Duval Times

Washington, D.C. - Senator Rick Scott and a group of Senate Republicans have penned a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) criticizing Senate Democrats for what they perceive as political meddling in oil and gas mergers. Scott, along with Senators Ted Cruz, Mitch McConnell, Lindsey Graham, and 34 other Republican colleagues, are urging the FTC to conduct a fair and impartial review of recent oil and gas mergers.

In the letter addressed to FTC Chairwoman Lina Khan, the GOP senators emphasize the importance of basing the review on facts and economic realities rather than political agendas. Scott highlights the potential benefits of increased oil and gas production, stating, “Since these two proposed transactions will significantly expand oil and gas production, the obvious economic consequence would be that costs to consumers should fall.”

The senators express concern over what they perceive as opposition from Democratic colleagues to transactions that would boost oil and gas production. Scott asserts, “It is precisely because these transactions will produce more oil and gas that our Democratic colleagues oppose them.” The group calls for a fair and unbiased review that is grounded in facts, economic principles, and legal precedent, emphasizing the need for adherence to due process rather than partisan pressures.

The letter, co-signed by a total of 38 Republican senators, underscores the importance of ensuring that the oil and gas industry, like any other sector, is not unfairly targeted for political reasons. Scott concludes by urging the FTC to uphold the rule of law and maintain respect for due process in its assessment of the mergers, rather than succumbing to partisan influences.

The full text of the letter can be accessed for further reference.