Mark Pocan Questions FTC Chair on Trump's 'Illegal Firings' and Alleged Price Fixing

FTC Independence and Presidential Authority

• 🏛️ Rep. Mark Pocan questioned FTC Chair Andrew Ferguson regarding his stance on the independence of FTC commissioners.
• ⚖️ Pocan cited Ferguson's 2023 Senate testimony, where he agreed to abide by Supreme Court precedent like Humphrey's Executor, which limits presidential removal power.
• ⚠️ Pocan contrasted this with Ferguson's recent public support for President Trump's actions, which Pocan characterized as illegally firing commissioners and violating the law.
• ⚡ Ferguson stated that both his 2023 testimony and his recent comments are accurate, explaining that Humphrey's Executor applies to the 1935 FTC, while C.A. Law (2020) indicates the exception doesn't apply to agencies with substantial executive authority.

Allegations of Price Fixing and Merger Review

• ⛽ Pocan raised concerns about the FTC's review of the proposed merger between Exxon Mobile and Pioneer Natural Resources.
• 📈 He alleged that Pioneer CEO Scott Sheffield conspired with OPEC to raise gas prices, potentially costing consumers thousands of dollars.
• 🚫 Despite this, the FTC initially prohibited Sheffield from serving on the new company's board.
• 💰 Pocan expressed dismay that under Ferguson's leadership, the FTC appears to be reopening the order against Sheffield, especially after significant political donations were made to President Trump's campaign.
• 📉 Ferguson dissented from the original orders, stating the FTC did not proceed on evidence of price fixing but rather on comments made, and expressed concern that the initial order was politically motivated.

Medicare Advantage Oversight

• 🩺 Pocan inquired about potential FTC oversight of Medicare Advantage plans, noting market consolidation among a few companies.
• ❓ He highlighted a complaint that beneficiaries require pre-approval for medical care, with a high denial rate that is frequently overturned on appeal (85% overturn rate).
• 🤝 Ferguson, unfamiliar with the issue, agreed to have his staff work with Pocan's staff to discuss it further.