On the recordApril 26, 2022
as we begin this 5-week work period, Senate Democrats' focus will remain the same as it has been since last year: fighting inflation and lowering costs for American families. At times, we will pursue this goal through legislation, as has been the case with our competition bill, with legislation to reform shipping practices that we passed recently, or finding ways to lower prescription drug costs. And to that end, today, the Agriculture Committee is also holding a hearing on legislation to improve transparency in meat prices. In addition to legislation, Senate Democrats will also help lower costs by confirming the right people to serve in the Federal Government. On that note, we will aim today to finish the confirmation of Lael Brainard to serve as Vice Chair of the Federal Reserve Board of Governors. Soon, the Senate will also work to confirm another very important nominee: Mr. Alvaro Bedoya to serve as Commissioner of the FTC, the Federal Trade Commission. Of all the Agencies in the Federal Government, the FTC is among the best equipped for protecting Americans from price gougers, manipulators, and those trying to rip off American consumers--or at least the FTC would be, if it had full membership. But, sadly, the FTC has been stuck at a 2-2 deadlock for well over a year, rendering it incapable of executing the full breadth of its agenda. We have had two Democrats, two Republicans.…
