Congressman Larry Kissell’s amendment to the Derivatives Markets Transparency and Accountability Act calls for more diversity on the boards that oversee commodities trading. Boards will include farmers, ranchers, and grain elevator operators whose opinions and ideas will reflect the interests of everyday Americans. The amendment was approved by the Agriculture Committee earlier today.

"Congressman Kissell showed what a difference a proactive leader working for consumers can accomplish. Within weeks of being sworn in as a Member of Congress, Larry Kissell took a tough issue and fought against the monied interests. His amendment will ensure that consumers, farmers and average citizens will have an increasing voice in decision-making in this industry. Exchange boards, and other regulated entities like investment banks that are publicly-traded, will have average citizens on their boards. That will make us better as a nation thanks to Congressman Kissell," said Commodity Futures Trading Commissioner Bart Chilton

“I think that it is very important that we keep our commodity exchanges financially stable and healthy. I believe that adding the common sense of farmers, ranchers, grain operators, and consumers will do just that,” Said Congressman Kissell. “If only our troubled banking system would have had the advantage of such common sense, perhaps our economy today would not be suffering the way it is. I’m hopeful that the Transparency and Accountability Act will be signed into law.”