Phillips to Resign as FTC Commissioner in Fall

FTC Commissioner Noah Phillips plans to resign in the fall, he said in a statement Monday. He informed President Joe Biden of his decision in a letter. The Senate confirmed Phillips unanimously to a seven-year term in April 2018. “Serving the American people by working with my extraordinary fellow commissioners and the incredible career staff at the agency to protect American consumers has been the honor of my lifetime,” Phillips said. “I have learned so much from all my colleagues over the last four years and am inspired by the commitment that they bring to the incredible work of the FTC. Over the coming weeks, I look forward to working with my fellow commissioners and all FTC staff to further our mission of protecting competition and consumers.” Chair Lina Khan thanked Phillips for his “years of service to the Commission and to the American public. His deeply thoughtful and lively contributions continuously enrich our agency’s work, and I’ve greatly enjoyed working with him.” Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya tweeted he was “sad” to hear the news: “We may not always agree, but Noah is always thoughtful, careful, and unfailingly personally generous. A loss for the @FTC of a committed public servant.” Phillips has always been “committed to upholding the integrity of the FTC, protecting Americans, and ensuring small businesses can thrive and innovate,” House Commerce Committee ranking member Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., said in a statement. “His voice and perspective has been unparalleled and will be sorely missed.” Phillips worked as chief counsel to Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, 2011-18.