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The document provides an overview of ITER, an international nuclear fusion research and development facility involving the European Union, China, India, Japan, Russia, South Korea, and the United States. ITER aims to achieve self-sustaining nuclear fusion and advance scientific understanding of plasmas. The project has faced delays and cost increases, with the facility not expected to be fully operational until 2039. The United States has contributed over $2.9 billion to ITER and continues to support the project through research and hardware design. Private fusion companies are also making progress in fusion energy development, raising questions about the future role of ITER and U.S. investment in the project. [Extracted from the article]

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is an independent federal agency that regulates the interstate transmission of electricity, natural gas, and oil. Established in 1977, FERC oversees critical energy infrastructure such as electric transmission lines, natural gas pipelines, and hydroelectric dams. The Commission is composed of five commissioners, with no more than three from the same political party, serving staggered five-year terms. FERC's composition has varied over time, impacting its ability to function or set policy, with vacancies and deadlocked votes affecting decision-making. Presidential transitions can influence the Commission's makeup, with the President having limited ability to quickly alter the composition. [Extracted from the article]