[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 120 (Thursday, September 5, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1521]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION REAUTHORIZATION ACT OF 1996

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                        HON. SHEILA JACKSON-LEE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 4, 1996

  Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I speak today to commend the 
Federal Trade Commission on its job of protecting the American consumer 
from unscrupulous businesses and people who would defraud them of their 
hard earned money. Today, we reauthorize the FTC to continue the good 
work it has done on behalf of Americans since its creation in 1914.
  As many of you know, The Federal Trade Commission [FTC] is an 
independent agency with a mandate to protect the public against unfair, 
deceptive, and fraudulent advertising and marketing practices. I 
believe that everyone agrees that this is one function that the Federal 
Government has a duty to perform on behalf of the citizens it serves.
  The keystone of the American economy is the free enterprise system, 
which works, and works well, but only as long as it is not corrupted by 
unfair or deceptive trade practices. When our economic system is 
hindered by monopolies or unjust actions, then people suffer and we are 
all harmed.
  I rise to salute this agency and the excellent work it has done to 
protect the American consumer's right to make informed choices about 
the products, goods and services in the free market. And I urge every 
colleague of mine to support this bill and the principles it embodies.

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