In the latest episode of the Powering America Podcast, host Bryan Hyde interviews Diana Moss, Vice President and Director of Competition Policy at the Progressive Policy Institute. Moss discusses the significance of U.S. antitrust laws, their historical context, and how corporate monopolies threaten free-market competition, particularly in light of recent political influences on enforcement practices. She emphasizes the need for vigorous antitrust enforcement to protect consumers and promote innovation.
▪ ▪ ▪
Diana Moss, Vice President and Director of Competition Policy at the Progressive Policy Institute, discussed the implications of corporate monopolies on free-market competition during a recent episode of the “Powering America Podcast.” Moss highlighted the historical context of U.S. antitrust laws and their role in protecting consumers and fostering competition.
The Sherman Antitrust Act, enacted in the late 19th century, was designed to combat monopolies and promote competition in the U.S. economy. Moss explained that the act addresses three main areas: monopolization by dominant firms, conspiracies to fix prices or allocate markets, and merger control to prevent anti-competitive consolidations. “These laws have been enforced variously with different levels of vigor over the years,” she said, noting that the Biden administration has seen a resurgence in antitrust enforcement compared to previous administrations.
Moss emphasized the importance of merger control in maintaining competitive markets. She described how the Department of Justice and the Federal Trade Commission actively monitor mergers that could lead to market dominance. “Active, vigorous antitrust enforcement is the best way to stop this kind of anti-competitive consolidation,” she said.
