CFTC Commissioner Chilton Wants to Put the Boom on Government Shutdown

CFTC Commissioner Bart Chilton delivered a speech on the continuing budget debates in Congress and the implications they could have for consumers, the CFTC, and the futures market in his speech "Boom, Boom, Out Go the Lights." Commissioner Chilton explained that if a government shutdown were to happen, it would impede the CFTC's ability to "go after crooks" who are evading regulatory oversight and protection of markets. He assured the audience that the "'do-badders' are licking their chops," and that it is vital that the government remain open in order to maintain the CFTC's market oversight functions on which consumers depend. In closing, Commissioner Chilton voiced his support for a targeted transaction fee on trading, which President Obama has proposed in his budget to Congress, is needed to fund the agency and keep markets safe.

See: Text of Commissioner Chilton's Speech.