US: Small business expert up for for FTC commissioner

A veteran of the Obama administration’s Agriculture Department is under consideration to fill the empty Democratic seat on the Federal Trade Commission, which enforces antitrust law and investigates scams.

Lillian Salerno confirmed on Monday that she was backed for the post by small business and women’s groups. “I’m very honored to be considered,” she said.

Salerno, who is from Texas, specializes in rural issues. She served as deputy under the secretary of rural development from August 2015 to January 2017.

The agency, which should have five commissioners, is currently headed by acting Chairman Maureen Ohlhausen, with Democrat Terrell McSweeny the only other commissioner. Two of the empty seats may go to Republicans, but the remaining seat must go either to a Democrat or an independent.

The leading candidate to head the agency is Sean Reyes, Utah’s attorney general, according to a source close to the process.

Full Content: Reuters

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