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The letter, which was addressed to leaders of
the Senate and House of Representatives, expressed explicit
support for six bills that passed the House Judiciary Committee
in June. Four of the bills directly address Big Tech's platform
powers while two others empower enforcers.
One measure, if it becomes law, would ensure that antitrust
cases brought by state attorneys general remain in the court
they select, a move that plaintiffs generally prefer.
The full House has not voted on the measures, some of which do
not yet have companion bills in the Senate.
"We encourage Congress to continue making improvements to these
important measures. These include provisions to further enhance
consumer protections from unlawful and irresponsible mergers and
business practices, as well as necessary improvements to ensure
that competition and innovation are not stifled," the attorneys
general wrote.
The letter was signed by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser
as well as Democratic counter parts Letitia James of New York,
Rob Bonta of California and William Tong of Connecticut.
Republican signatories included Douglas Peterson of Nebraska,
Jeff Landry of Louisiana and Sean Reyes of Utah.
State attorneys general have filed three antitrust lawsuits
against Google, which are pending, and another against Facebook,
which was dismissed. They have also filed lawsuits alleging
price-fixing in the generic drug industry.
(Reporting by Diane Bartz; Editing by Aurora Ellis)
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