1. United States
2. Texas
3. Letter

It is deeply concerning to see the potential appointment of Paul Atkins as the new SEC chair. Atkins has a well-documented pro-business stance and has been a vocal supporter of the largely unregulated cryptocurrency industry. Given the recent turbulence and fraud within that sector, we need robust oversight and consumer protections, not deregulation. Furthermore, Atkins' record at the SEC from 2002-2008 shows he supported policies that contributed to the devastating 2008 financial crisis. At a time when income inequality and corporate greed are already rampant, installing an "industry cheerleader" with close ties to big business would be a dangerous move that prioritizes profits over people. We cannot afford to weaken oversight of Wall Street and big corporations. The SEC plays a vital role in maintaining fair and transparent markets that protect ordinary investors. Atkins' stance on deregulation raises serious concerns that he would undermine this crucial mission. I urge you to reject his nomination and instead support a candidate committed to strong enforcement and putting the public interest ahead of Wall Street's bottom line. Effective regulation of powerful financial institutions is essential to prevent future economic catastrophes and safeguard the stability of our markets.