PRIA, Government Policy, Made Personal

Summary

Allows the Federal Maritime Commission to go to a U.S. district court during investigations under sections 41301 or 41302 to ask for a court order that stops conduct that breaks the rules. The court can, after the defendant is told and the Commission shows the usual reasons for such relief, issue a short-term stop order or preliminary order. Any short-term order can last no more than 10 days after the Commission issues its decision on the matter. If an agreement filed under chapter 403 is likely to cut competition, reduce service, or raise transportation costs unreasonably, the Commission can sue in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia to stop the agreement. The court can give short-term orders and can issue a permanent order if the Commission proves its case. No outside party may join that lawsuit. If a filer or its officers fail to provide requested information under section 40304(c), the Commission can sue in that same court; the court may order compliance, extend the time in section 40304(c)(2) until there is substantial compliance, and grant other fair relief. The Commission may represent itself in district court with notice to the Attorney General, and in a court of appeals with the Attorney General’s approval.

Title 46, §41307

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(a)General Violations.—

In connection with an investigation under section 41301 or 41302 of this title, the Federal Maritime Commission may bring a civil action to enjoin conduct in violation of this part. The action must be brought in the district court of the United States for any judicial district in which the defendant resides or transacts business. After notice to the defendant, and a showing that the standards for granting injunctive relief by courts of equity are met, the court may grant a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction for a period not to exceed 10 days after the Commission has issued an order disposing of the issues under investigation.

(b)Reduction in Competition.—

(1)Action by commission.—

If, at any time after the filing or effective date of an agreement under chapter 403 of this title, the Commission determines that the agreement is likely, by a reduction in competition, to produce an unreasonable reduction in transportation service or an unreasonable increase in transportation cost or to substantially lessen competition in the purchasing of certain covered services, the Commission, after notice to the person filing the agreement, may bring a civil action in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia to enjoin the operation of the agreement. The Commission’s sole remedy with respect to an agreement likely to have such an effect is an action under this subsection.

(2)Remedies by court.—

In an action under this subsection, the court may issue—

(A)a temporary restraining order or a preliminary injunction; and

(B)a permanent injunction after a showing that the agreement is likely to have the effect described in paragraph (1).

(3)Burden of proof and third parties.—

In an action under this subsection, the burden of proof is on the Commission. The court may not allow a third party to intervene.

(4)Competition factors.—

In making a determination under this subsection regarding whether an agreement is likely to substantially lessen competition in the purchasing of certain covered services, the Commission may consider any relevant competition factors in affected markets, including, without limitation, the competitive effect of agreements other than the agreement under review.

(c)Failure To Provide Information.—

If a person filing an agreement, or an officer, director, partner, agent, or employee of the person, fails substantially to comply with a request for the submission of additional information or documents within the period provided in section 40304(c) of this title, the Commission may bring a civil action in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. At the request of the Commission, the Court—

(1)may order compliance;

(2)shall extend the period specified in section 40304(c)(2) of this title until there has been substantial compliance; and

(3)may grant other equitable relief that the court decides is appropriate.

(d)Representation.—

The Commission may represent itself in a proceeding under this section in— (1)

(2)a court of appeals of the United States, with the approval of the Attorney General.

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 41307(a)46 App.:1710(h)(1).Pub. L. 98–237, § 11(c) (last sentence), (h)(1), Mar. 20, 1984, 98 Stat. 80, 81. 41307(b)(1)46 App.:1705(g), (h) (1st sentence).Pub. L. 98–237, § 6(g)–(i), (k), Mar. 20, 1984, 98 Stat. 72, 73. 46 App.:1710(c) (last sentence). 41307(b)(2)46 App.:1705(h) (2d sentence). 41307(b)(3)46 App.:1705(h) (3d, last sentences). 41307(c)46 App.:1705(i). 41307(d)46 App.:1705(k).

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2018—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 115–282, § 710(a)(1), inserted “or to substantially lessen competition in the purchasing of certain covered services” after “transportation cost”. Subsec. (b)(4). Pub. L. 115–282, § 710(a)(2), added par. (4).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

of 2018 Amendment Pub. L. 115–282, title VII, § 710(b), Dec. 4, 2018, 132 Stat. 4297, provided that: “section 41307(b) of title 46, United States Code, as amended, shall apply to any agreement filed or with an

Effective Date

before, on, or after the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 4, 2018].”

§41307 Injunctive Relief Sought by the Commission

Summary

Title 46, §41307

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Historical and Revision Notes

Editorial Notes

Amendments

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Effective Date

Citations & Metadata