Amazon Antitrust Probe: CEO Jeff Bezos Willing To Testify Before Congressional Hearing

Amazon Inc. (AMZN) confirmed CEO Jeff Bezos would be willing to testify before Congress about questions surrounding antitrust violations in the tech industry. The e-commerce giant had initially been hesitant to work with the House Judiciary Committee but might have softened on the matter after the possibility of Bezos being legally compelled to speak was put forward.

The House investigation is one of several currently underway in the wake of calls during the primary campaign season for more scrutiny of the tech giants. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., has called for the breakup of Amazon, Google and Apple. Both the Justice Department and the Federal Trade Commission also are investigating possible antitrust issues.

A letter confirming Bezos’ availability was sent Sunday by Amazon's counsel Robert K. Kelner, a partner at Covington & Burling law firm. The New York Times reported the company is prepared to have Bezos testify, along with a number of other executives.

The committee has been investigating whether and how big tech companies like Amazon have abused their prominence in the marketplace to squash competition. Should he testify, Bezos is likely to face hard questions about Amazon's treatment of warehouse workers and the effects the retail giant has on competition from small businesses.

Bezos’ appearance before Congress is pending the resolution of a number of issues including the timing of a potential hearing and the committee’s request for certain internal documents.

On Friday, the Wall Street Journal reported that California investigators were examining Amazon business practices as part of an inquiry.