|
News & Analysis | REG•WATCH Blog | Press Room
Thursday, May 24, 2007
Baroody's out. Who's next?
Yesterday, Michael Baroody withdrew himself as nominee to head the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). News of the withdrawal came less than 24 hours before today's scheduled nomination hearing.
It is unclear whether the withdrawal came at the behest of the White House or was of Baroody's own accord. Either way, it is not surprising. The Senate nomination panel was preparing to grill Baroody on his ties to industry and obvious conflicts of interest.
The withdrawal is a welcome decision. Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL) put it best in today's Washington Post:
His nomination highlights yet again the need to slow a revolving door that creates conflicts of interest between government officials and the industries they're supposed to be overseeing.
But back to the matter at hand. CPSC has been without a commissioner since July, and has been without a voting quorum since January, stripping it of its ability to conduct official business.
CPSC has not produced a final rule since mid-2006. Considering President Bush took eight months to nominate Baroody after the previous commissioner left, CPSC's problem is far from solved. Bush should immediately announce a more appropriate nominee, and the Senate should begin the confirmation process posthaste.
Posted by Matt Madia
|