Washington, D.C. — U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, D-Ore., released the following statement today after the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced it sued to block the proposed merger of Kroger Company and Alberstons Companies, Inc.:
“I called for the FTC to block this merger because it would raise grocery and prescription costs for Oregonians across our state, and it’s clear the FTC agrees. Another strike against this merger is the toll it would take on our veterans and servicemembers who will be forced to drive further to get the care they need with fewer pharmacies accepting TRICARE. The merger would also reduce the power of Oregon’s small farmers, growers and other small businesses to negotiate prices for their goods. I fully support FTC’s decision to take a closer look at this proposed merger — it is a smart call by President Biden to prioritize lowering prices for Americans and Oregonians, protecting access to prescription drugs, and maintaining the power of unions.”
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