As Big Tech continuously accelerates their profits, size, and power, the marketplaces have been left behind. It’s past time we enact legislation to catch up with the ever-evolving online ecosystems where firms like Apple, Amazon, Google, and Meta (Facebook) have come to dominate. The American pillars of competition, innovation, and entrepreneurship have been stolen from the people of Louisiana and the United States. If we have any hope of retrieving these values, Congress must pass S.2992 – the American Innovation & Choice Online Act.

The tech giants have asserted monopolization at the expense of workers, consumers, and small businesses alike. We must encourage our congressional delegation to follow the footsteps of the bi-partisan colleagues who support this critical bill. This bill sensibly targets the many anticompetitive and discriminatory behaviors these firms so often practice. Private data collection, tax avoidance, and self-preferencing products and services are just a few of the strong-arm tactics that these tech giants constantly employ to stay at the top.

The American Innovation & Choice Online Act is increasingly necessary and vital to the survival of the small business community throughout the country. The clock is ticking and time running out – our elected leaders from Louisiana must take a stand and act on this opportunity before the online marketplace becomes even more monopolized and exploited than it already is.

Pat Bergeron

Baton Rouge, La.