This bill makes it harder for the federal government to quietly drop antitrust cases against big companies. Right now, when the government and a company agree to settle an antitrust lawsuit, the public gets limited information about what happened. This bill requires much more transparency and gives states a chance to take over cases the federal government wants to abandon.

Specifically, the bill shortens the comment period from 60 days to 45 days for the public to weigh in on proposed settlements, but requires the government to publish detailed information about what remedies were offered, what deals were made behind the scenes, and how those deals address the alleged violations. If the federal government tries to voluntarily dismiss a case, it must now publish that decision and give it 45 days of public notice. During that time, state attorneys general can step in and continue the lawsuit themselves. The bill also requires courts to actually examine whether settlements truly protect the public interest, rather than just rubber-stamping government agreements. It gives courts the power to demand information about any side deals, payments, or favors that might have influenced the government's decision to settle.

A bill to amend section 5 of the Clayton Act to include proposed voluntary dismissals in the court's consideration of proposed consent judgements and clarify the public interest, and for other purposes.