Arlington, VA — The National Grain and Feed Association (NGFA) Dec. 16 commended the Senate for confirming Rostin (Russ) Behnam to serve as chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
Senators confirmed the nomination via voice vote on Dec. 15.
Behnam has been leading the agency on an interim basis since January.
The Senate Agriculture Committee voted to advance Behnam on Nov. 4 after holding a hearing to consider his nomination on Oct. 27.
“Acting Chairman Behnam has the experience and background that make him exceptionally qualified to serve as CFTC chairman,” said NGFA President and CEO Mike Seyfert.
“We deeply appreciate the willingness of Chairman Behnam to be open to NGFA-member companies’ input on rulemakings during his time as CFTC commissioner and look forward to working with him as chairman.”
Behnam joined the CFTC in 2017 and since January 2021 has served as the acting chairman.
In 2019, Behnam spearheaded the establishment of the CFTC’s Market Risk Advisory Committee’s Climate Related Market Risk Subcommittee.
Behnam previously served as senior counsel to Sen. Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., chairwoman of the Senate Agriculture Committee.