Transfer of functions

(a) In general Any requirement that an agency of the executive branch or an independent agency consult with or seek the concurrence of the FTC or the Chairman of the FTC, where such requirement relates to the antitrust laws or unfair methods of competition under section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 45) as in effect on the day before the effective date, shall be deemed transferred from the FTC or the Chairman of the FTC to the Department of Justice or the Attorney General. (b) Premerger notification filings (1) FTC premerger notification filings With respect to any requirement that an agency or entity provide notification to the FTC, where such requirement relates to the antitrust laws or unfair methods of competition under section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 45) as in effect on the day before the effective date, that notification shall be submitted to the Attorney General. (2) Department of Justice premerger notification filings Nothing in paragraph (1) may be construed as implying any change to the requirement for any required notification to the Attorney General. (c) Existing litigation or appeals Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Attorney General shall not deny resources to the FTC or otherwise disrupt existing litigation or appeals that are ongoing on the day before the effective date. (d) Future actions of Attorney General Notwithstanding any other provision of law, nothing in this Act may be construed to limit the powers of the Attorney General to enforce the antitrust laws. (e) Future actions of the FTC Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the FTC shall not open a new investigation or begin an enforcement action that relates to the antitrust laws or unfair methods of competition under section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act (15 U.S.C. 45), except as explicitly allowed under this Act with the approval of the Attorney General and relating to an investigation, litigation, appeal, or consent decree that was ongoing or in place on the day before the effective date.