WYDEN STATEMENT ON COMMERCE PANEL VOTE ON
FTC CHAIR NOMINEE
September 22, 2004
Washington, DC – In a meeting
of the Senate Commerce Committee today, U.S. Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.)
voted against the nomination of Deborah P. Majoras, President Bush’s
nominee to head the Federal Trade Commission. Wyden also indicated
today that he would maintain his procedural hold blocking a full
Senate vote on her appointment to a full five-year term.
“I am disappointed that
the Commerce Committee approved Ms. Majoras’ nomination for
a full term,” said Wyden. “There is still no evidence
that she would do anything as FTC Commissioner to actively protect
American consumers from unreasonably high gasoline prices. I cannot
support another FTC Chair who will continue to do business as usual
when it comes to taking on oil companies and the record high gas
prices that have been hurting American families.”
Because Ms. Majoras failed in
her confirmation hearing and in private meetings to offer any concrete
steps that she would take to help consumers facing high gas prices,
Senator Wyden earlier this year placed a “hold” on Majoras’
nomination, effectively blocking the Senate from taking up her appointment
for approval. On July 30, the Administration made a recess appointment
of Majoras, which places her in the post through the end of the
year.
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