Rep. Yvette Clarke Criticizes FTC Commissioner Firing and AI Oversight

Criticism of FTC Commissioner's Firing

• 🎯 Rep. Yvette Clarke criticized the firing of former FTC Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter, stating the FTC has been "unable to do its job in good faith" since March.
• 💡 Clarke highlighted the FTC's historical bipartisan role in protecting children online through various acts and rulemaking authority.
• ⚠️ She questioned how the firing of Democratic commissioners furthers the FTC's mission to protect kids and the public.

Concerns Over AI Legislation and Oversight

• 🤖 Clarke expressed concern that Republican colleagues are not serious about protecting kids online, citing their entertainment of a moratorium on state AI laws.
• ⚖️ She noted that 99 out of 100 senators defeated the idea of an AI moratorium, and that 50 states introduced AI legislation in 2025, while Congress offered no federal alternative other than preemption.
• 🚫 The only Republican proposal, according to Clarke, frees AI and big tech companies from all oversight.
• 🔒 Without a comprehensive federal standard, existing state laws are the only legislation protecting kids online.

Call to Action for Comprehensive Legislation

• 📢 Clarke urged her colleagues to demand the reinstatement of Commissioner Slaughter and the exclusion of an AI moratorium from must-pass legislation.
• ✋ She also called for an end to "handouts to big tech" and for Congress to pass comprehensive legislation to protect kids and adults online.
• ⏳ Clarke emphasized the urgency, stating that children and families are at risk every moment Congress delays action.
• 🗣️ She found the committee's repeated hearings on online threats to kids over five years to be "ridiculous" and called for immediate action.