Political Quotes

“I will object to any unanimous consent request for the Senate to take up the President's nominee, Deborah Majoras, to head the Federal Trade Commission. Gasoline pricing is, of course, one of the most important consumer protection issues that the Federal Trade Commission is responsible for overseeing. The prices for gasoline, of course, are soaring. For years now, the Federal Trade Commission has been waging a campaign of inaction. In three specific areas--increased oil company mergers, refinery shutdowns, and anti-competitive practices--the Federal Trade Commission has simply been AWOL. Yesterday, after writing to Ms. Majoras, to make sure she knew specifically of my concerns, I met with the nominee to head the Federal Trade Commission. I asked repeatedly if there was even one area--even one area--where she would change existing Federal Trade Commission policy with respect to these practices that are sucking the competitive juices out of gasoline markets across the country. During that conversation not even one example was given of an area that the nominee to head the Federal Trade Commission would change in the gasoline pricing area. It is for that reason that I publicly state today that I am placing a hold on this nominee.”