The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a nominations hearing on September 21, 2023, for candidates nominated to serve on the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The meeting focused on key issues surrounding consumer protection, competition, and the ethical standards of the agencies.

Senator Shelley Moore Capito opened the discussion by referencing the resignations of former FTC commissioners Christine Wilson and Noah Phillips, highlighting concerns about partisanship and the agency's adherence to the rule of law. She pressed the nominees on how they plan to foster bipartisanship within the commission. Nominee Hollyo acknowledged the importance of bipartisan cooperation in consumer protection and expressed optimism about working together with fellow commissioners.

The nominees, including Ferguson and Slaughter, echoed the sentiment that while disagreements are natural, transparency and collaboration are essential for effective governance. Slaughter emphasized the significance of personal relationships in achieving consensus, while Ferguson noted that constructive disagreements can lead to improved outcomes.

A significant point of discussion was the FTC's current policy on in-office work, which requires employees to be present at least two days every two weeks. Senator Capito raised concerns about declining employee morale and trust in leadership, citing a drop in confidence among FTC staff regarding agency integrity. Slaughter responded by acknowledging the challenges of balancing flexibility with the need for in-person engagement, emphasizing the importance of listening to staff feedback.

Senator Dan Sullivan questioned the nominees about the FTC's statutory authority and the potential for agency overreach. He expressed concerns about the agency's direction under current leadership and sought commitments from the nominees to adhere strictly to their statutory limits. The nominees assured the committee of their commitment to operate within the bounds of their authority and to provide clear justifications for their decisions.

The hearing also touched on the implications of the Kroger-Albertsons merger, with Sullivan urging the nominees to consider the unique challenges faced by Alaskans, particularly regarding food prices and supply chain vulnerabilities. The nominees acknowledged the importance of these concerns but refrained from commenting on the specifics of the ongoing review.

Overall, the hearing underscored the nominees' commitment to ethical governance, bipartisanship, and consumer protection, while also addressing the challenges of maintaining agency integrity and employee morale in a changing work environment. The committee's discussions highlighted the critical role these agencies play in safeguarding consumer interests and promoting fair competition in the marketplace.