FTC’s Khan Gets Path to Go Big on Antitrust With Biden’s Nominee

The US Senate confirmed Alvaro Bedoya as a member of the Federal Trade Commission, forming a Democratic voting majority at the agency after months of deadlock.

Bedoya’s confirmation passed 51-50 on Wednesday. Vice President Kamala Harris cast the tie-breaking vote after all the chamber’s GOP members voted against him.

“With the FTC at full membership, this important agency will be empowered to drive full steam ahead in cracking down on bad actor companies who are using anticompetitive practices, inflation, and price manipulation to bilk consumers and drive up profits,” Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement.

Lina Khan

Photographer: Saul Loeb/AFP/Bloomberg