Robert Bresnahan (R-PA)
CFTC Office of the Chief Economist Act of 2026
A Republican bill with 1 Democratic cosponsor · See all 2 cosponsors
Last activity — Referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development.
In committee
Introduced and handed to a committee in the chamber it started in.
The committee holds it, and most bills are never heard from again. A hearing or a committee vote would be news; silence is the usual outcome, and it kills the bill without anyone voting against it.
Its path through Congress
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
This bill, called the "CFTC Office of the Chief Economist Act of 2026," creates an Office of the Chief Economist within the Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The Chief Economist will act as an economic advisor and handle tasks like research and regulatory cost-benefit analysis. The bill also outlines how professional staff, such as economists and data specialists, can be appointed. Additionally, it updates other sections of the Commodity Exchange Act to include coordination with this new office.
Yes· 3 of 8
- Scored +1
Is this likely to create jobs?
The bill creates new professional positions for economists and data specialists within the CFTC.
- Scored +1
Is this likely to grow the economy?
Enhanced economic analysis and cost-benefit research for regulations may lead to more efficient market outcomes.
- Scored +1
Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices?
Better regulatory analysis in commodity markets can lead to more stable and transparent markets for consumers.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Economic Analysis and Research: The Chief Economist is tasked with performing economic analysis, regulatory cost-benefit analysis, and research (Section 2(a)). This could lead to more informed decision-making regarding regulations.
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Specialized Expertise: The bill allows for the appointment of staff with specialized knowledge in areas like commodities markets, financial market structures, and data analysis (Section 2(a)(D)(ii)). This ensures the Commission has technical expertise to oversee these markets.
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No negative impacts for individuals or groups are explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Tap or hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Economy And Finance
- Does this give people more protection from unfair business practices? — Better regulatory analysis in commodity markets can lead to more stable and transparent markets for consumers. Is this likely to grow the economy? — Enhanced economic analysis and cost-benefit research for regulations may lead to more efficient market outcomes. Is this likely to create jobs? — The bill creates new professional positions for economists and data specialists within the CFTC.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Would business owners be better off under this? — Better economic analysis can reduce the burden of inefficient regulations on business operations. Would farmers be better off under this? — Since the CFTC regulates commodities, better economic analysis benefits agricultural producers.
- Governance And Ideology
- Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see? — The requirement for cost-benefit analysis generally increases transparency in regulatory decision-making. Does this give the federal government more power? — It increases the capacity and expertise of a federal regulatory agency (CFTC).
- Education And Technology
- Does this put more money into scientific research? — The bill establishes a mandate for research and economic analysis within the CFTC.
- 8/31/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 3/20/2026
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Commodity Markets, Digital Assets, and Rural Development.
- 2/11/2026
- Referred to the House Committee on Agriculture.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in House
Michael LawlerRepublican · New York
April McClain DelaneyDemocrat · Maryland