Republican Sen. Josh Hawley from Missouri has thrown a wrench into the plan of Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell from Kentucky to confirm two former aides to seats on the Federal Trade Commission and the National Transportation Safety Board. The conflict between Hawley and McConnell is escalating, putting the fate of these nominations into question.
Hawley, in a letter sent to McConnell on Wednesday, stated that he requires additional time to properly vet and approve the nominees whom McConnell had backed and were set to be confirmed by unanimous consent along with several Biden nominees. Hawley is particularly concerned about the nominees’ views on the regulation of the tech and rail industries.
Andrew Ferguson, the nominated commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission, and Todd Inman, under consideration for the National Transportation Safety Board, will face additional scrutiny from Hawley. In his letter to McConnell, Hawley said that Ferguson would need to provide more detailed answers concerning his philosophy toward Big Tech. Additionally, Hawley wants Inman to clarify his views on a range of transportation policies, including rail safety and autonomous vehicles.
As three Democratic appointees sit atop the FTC, and the two spots reserved for Republicans are currently empty, the nominations have become increasingly important. Within the five-member NTSB, Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy was appointed by President Biden, three members were appointed by former President Trump, whilst one seat remains vacant.
Hawley made it clear that he will not allow them to proceed to the Senate floor for a vote unless his concerns are satisfied, stating that he is “currently withholding my consent for these nominees to be confirmed without a floor vote – as is any senator’s right to do – until I and others can evaluate satisfactory responses to these important policy questions.”
When asked about the holds placed by Hawley, McConnell declined to comment, walking silently back to his office.
