Washington, D.C. — The National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) is calling on Congress to provide the necessary funding to support state antitrust enforcement efforts that promote competition and benefit consumers.

As the chief legal officers of the states and territories, attorneys general play a critical role in enforcing state and federal antitrust laws. Often working closely with federal partners, states bring these enforcement actions in the public interest to protect consumers and the competitive process. Congress is currently considering a number of bills that would enable more robust enforcement.

In their letter, the 45 attorneys general note that as the nation’s economy has grown, so has the need to staff and finance a greater number of antitrust enforcement actions that are more complex and resource-intensive than in the past. Funding for state agencies will enhance the states’ and territories’ ability to fulfill their obligations as integral partners to the U.S. Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission and as part of Congress’ plan for protecting competition.

“As Congress once again considers antitrust reform measures that will have significant impacts on our citizens and business communities for years to come, we encourage you to enhance the antitrust enforcement capabilities of the states, in addition to federal agencies. We thank you for your leadership on this important matter,” concludes the letter.

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