Sorry, merchants, price controls aren't free market

In September, the House Financial Services Committee (HFSC) approved legislation that would repeal a Dodd-Frank provision called the Durbin Amendment that set limits on the fees some banks charge retailers to swipe debit cards.

In a frenzy of Orwellian doublespeak before and after this vote, Durbin Amendment supporters argued the provision is “free market” (it boosts competition!) and consumer friendly (it’s a vital part of U.S. antitrust law!). The majority of the HFSC didn’t fall for it.