FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE — March 13, 2026
Washington, D.C. — The American Principles Project is joining with seven other leading conservative groups to send a clear message to Congress: Pro-family public policy starts with a strong Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Republicans may have long fought for smaller government, but conservative groups are beginning to recognize that the FTC has become a powerful weapon against Big Business practices that directly undermine the goals of a strong, thriving Big Family culture in America.
“Big Business has repeatedly shown it puts corporate profits above American families,” said Terry Schilling, President of the American Principles Project. “Deceptive practices that trick consumers, exploit workers, inflate housing costs, and prey on children online are directly at odds with the goal of building a strong, thriving Big Family culture in America. Conservatives are leading the charge here because protecting families must come before protecting corporate interests. Chairman Ferguson has proven the FTC can fight these abuses effectively — and even generate massive returns for taxpayers.”
FTC’s Recent Victories
The coalition letter highlights the FTC’s spate of recent victories, which have delivered billions in refunds to harmed consumers and penalties to the U.S. Treasury:
- A historic $2.5 billion settlement with Amazon, including $1.5 billion in direct refunds to millions of consumers and $1 billion paid to the Treasury — more than covering the agency’s entire annual budget multiple times over.
- A $100 million judgment against Walmart for deceiving delivery drivers about pay and tips.
- A $60 million settlement with Instacart over secret subscription sign-ups.
- A $24 million settlement with rental giant Greystar, forcing refunds and honest pricing on housing fees — a critical win for working families squeezed by rising living costs.
- Aggressive enforcement of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), including a $10 million penalty against Disney for collecting children’s personal data without parental consent.
“Chairman Ferguson has transformed the FTC into a true profit center that serves consumers and taxpayers,” the letter states. “We have every confidence he will continue delivering these results.”
The Call to Congress
The American Principles Project and the signatories called on Congress to provide an appropriation of $575 million in FY2027 — the resources necessary for the FTC to keep holding Big Business accountable — because when corporations harm families, conservatives will always put Big Family first.
Coalition Signatories
- American Principles Project — Terry Schilling, President & Paul Dupont, Policy Director
- The Ethics and Public Policy Center — Clare Morell, Fellow
- Family Policy Alliance — Craig DeRoche, President and CEO & Dylan Jeremiah, VP of Government Affairs
- Digital Progress Institute — Joel Thayer, President
- Bull Moose Project — Aiden Buzzetti, President
- Center for American Rights — Daniel Suhr, President
- Digital Childhood Institute — Melissa McKay, President
- American Energy Leadership Institute Action — Christopher Johnson, President
Read the Full Coalition Letter
The letter was addressed to the Honorable Tom Cole, Chair of the House Committee on Appropriations, and the Honorable Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Committee on Appropriations. It was CC’d to House Speaker Mike Johnson, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, Senate Majority Whip John Barrasso, and House Majority Whip Tom Emmer.
Media Contact: Bill McMorris, Communications Director, American Principles Project — press@americanprinciplesproject.org
About the American Principles Project: The American Principles Project is a national pro-family organization dedicated to making the family the most powerful, respected, and well-represented voice in Washington, D.C. Founded in 2009, APP fights in the political arena to defend life, childhood innocence, and American values. For more information, visit americanprinciplesproject.org.