Senator Orrin Hatch, the longest-serving Republican senator in US history, gave a nod to the direct selling channel during a recent judicial hearing.
During the “Oversight of the Enforcement of Antitrust Laws” hearing held on Wednesday—part of the US Senate Judiciary Committee, Subcommittee on Antitrust, Competition Policy and Consumer Rights—the senior senator from Utah, home to nearly 100 network marketing companies, touted the benefits of direct selling.
The comments came during testimony from newly appointed Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman Joseph Simons, who described the FTC’s enforcement of antitrust laws, its advocacy work and the public hearings it is hosting on a variety of competition and consumer protection issues.
During the questioning, Sen. Hatch had the following exchange with Chairman Simons:
SENATOR HATCH: “Mr. Simons, as you know, direct selling is an important industry in Utah and many other states. This industry provides countless people with opportunities to build a business. It is an engine for economic growth. I’ve heard from many industry stakeholders about the need for regulatory consistency. They argue that clear rules are essential to sustaining their business model. In the coming weeks and months will you commit to working with me on this important issue?”
CHAIRMAN SIMONS: “Absolutely, sir.”
To view the video of the hearing, click here. Sen. Hatch’s comments regarding direct selling begin at 01:06:18 and end at 01:06:47.
