The Senate Agriculture Committee has reported out pending nominations to the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission. The nominations must be approved by the full Senate.

“Numerous questions have been raised in recent months over the CFTC’s ability to carry out its oversight mission,” said Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. “As Congress explores what resources may be needed for the agency to better carry out its mission, one thing is certain: these nominees should be confirmed to bring the commission to full membership.”

The nominations reported out by the committee include: Walter Lukken to be chairman of the Commodity Futures Trading Commission; Bartholomew H. Chilton to be commissioner for a term expiring April 13, 2013; Scott O’Malia, to be commissioner for a term expiring April 13, 2012.