Vice President Kamala Harris is set to elaborate on her proposed price gouging ban at the Democratic National Convention, aiming to penalize food companies that exploit crises while supporting small businesses. Critics, including former President Donald Trump, have likened her plan to communist price controls, warning it could lead to empty shelves similar to experiences in Venezuela. While some state officials, like Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, defend the proposal as consistent with existing state laws, economists caution against its potential to create shortages and argue for enhancing competition instead. Florida's price gouging laws, established during emergencies, are cited by opponents who view Harris' proposal as radical. Experts clarify that her plan would focus on monitoring corporate behavior rather than imposing strict price caps, a distinction that may be significant for its practical implementation. The effectiveness of such policies remains debated, as they could either increase scrutiny on large companies or lead to unintended consequences.