Congressman August Pfluger, along with Congressmen Morgan Griffith and Jeff Duncan, has requested an investigation by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Inspector General Andrew Katsaros. The request is to determine who at the FTC may have leaked information about a potential criminal referral of Scott Sheffield, Chairman of Pioneer Natural Resources, to the U.S. Department of Justice.
In their letter, the lawmakers emphasized the importance of confidentiality in such matters. They stated, “These matters must remain confidential to protect the subjects of such investigations, as subjects can be innocent, never prosecuted, and would be harmed by similar leaks.” They further noted that if FTC officials or staff are leaking sensitive information about criminal investigations, it raises concerns about their ability to handle business-sensitive data obtained through compulsory means.
The issue arose after the FTC prevented Mr. Sheffield from joining ExxonMobil's board following its acquisition of Pioneer Natural Resources. This decision was amid allegations involving collusion with OPEC. In response to what he described as a "blatant overreach of power," Congressman Pfluger sent another letter to FTC Chairwoman Lina Khan.
Further details on these letters can be found in an article published by the Daily Caller.