Restore the Federal Trade Commission's autonomy and authority and strengthen its ability to act against unfair or deceptive practices, including restoring civil penalties for first-time offenses through the 21st Century FTC Act and FTC Autonomy Act.

“The current economic pain being inflicted on hardworking Americans shouldn’t be exacerbated by fraudsters and corporate wrongdoers. It’s imperative that corporations be held accountable when they take advantage of consumers,” said Rep. Castor. “The FTC is key to accountability, and the 21st Century FTC and FTC Autonomy Acts will strengthen the ability to act and restore civil penalties for first time offenses. I’m committed to restoring the FTC’s autonomy and authority, and I urge Congress to pass this important legislation.”

Castor said she is committed to restoring the FTC's autonomy and authority and urged Congress to pass legislation that would strengthen FTC enforcement and restore civil penalties for first-time offenses.

Castor, Schakowsky Introduce Legislation to Modernize FTC and Strengthen Consumer Protections | U.S. Representative Kathy Castor
primary · press_release · model gpt-5.5

Action Ms. Castor of Florida (for herself and Ms. Schakowsky) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce Bill Number H.R. 10540 Bill Version Introduced in House (IH) Short Title 21st Century FTC Act Full Title To amend the Federal Trade Commission Act to provide the Commission with notice and comment rulemaking authority respecting unfair or deceptive acts or practices and to provide for civil penalties for violations of such Act respecting unfair or deceptive acts or practices, and for other purposes.

Rep. Kathy Castor introduced H.R. 10540, the 21st Century FTC Act, to expand FTC rulemaking authority over unfair or deceptive practices and provide civil penalties for violations.

H.R. 10540 (IH) - 21st Century FTC Act - BILLS-119hr10540ih | Content Details | GovInfo
primary · other · model gpt-5.5

verified · Source version 78457 · locator 7107

H.R. 10540. A bill to amend the Federal Trade Commission Act

Fetched verbatim passage. AI summary (separate from source): Official House record shows Castor introduced H.R. 10540, the 119th Congress 21st Century FTC Act, in the lookback window and it was referred to Energy and Commerce rather than enacted.

unresolved same_term A for effort

CREC-2026-09-24-pt1-PgH6000-2.pdf
secondary · model gpt-5.5 · confidence 93%

verified · Source version 78452 · locator 2680

restore civil penalties for first time offenses

Fetched verbatim passage. AI summary (separate from source): Castor’s official release says the 21st Century FTC Act and FTC Autonomy Act target the promised FTC authority and first-offense civil penalties, showing renewed effort during the lookback window.

unresolved same_term A for effort

Castor, Schakowsky Introduce Legislation to Modernize FTC and Strengthen Consumer Protections | U.S. Representative Kathy Castor
primary · model gpt-5.5 · confidence 92%

verified · Source version 78452 · locator 2794

I urge Congress to pass this important legislation.

Fetched verbatim passage. AI summary (separate from source): Castor’s own statement frames the bills as awaiting congressional passage as of October 1, 2026, so the commitment remains unresolved, not delivered.

unresolved same_term A for effort

Castor, Schakowsky Introduce Legislation to Modernize FTC and Strengthen Consumer Protections | U.S. Representative Kathy Castor
primary · model gpt-5.5 · confidence 91%

verified · Source version 78459 · locator 1163

Ms. Castor of Florida introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce

Fetched verbatim passage. AI summary (separate from source): GovInfo shows Castor previously introduced the 21st Century FTC Act in the 118th Congress, but the listed action was referral, not enactment.

unresolved unknown A for effort

H.R. 4324 (IH) - 21st Century FTC Act - BILLS-118hr4324ih | Content Details | GovInfo
secondary · model gpt-5.5 · confidence 89%

verified · Source version 78461 · locator 1580

To authorize the Federal Trade Commission to independently initiate civil actions to recover certain civil penalties

Fetched verbatim passage. AI summary (separate from source): GovInfo identifies the FTC Autonomy Act’s purpose as independent FTC civil-penalty litigation authority; the bill was introduced and referred in 118th Congress, not enacted.

unresolved unknown A for effort

H.R. 4266 (IH) - FTC Autonomy Act - BILLS-118hr4266ih | Content Details | GovInfo
secondary · model gpt-5.5 · confidence 87%

unverified · Source version 78463 · locator unknown

No further action was taken on H.R. 4447 in the 117th Congress.

Unverified model/legacy excerpt; not proof. AI summary (separate from source): The committee activities report confirms the earlier Castor 21st Century FTC Act attempt expired without enactment, reinforcing that later reintroduction is effort rather than delivery.

unresolved unknown A for effort

CRPT-117hrpt702.pdf
secondary · model gpt-5.5 · confidence 88%