Jeff Merkley actually said...

"Does kind of this story give us any sense of insight into the role of the Commissioners, the pressure they are under to keep plants operating?"

"At the end of the day, the public's greatest safeguard in this area lies in the process of the appointment of Commissioners."

"We have to protect the integrity of the staff judgments and try to insulate the Commission from political or economic pressures."

"Certainly it is my view that the current crisis is an example of how failure to provide for adequate consumer protection compromises the safe and sound operation of financial institutions."