Doctoral Dissertations

Date of Award

8-1984

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy

Major

Political Science

Major Professor

David M. Welborn

Abstract

The Federal Trade Commission's interactions with Congress in policy making are studied in this dissertation. The extent of Congress' influence in FTC policy from 1970 to 1983 is analyzed. Antitrust and consumer policy is discussed utilizing three distinct policy phases found during the years of the study. The many attempts Congress made to affect FTC policy are reviewed. Conclusions are then presented showing the extent of congressional influence in FTC policy making.

Congress' oversight of the FTC is found to be thorough. During the years of the study, congressmen were concerned with almost all aspects of commission antitrust and consumer policy. The amount of congressional activity directed toward the FTC varied between 1970 and 1983. Reports hostile to the commission produced substantial reaction in Congress in the early 1970s. The energy crisis prompted several committees to become actively interested in the FTC. Two major conflicts over appropriations and authorization occurred which increased Congress' interest in the commission.

This study concludes that Congress substantially influenced the FTC between 1970 and 1983. In all instances, Congress did not, however, easily prevail against the commission. Sometimes years of effort were required before Congress could change an FTC policy.

Variations in congressional influence in the FTC are observed between 1970 and 1983. During the first years of the study. Congress was supportive of an activist FTC. The election of 1976 produced a Congress that was less supportive of the commission's regulatory activities.

Authorizations and appropriations committees proved most effective at influencing policy making. A legislative veto was utilized once to prevent an FTC rule from taking effect. Confirmation hearings allowed senators to virtually instruct nominees. Oversight hearings provided congressmen an opportunity to transmit their policy views to the commission.

While this study is focused on the ways in which Congress and the FTC interact in policy making, other sources of influence on agency decisions are discussed. The Presidents' significant contributions to FTC policy are mentioned. Interest groups are found to substantially influence commission policy making.

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