Standard Merger and Acquisition Reviews Through Equal Rules Act of 2018
Sponsor: Karen Handel (R-GA)
This bill amends the Clayton Act with respect to notice to a state by the Department of Justice (DOJ) about federal actions brought for violations of antitrust laws. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) shall exercise the same authority and procedures as DOJ under the Clayton Act if the FTC has brought an action under such Act with respect to the prohibition against acquisition by one corporation of the stock of another (merger) that may substantially lessen competition or tend to create a monopoly. The Federal Trade Commission Act (FTCA) is amended to exclude proposed mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, or similar transactions from ordinary FTC proceedings, except in cases where the FTC approves an agreement with the parties to the transaction that contains a consent order.
Commerce Topic assigned by the Congressional Research Service.
Who won, and how much of the country was behind them
The dotted gap is 4.5% of U.S. adults whose member did not vote, voted “present,” or whose seat was vacant.
| Side | Outcome | Votes | Share of U.S. adults |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yea | Won | 230 | 52.9% |
| Nay | Lost | 185 | 42.5% |
| Not represented on this question | No position taken | 0 | 4.5% |