Press Releases
Senators Introduce Bipartisan Pay for Printing Act
Aug 3, 2012
This bipartisan legislation simply requires senators to take responsibility for paying for the cost of printing these symbolic resolutions out of their own office budgets.
KOHL, LEE OUTLINE ANALYSIS OF UNIVERSAL-EMI MERGER IN LETTER TO FTC
Aug 3, 2012
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Herb Kohl (D-WI) and Mike Lee (R-UT), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights Subcommittee, today outlined their analysis of the pending acquisition of EMI Group by Universal Music Group in a letter to the chairman of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which is currently reviewing the merger. The subcommittee convened a hearing on June 21, 2012 to consider the sale of EMI’s recorded music business to Universal, and its impact on competition, artists, and consumers.
“This letter summarizes the findings of our investigation into this transaction. In brief, without reaching any final judgment as to the legality of the deal under the antitrust laws, we believe this proposed acquisition presents significant competition issues that merit careful FTC review to ensure that the transaction is not likely to cause substantial harm to competition in the affected markets. In the course of this review, we also urge the Commission to be mindful of the changes in the music industry in the last decade, particularly the shift to online distribution as the preferred way consumers purchase music,” the Senators wrote.
“This letter summarizes the findings of our investigation into this transaction. In brief, without reaching any final judgment as to the legality of the deal under the antitrust laws, we believe this proposed acquisition presents significant competition issues that merit careful FTC review to ensure that the transaction is not likely to cause substantial harm to competition in the affected markets. In the course of this review, we also urge the Commission to be mindful of the changes in the music industry in the last decade, particularly the shift to online distribution as the preferred way consumers purchase music,” the Senators wrote.
Lee Introduces Cut, Cap, Balance Act
Aug 1, 2012
It’s not right to ask the American people to pay for the debt Congress created, especially if it has not taken significant steps to reverse overspending. We have to identify our priorities, set responsible spending levels to meet them, and eliminate the trillion dollar deficits that are sapping the economy of precious resources. Cut, Cap, Balance moves us in the right direction so we can restore confidence in our economy, create jobs, and get the country moving again.
Lee: Senate Must Protect Its Institutional Rights and Impose the Leahy-Thurmond Rule
Jul 30, 2012
The Constitution assigns to the Senate the right and duty to advise and consent to the President’s judicial nominees. During President Obama’s term in office, the Senate has acted responsibly in carrying out this role. Indeed, numerous measures demonstrate that the Senate has treated President Obama’s judicial nominees fairly, confirming them at a greater rate and more quickly than the Democratic Senate confirmed President Bush’s nominees.
Lee Opening Statement on DOJ Antitrust AAG Nominee Hearing
Jul 26, 2012
Today we consider the nomination of William Baer to be the next Assistant Attorney General over the U.S. Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division. This is a position of enormous significance. Since its establishment nearly 80 years ago, the Antitrust Division, together with the Federal Trade Commission, has been tasked with the enforcement of our nation’s antitrust laws.
Lee Introduces Bill to Address Wildfires
Jul 20, 2012
Today, Senator Mike Lee introduced legislation that would protect communities near federal lands that are at risk of catastrophic wildfire destruction. The bill would expedite projects to reduce fuel loads on certain lands owned by the federal government through livestock grazing and timber management plans. It reduces regulatory burdens on these projects while still allowing for reasonable public review and environmental analysis.
Lee: American People Shouldn’t Have To Pay For The Mess Congress Created
Jul 18, 2012
On Monday we heard from Democrats who insist that Congress must now raise taxes of the American people. In fact, they're so committed to this task that they're willing to take the country off the fiscal cliff in order to get their way.
Lee Comments on Passing of Stephen Covey
Jul 16, 2012
Today, our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Stephen Covey, who passed away this morning at age 80 in Idaho Falls. He was loved and respected by many and will most certainly be missed.
Lee Comments on Judiciary Hearing on Oversight
Jul 11, 2012
Today's Judiciary Committee hearing highlighted legitimate concerns about the availability of ITC exclusion orders in disputes involving standard-essential patents. I am pleased that both the DOJ Antitrust Division and the FTC are committed to ensuring that those who have agreed to license such patents on reasonable and non-discriminatory terms are not able to use the threat of an exclusion order in an anticompetitive manner. I join with colleagues on both sides of the aisle who believe these concerns deserve careful consideration as the ITC determines when the availability of exclusion orders are in the public interest.
Lee Statement on Affordable Care Act Ruling
Jun 28, 2012
Today’s Supreme Court decision is only a temporary and hollow victory for the Affordable Care Act.
