alliance urged antitrust regulators at the Department of Justice (DOJ) and Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to finally cease their reckless antitrust enforcement actions. These lawsuits raise costs for both American taxpayers and consumers. The government is currently involved in legal action against Amazon and other major U.S. companies such as Apple, Google, Live Nation Entertainment, and Visa. These companies collectively employ millions of people and provide valuable services and products to billions of consumers.

TPA President David Williams offered the following statement:

“Every day, large and successful businesses provide opportunities to countless workers and give consumers a host of added choices and protections. These companies also give entrepreneurs the tools to thrive. For example, Prime Day offers low and competitive prices for Amazon’s vast consumer base. However, these promotions and large-scale discounts are jeopardized by a federal government that has grown far too large and unaccountable. Regulators exploit fears about consolidation, acquisition, and monopolization without ever clarifying any actual threat to American consumers. Everyone pays in the form of higher prices and runaway bureaucracy.

 “The Taxpayers Protection Alliance Foundation [TPAF] has shone a light on antitrust regulators’ wasteful and inappropriate activities, such as creating wristbands that presuppose the guilt of opposing parties. Unfortunately, the DOJ has stonewalled TPAF at every turn and refuses to be honest with the American people. We will continue to fight for taxpayers and consumers and urge the DOJ and FTC to let innovators deliver for workers and consumers. Businesses should be given the freedom to expand and thrive rather than be worried about overzealous regulators.”