Monopolies are pervasive throughout the economy. Over the past two decades, 75% of U.S. industries have become more concentrated. Both Democratic and Republican administrations’ failure to effectively enforce competition policy has paved the way for large corporations and their investors to monopolize numerous markets, including search engines, online commerce, health care, agriculture, social networks, and airlines. Decades of corporate-friendly trade agreements that granted monopoly protections in certain sectors have also encouraged consolidation, offshored American jobs, and weakened global supply chains.

That’s why it’s now twice as hard to start a business than it was in 1980, and entrepreneurs and small businesses can’t access the capital they need. It’s why Americans’ take-home pay is up to 30% lower than it should be. Consolidation is also a big reason why health care is so expensive, why our ability to share information online is distorted and divisive, and why we are experiencing shortages and price spikes in important products — like eggs.

In recent years, however, leaders in the federal and state governments from both parties have started to reinvigorate the American antimonopoly enforcement tradition to push back against this monopolized economy and corporate-rigged globalization, but cases can take years and rulemakings are vulnerable to challenges. For example, in the 119^th Congress, rules to protect competition in various markets finalized by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the Federal Trade Commission, and other agencies face challenges under the Congressional Review Act.

Congress must propose an affirmative legislative agenda that tackles competition policy problems and promotes the growth of the U.S. economy to benefit workers, consumers, and businesses of all sizes. The below agenda for antimonopoly advocates in Congress includes existing bills and new legislative proposals, many of which have already been introduced in state legislatures, for both specific market areas and across all industries. As the country confronts an affordability crisis, implementing antimonopoly policies can empower Americans to move beyond just making ends meet, allowing them to thrive by building economic power and personal agency.