I WOULD LIKE TO THANK THE WITNESSES FOR BEING HERE TODAY AND BEGIN BY AGAIN EXPRESSING MY CONDOLENCES FOR THE RECENT LOSSES TO THE FTC FAMILY; I KNOW IT HAS BEEN A DIFFICULT TIME FOR THOSE AT THE COMMISSION. 

 

THE FTC HAS TWO IMPORTANT MISSIONS: PROTECTING CONSUMERS FROM UNFAIR AND DECEPTIVE PRACTICES AND PROTECTING CONSUMERS FROM UNFAIR METHODS OF COMPETITION.  WE CAN ASSIST THE COMMISSION IN FULFILLING THESE MISSIONS BY REPORTING OUT A CLEAN BILL TO AUTHORIZE THE COMMISSION FOR THE FIRST TIME SINCE 1998. 

 

IN ADDITION, THE COMMITTEE MUST ENSURE THE FTC HAS THE REGULATORY AUTHORITY IT NEEDS TO GO AFTER AND PROSECUTE BAD ACTORS; PARTICULARLY WHEN THE CRIMES INVOLVE NEW AND EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES.  THE ILLICIT USE OF SPAM AND SPYWARE TO PERPETUATE IDENTITY THEFT IS ONE INSTANCE WHERE INCREASED REGULATORY AUTHORITY WOULD ASSIST THE COMMISSION IN DOING ITS JOB.