Kim Schrier
09/16/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/17/2024 14:53
ICYMI: Congresswoman Schrier Calls Out Kroger-Albertsons Merger, Corporate Price Gouging
WASHINGTON, D.C.- At a recent Energy and Commerce Energy, Climate, and Grid Security Subcommittee hearing, Congresswoman Kim Schrier, M.D. (WA-08) spoke on the destructive impacts that the proposed merger between Kroger and Albertsons would have on the Eighth District and called for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to stop the merger. Kroger and Albertsons combined have 329 stores in Washington, making up more than half the grocery stores in the state.Kroger stores include QFCandFred Meyer.Albertsonsincludes Safeway.During her remarks, Representative Schrier also highlighted broader economic factors that have raised prices across the country, including corporate price gouging and corporate consolidation.
LINK: Video of Congresswoman Schrier's remarks.
"The Kroger-Albertsons merger would be disastrous for Washingtonians, which is why I have been calling on the FTC to take action and block this merger for two years. At a time when families in Washington State face some of the highest grocery costs in the nation, this merger would reduce competition and choice, continuing to squeeze consumers in our state," said Congresswoman Schrier. "Additionally, farmers and producers would face a smaller, less competitive market for their goods. I'll continue to fight for Eighth District families and farmers who are already struggling while big corporations continue to try to manipulate and take advantage of the market."
Congresswoman Schrier has been a leading voice against the Kroger-Albertsons merger, having written to the FTC in 2022 and earlier this year, stating that the merger would lead to higher prices, reduced competition, and harm growers and producers in Washington State.