For over 37 years, Antitrust Law Developments and its annual supplements have been recognized as the single most authoritative and comprehensive set of research tools for antitrust practitioners. The 2009 Annual Review of Antitrust Law Developments summarizes developments during 2009 in the courts, at the agencies, and in Congress.

When a consumer uses a credit card to make a purchase, the merchant does not receive the full purchase amount because a certain portion of the sale is deducted to compensate the merchant¿s bank, the bank that issued the card, and the card network that processes the transaction. The level and growth of these rates have become increasingly controversial. This report reviews: (1) how the fees merchants pay have changed over time and the factors affecting the competitiveness of the credit card market; (2) how credit card competition has affected consumers; (3) the benefits and costs to merchants of accepting cards and their ability to negotiate those costs; and (4) the potential impact of various options intended to lower merchant costs. Illustrations.

The Congressional Record is the official record of the proceedings and debates of the United States Congress. It is published daily when Congress is in session. The Congressional Record began publication in 1873. Debates for sessions prior to 1873 are recorded in The Debates and Proceedings in the Congress of the United States (1789-1824), the Register of Debates in Congress (1824-1837), and the Congressional Globe (1833-1873)