In a new twist on the future state of leadership at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the White House is withdrawing its nomination of Ryan Baasch for a Commission seat and instead naming him Deputy Director of the National Economic Council, a role allowing him to focus on shaping technology, telecommunication and competition policy.
NIADA reported in November the White House’s intention to nominate Baasch to fill the seat vacated by Melissa Holyoak, a Republican who Trump has nominated to be the U.S. Attorney for Utah. Baasch’s appointment would have given the FTC three republican members. There have been no Democrats on the FTC since last spring, when the White House dismissed the two remaining Democratic Commissioners.
It remains unclear who or when the White House will nominate a new nominee for the Commissioner vacancy, but failing to do so does not upset the agency’s ability to conduct business. Pursuant to FTC’s Rules of Practice, when fewer than three Commissioners are in office, “a quorum shall consist of the number of members in office.”
Leadership at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) also remains in question after the Senate sent the nomination of Stuart Levenbach back to the Trump Administration without taking action. The move will also allow Russell Vought to remain in charge of the agency through August 1.
