Press Releases
Lucas Disappointed in CFTC Nominee’s CommentsSays next CFTC Chairman should be a strong leader for the agency
Washington, DC,
February 6, 2009
MEDIA CONTACT: Today, Ranking Republican Frank Lucas expressed disappointment in the response of Gary Gensler, President Barack Obama’s nominee to chair the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, to questions posed during the confirmation process. Specifically, Mr. Lucas is concerned about Mr. Gensler’s views on merging the Commodity Futures Trading Commission with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Mr. Gensler stated in a letter to Senator Carl Levin “a merger makes sense only if it enhances our ability to carry out the important tasks with which the CFTC is entrusted. Thus, I would not consider a merger simply for merger’s sake.” “I’m disappointed that Mr. Gensler did not recognize the accomplishments of the agency he is seeking to lead. In our hearings over the past two years, the Agriculture Committee has discovered that the CFTC has performed better than other agencies in protecting both its investors and the integrity of the marketplace. The CFTC has the best track record in protecting its customers’ money out of all the financial regulators. It is unfortunate that Mr. Gensler didn’t take the opportunity to highlight these facts,” said Ranking Member Frank Lucas. ### |