Senate Republicans Optimistic on FTC Chief Khan
Senate Republicans are optimistic about working with new FTC Chair Lina Khan (see 2106160056) on antitrust and other issues, they said in interviews Thursday. Democrats also welcomed the appointment, with Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Mass., saying the agency needs to take advantage of its 3-2 Democratic majority before Commissioner Rohit Chopra leaves for the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (see 2101190019). See here for news on Khan ascending Tuesday to chair.
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Hopefully, the appointment is a signal from President Joe Biden that the administration will “encourage the FTC to really get tough from an antitrust perspective on tech,” said Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., who voted for Khan’s confirmation. “I think that focus has been lacking for a long time under multiple administrations. I’m encouraged by” the appointment.
“She’s very smart,” said Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan. “I assume that we’ll have some policy differences.” He looks forward to engaging with Khan before the Commerce and Appropriations committees. “Every conversation I’ve had with her has been one in which we’ve learned from each other,” he said. Moran didn’t anticipate her becoming chair, but it’s a decision that “I can see with her background, experience, expertise. ... I’m happy to work with her.”
“It’d be OK with me if she’s chair,” said Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa. He noted his votes of support before the Senate Judiciary Committee and on the floor. “It’s going to be interesting to see what her priorities are,” said Sen. Thom Tillis, R-N.C. “I think if I’m in the tech sector, I’d be worried, but we’ll just have to see how” the agency functions.
Sen. Brian Schatz, D-Hawaii, didn’t anticipate Khan’s appointment as chair, saying he supports the choice. Her antitrust views will “resonate with the whole country, but she’s also demonstrated the capacity to think more broadly about the agency and how to make it work,” he said. “I’ve had a couple thoughtful engagements with her. I didn’t even agree with her on everything, but she’s impressive.”
“She’s fabulous. She really is,” said Warren. “I have followed her work for a long time now. She is principled, strong and creative -- exactly what we need for an FTC chair.” Warren expects Chopra to remain at the FTC for a “short time.” The CFPB “needs him,” but the FTC needs him “for a little while as well. ... Right now, there’s a 3-2 majority at the FTC, and there’s some work that needs to be done over there.” Chopra’s office didn’t comment. The office of Commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter confirmed Wednesday that she will remain as commissioner after serving as acting chair (see 2106160056).
“I support the move,” said Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., who cited Khan’s “expertise and vigor.” Kahn is “going to be a spectacular chair of the FTC,” said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. “She has the intellect and drive as well as the dedication to public interest.”
“I certainly support the Biden administration’s approaches they’ve taken with all their nominees,” said Rep. Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y. House Commerce Committee ranking member Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., looks “forward to a positive working relationship as we continue our work to hold Big Tech accountable, protect Americans from scammers and fraudsters, develop effective, bipartisan FTC reforms, and establish a national privacy standard.”