By Richard Cowan

WASHINGTON (Reuters] – Alvaro Bedoya has been confirmed to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission by Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer on Sunday. The confirmation gives the agency enough votes for investigations into oil companies Democrats believe are “getting” customers with high gasoline prices.

Kamala Harris, Vice President of the United States will attend to end the expected 50-50 Senate tie regarding Bedoya’s nomination. This would give Democrats a 3-1 majority among FTC Commissioners. There are currently two Democrats and two Republicans in the FTC, which has led to deadlocks.

Schumer stated that “He” (Bedoya), will grant Lina Khan and FTC the majority of the power to pursue the oil companies and go after goinguging during a New York City press conference. Khan, a Democrat is the FTC’s chair.

Bedoya, a Georgetown University law professor, was once chief counsel for the U.S. Senate Judiciary section on privacy technology and law.

The national average gas price is more than $4 per g and it’s significantly higher for western states.

This is up from $2.90 per capita a previous year, according to American Automobile Association.

American Petroleum Institute (representing oil and oil companies) argues that oil prices are determined primarily by supply and demand.

Schumer however blamed the “wartime profits of corporations” for Russia’s invasion Ukraine.

Russia calls its actions in Ukraine a “special operation.”

Schumer accused the oil companies of planning billions in stock buybacks. Schumer said this enriches shareholders but doesn’t increase productivity or (oil) production.

Schumer stated that legislation will also be introduced to give the FTC greater power in protecting consumers.

Interview with Democratic Senator Elizabeth Warren on CNN Sunday: She urged Congress to pass legislation that would expand the FTC’s authority to combat price gouging.