FTC Autonomy Act
Lets the FTC independently bring civil actions to recover penalties under laws it enforces.
In two House committees since Oct. 1, 2026, 7 days after it was introduced. Most bills never leave committee.
- INTRODUCEDINTROOCT 1, 2026
- COMMITTEECOMM.IN COMMITTEE
- HOUSEHOUSE—
- SENATESENATE—
- LAWLAW—
What the bill would do, and why it matters
Civil penalties are money sanctions that federal agencies can seek when laws they enforce are violated. The FTC Autonomy Act would let the Federal Trade Commission independently bring civil actions to recover penalties authorized under any law it enforces. That could give the agency a more direct role in enforcing those laws.
- INTRODUCED ONLY This bill has been introduced and possibly referred to a committee, but it has not passed any vote. Most introduced bills never become law — they die in committee without a hearing.
- DATA NOTE No Congressional Research Service summary was available.
- Lets the FTC sue for civil penalties
The Federal Trade Commission could independently bring civil actions to recover penalties authorized under any law it enforces.
The bill concerns who controls civil penalty lawsuits under federal laws the FTC enforces. Giving the agency an independent route to seek penalties would shift some enforcement authority to the FTC.
Written from the bill text.
The path it took, step by step
- IntroducedOCT 1, 2026HOUSEOCT 1, 2026By Rep. Schakowsky with 1 original cosponsorReferred to Energy and Commerce and Judiciary
- SAME DAYNOWHouse committeesOCT 1, 2026ENERGY & COMMERCE · JUDICIARY NOWOCT 1, 2026In committee for 7 daysNo hearing yet
- 7 DAYS SO FARPassed the House—HOUSE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Senate committee—SENATE—
- Passed the Senate—SENATE FLOOR—Not scheduled
- Resolve differencesONLY IF NEEDEDBOTH CHAMBERSONLY IF NEEDEDSkipped if the other chamber passes the same text
- Signed into law—PRESIDENT—10 days to sign or veto
- OCT 12026OCT 1, 2026REFERREDReferred 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.
- OCT 12026OCT 1, 2026INTRODUCEDHOUSEIntroduced in House
At day 7, this bill is already older than 3% of the laws passed this Congress were when they were signed.
Where your members stand on it
Support from one state
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Plus the sponsor, a Democrat. Every cosponsor is from one party.
Rep. Schakowsky’s record: sponsored 41 bills this Congress. 0 passed the House; 0 became law.
- Kathy CastorD-FL-14ORIGINAL
What readers think
Discussion
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