Another drama unfolds on antitrust regulation in the IT business

Republicans: agreement "a major advance"

The two Republican commissions, Orson Swindle and Thomas Leary, defended the actions of the chairman. They said "We are not troubled by the process by which the Agreement was fashioned. Not only was negotiation of the Agreement with Assistant Attorney General James the prerogative of Chairman Muris; it was also simply the most effective way to get the job done." They added that the agreement represented "a major advance in the rationality, predictability, and speed with which the agencies divide their workload."

Earlier in January, James announced a reorganization of the Antitrust Division to address "new industries, network competition, and other emerging trends in the economy," including strengthening of its telecommunications and computer sections. However, the announcement did not discuss dividing responsibilities with the FTC.

Links:

New York Times story (registration required): http://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/18/busine...

Washington Post story: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/art...

Dow-Jones news wire story (from the Quicken.Com site): http://www.quicken.com/investments/news_...

Department of Justice press conference announcement: http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2002/January...

Statement by FTC Commissioner Mozelle Thompson: http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2002/01/ftcdojmt....

Statement by FTC Commissioners Orson Swindle and Thomas Leary: http://www.ftc.gov/opa/2002/01/ftcdojost...

Announcement of Antitrust Division reorganization: http://www.usdoj.gov/atr/public/press_re...

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