Full Slate of FTC Nominees Clears GOP Hotline But Democrats Still Negotiating on Quick Vote

A full slate of FTC nominees “cleared the hotline” process on the Senate Republican side by Thursday afternoon, indicating members of that party wouldn't oppose confirmation under unanimous consent, Senate Commerce Committee Chairman John Thune, R-S.D., told us. A day earlier, the Senate Commerce Committee advanced on a voice vote Democratic FTC nominee Rebecca Slaughter. Commerce forwarded the other nominees in February: Joseph Simons, whom President Donald Trump plans to name chairman; Rohit Chopra; Noah Phillips; and Christine Wilson.

Democrats “have a hold" on advancing the nominees "at the moment" but were "trying to reach an understanding” with the White House, Thune said. Senate Commerce ranking member Bill Nelson, D-Fla., said his party's leaders were considering confirming “the whole package of five” FTC nominees under UC.

The White House didn't comment.