A Democratic bill with 2 Democratic cosponsors · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the "Consumer Protection and Recovery Act," aims to amend the Federal Trade Commission Act. It seeks to affirmatively confirm the authority of the Federal Trade Commission to seek permanent injunctions and other forms of equitable relief for violations of laws it enforces. The legislation expands the types of relief the Commission can pursue in court. This includes provisions for restitution, contract rescission, refunds, and the return of property. Additionally, it allows for the disgorgement of unjust enrichment obtained through violations.
Yes· 3 of 4
- Scored +7
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?
The bill greatly enhances consumer protection by expanding the FTC's authority to seek restitution, refunds, and disgorgement of unjust enrichment.
- Scored +5
Does this give the federal government more power?
The bill increases federal power by expanding the scope of relief the FTC can seek in court.
- Scored +4
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?
Expanded FTC relief capabilities can help low-income individuals recover losses from fraudulent practices.
The opposite
- Scored -5
Would business owners be better off under this?
The expanded authority for the FTC to seek various forms of relief creates greater regulatory and financial risk for businesses.
- Scored -2
Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts?
The imposition of a 10-year limitation period on equitable relief may restrict the ability to seek justice for older violations.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Expanded Relief Options: Under Section 2(a)(2)(1), the Commission can seek restitution for losses, the rescission or reformation of contracts, refunds of money, or the return of property. This could help individuals recover what they lost due to a violation.
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Recovery of Unjust Enrichment: Under Section 2(a)(2)(2), the Commission can seek the disgorgement of any unjust enrichment that a person, partnership, or corporation obtained as a result of a violation. This provides a mechanism to strip wrongdoers of ill-gotched gains.
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Court-Ordered Flexibility: Under Section 2(a)(1)(C)(v), the bill allows for the court to order relief it determines to be just and proper, including temporary or preliminary equitable relief.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
-
Time Limitations on Relief: Under Section 2(a)(2)(4)(A), a court may not order equitable relief for any violation that occurred more than 10 years before the date the Commission files its suit.
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Time Period Calculation Adjustments: Under Section 2(a)(2)(4)(B), when calculating the 10-year period, any time an individual is outside of the United States is not counted, which affects how the limitation period is determined.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — The bill greatly enhances consumer protection by expanding the FTC's authority to seek restitution, refunds, and disgorgement of unjust enrichment.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would households on low incomes be better off under this? — Expanded FTC relief capabilities can help low-income individuals recover losses from fraudulent practices. Would middle-income households be better off under this? — The bill provides better tools for middle-class consumers to seek restitution and refunds. Would business owners be better off under this? — The expanded authority for the FTC to seek various forms of relief creates greater regulatory and financial risk for businesses.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this give the federal government more power? — The bill increases federal power by expanding the scope of relief the FTC can seek in court. Does this protect the right to fair treatment by the courts? — The imposition of a 10-year limitation period on equitable relief may restrict the ability to seek justice for older violations.
- 7/30/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
2 bills Congress.gov lists as related to this one — companions in the other chamber, earlier versions, and bills this one absorbed or was folded into.
Yvette ClarkeDemocrat · New York
Robert MenendezDemocrat · New Jersey