The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that Federal Trade Commission (FTC) commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter can be temporarily reinstated following her dismissal earlier this year.Â
Slaughter, along with Commissioner Alvaro Bedoya, was removed from her position in March. Their dismissals were challenged on the grounds that they violated the Federal Trade Commission Act and a 1935 Supreme Court decision that protects officials serving in independent agencies. Bedoya was initially part of the lawsuit but stepped down from the FTC in June.Â
In July, a district court judge allowed Slaughter to return to her role, but the Department of Justice secured an emergency stay from the appeals court, halting her reinstatement. That order has now been dissolved in a 2–1 decision, with the appeals court also denying a request to fast-track the broader appeal.Â
The court cited precedent, noting that the government was unlikely to succeed on appeal given the controlling Supreme Court case.Â
In a statement, Slaughter said she was encouraged by the decision, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the independence of federal agencies.Â
The White House, however, has signaled that the dispute is expected to continue through further litigation, expressing confidence that the administration’s position will ultimately prevail in the courts.Â
Author:Â Jennifer Evancic
Jennifer.Evancic@ResourceManagement.com
Jennifer Evancic is a third-party auditor valued by creditors and large organizations for her knowledge in call monitoring within the collections industry. With meticulous attention to detail and a firm grasp of regulatory requirements, she ensures compliance with clients’ criteria and state and federal regulations.
Jennifer audits collections calls, ensuring they meet client-specific criteria and comply with regulations, providing valuable insights and maintaining industry standards.
Beyond her auditing responsibilities, Jennifer takes the lead in organizing and facilitating monthly call calibrations. These sessions serve as a collaborative forum where clients and their vendors come together to discuss call monitoring results and address any findings or areas for improvement. Jennifer’s guidance fosters open communication and ensures alignment between clients and vendors, driving continuous improvement in collections practices.
Jennifer stays up-to-date with compliance and industry best practices by participating regularly in peer meetings, regulatory updates and industry webinars. This keeps her informed about emerging issues and ensures she remains a knowledgeable leader in collections compliance.
