What Happens When the CFTC Decides to Take a Nap? Gridlock, Of Course!

Well, hold on to your hats because here comes a delightful little tale of government bureaucracy. Christy Goldsmith Romero, a Democrat (because who else could do this?), has announced her grand exit from the CFTC on May 31. Not to be left alone in the fun, Summer Mersinger, who kindly replaced the now-departed Dawn Stump, is also heading for the hills. So, the CFTC is now looking at some rather gaping vacancies. How exciting!

As of May 31, the CFTC will be down to a stellar two commissioners: the ever-committed Democrat Kristin Johnson and the Republican Caroline Pham, who, by the way, had originally planned to bid adieu after Brian Quintenz was appointed as Chairman. But wait, there’s a twist! The Senate Agriculture Committee, in its infinite wisdom, has yet to schedule Quintenz’s nomination hearing. So, Pham stays put for now, probably because someone has to pretend to be in charge.

Now, You see, to make decisions, the commission needs at least two members. So, Johnson and Pham will have to roll up their sleeves and get really cozy with every single vote. If, for any reason, Johnson decides to take a well-deserved nap or is abducted by aliens (we’re not ruling it out), any 1-1 tie vote could leave the commission hopelessly stalled. Ah, the beauty of bureaucratic chaos!

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2025-05-17 13:42