2127-2128 (2024).14 FTC Docket No. 9427 (Oct. 18, 2024).15 Order Denying Respondents’ Motion to Disqualify the Administrative Law Judge, In the Matter of H&R Block, Inc. et al., FTC Docket No. 9427 (Oct. 18, 2024) available here.16 Federal Trade Commission, “Statement of Commissioner Andrew N. Ferguson Dissenting in Part and Concurring in the Denial of the Motion In the Matter of H&R Block, Inc., et al.,” FTC Docket. No. 9427 (Oct. 18, 2024) available here (Ferguson Dissent and Concurrence).17 Ferguson Dissent and Concurrence at 2, 13.18 Id. at 3.19 Id. (citing Jarkesy, 34 F. 4th at 464).20 In July 2023 the FTC amended 16 CFR part 3 to state that ALJs presiding over an FTC administrative render a “recommended” decision rather than an “initial decision.” The change requires the Commission to automatically review an ALJ’s “recommended” decision, whereas previously, an ALJ’s “initial” decision was automatically rendered final unless the Commission affirmatively elected to review it. See 88 Fed. Reg. 42872 (July 5, 2023).21 Ferguson Dissent and Concurrence at 13.22 Id. at 2.23 Id. (citing Free Enter. Fund, 561 U.S. at 508 [internal citations omitted]), and Ayotte v. Planned Parenthood of Northern New Eng., 546 U.S. 320, 328–29 (2006)).24 FTC, “Statement of Chair Lina M. Khan Joined by Commissioner Alvaro M. Bedoya Concurring in the Denial of the Motion In the Matter of H&R Block, Inc. et al., FTC Docket No. 9427 (Oct. 18, 2024) (Khan and Bedoya Statement) available here.25 Id.26 Id. at 2 (citing Free Enterprise Fund, 561 U.S. 477, 507 n. 10).27 Id. at 1.28 FTC press release, “FTC Denies Motion to Disqualify Administrative Law Judge in H&R Block Case” (Oct. 18, 2024) available here.29 Justin Wise, Bloomberg Law, “Republican FTC Commissioner Provokes Spat Over In-House Judges” (Oct. 22, 2024) available here.30 See e.g. Complaint for Declaratory and Injunctive Relief at 2, Tempur Sealy International and Mattress Firm Group v. FTC et al.; and Complaint, The Kroger Co. v. FTC.[View source.]