Pramila Jaypal at the launching the caucus / X

Indian American Representative Pramila Jayapal (WA-07) on April 9 led her colleagues in announcing the formation of a new caucus, which aims to challenge corporate consolidation.

The new initiative, called the Monopoly Busters Caucus, comes amid ongoing concerns about the growing power of corporate monopolies and their impact on prices, wages, and market competition, and promotes an economic agenda that is pro-worker, pro-consumer, and pro-small businesses.

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“Something is wrong in this country when families go to the grocery store and can’t afford milk or eggs or cereal,” said Jayapal in a statement. “As people struggle under the weight of inflation, corporate profits are higher than ever. From rent to groceries, to health care — life in America has become unaffordable. The answer to why is simple: corporate monopolies.”

The caucus aims to scrutinize and challenge industry consolidation, which lawmakers argue has led to inflated consumer prices and stagnating wages. Jayapal cited recent efforts to block the proposed Kroger-Albertsons merger as an example of successful bipartisan opposition to corporate power. 

“This is a new caucus of members across the ideological spectrum… who see the effects of corporate consolidation in their own districts and are ready to fight to unrig the economy,” she asserted.

Reps. Chris Deluzio (PA-17), Pat Ryan (NY-18), and Angie Craig (MN-02)  join as co-chairs while nine additional lawmakers join as founding members of the new caucus.

Jayapal pointed to the failed merger between Kroger and Albertsons as a defining example of the power of congressional action against monopolies. “In 2015, two big grocery chains merged, Albertsons and Safeway. They said the deal would be better for people… but instead, dozens of stores closed, creating food and pharmacy deserts,” she said. “Workers lost their jobs, and mom-and-pop stores were driven out of business. That is what happens when corporate power gets consolidated — regular people lose.”

LIVE: I'm launching the brand new Congressional Monopoly Busters Caucus with @RepDeluzio, @RepPatRyanNY, and @RepAngieCraig!

Tune in here ️ https://t.co/Ub9AVP50Kw

— Rep. Pramila Jayapal (@RepJayapal) April 9, 2025

Deluzio echoed those concerns, stating that “monopolies have been rigging the system, crushing competition and small businesses, and ripping off the American people for decades. We’re launching the Monopoly Busters Caucus because it’s long overdue for Congress to step up to take on consolidated corporate power.”

In her remarks, Rep. Angie Craig pointed to the agriculture sector, highlighting how industry consolidation has harmed both family farmers and consumers. “I have seen firsthand how consolidation in the ag industry is squeezing our family farmers and producers – and driving up costs for consumers too,” Craig said. “At a time when the Administration is launching our country headfirst into a global trade war, it’s more important than ever that we uplift small and local businesses right here at home.”

Rep. Pat Ryan emphasized the real-world impact of corporate consolidation on working families. “When I talk with folks in the Hudson Valley, the number one thing I hear is frustration,” he said. “Frustration that even though they’re working hard… they can’t afford to provide for their family. The reason for this is clear — in every one of those industries, we’ve let monopolies drive up costs and drive down quality.”

The caucus intends to hold shadow hearings, draft policy reports, and develop tools to help communities push back against corporate consolidation. Members also pledged to challenge corporate lobbying and advocate for stronger antitrust enforcement.

According to the lawmakers, industries ranging from food production to pharmaceuticals are increasingly controlled by a small number of powerful corporations. In sectors like beef, baby food, pasta, and soda, more than 80 percent of the market is reportedly held by just four companies.

Founding members of the Monopoly Busters Caucus include Reps. Becca Balint (VT-AL), Greg Casar (TX-35), Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Val Hoyle (OR-04), Kristen MacDonald Rivet (MI-08), Jerrold Nadler (NY-12), Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Jan Schakowsky (IL-09), and Nydia Velázquez (NY-07).

don’t have to work three jobs to get by. We can make sure that our government works for all of us — and not just corporate titans.”