Sen Cantwell to Vote NO on FTC Nominee as Trump Admin Threatens Agency’s Independence, Illegally Fires Democratic Commissioners

Sen Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, called on Senate colleagues to reject Trump nominee Mark Meador for a spot on the Federal Trade Commission after firing the two Democratic Commissioners without cause and undermining the FTC’s independence and history of protecting consumers from fraud, scams and anti-competitive practices, free from political influence. “Ninety years ago, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the law that affirmed that FTC Commissioners should be protected and removed only for cause,” Sen. Cantwell said on the Senate floor. “Since that ruling, the FTC has flourished as a consumer protection watchdog—independent of the influence of the President. Until now.” Confirming Mr. Meador would cement a 3-0 majority for President Trump and erode consumers’ trust in the agency.