The balance of commissioners at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) remains evenly split 2-2 between Democrats and Republicans while nominee Alvaro Bedoya awaits Senate confirmation. When the Senate resumed session on April 25 after a two-week recess, it was Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer’s (D-NY) intent to bring the Bedoya nomination to the Senate floor. However, all 50 Democratic senators plus Vice President Kamala Harris are needed to vote to confirm Mr. Bedoya and recent positive COVID cases have prevented them all from being present for a vote, so it has been delayed. At the same time, Republicans continue to use procedural tactics to block the confirmation unless it could exceed the 60-vote threshold to overcome a filibuster. ICCFA continues to monitor developments related to the nomination as confirmation of Mr. Bedoya would allow the FTC to move forward with a number of initiatives, including reconsideration of the Funeral Rule.
