Executive Session -- Consider Rules, Subcommitee Memberships, and a Budget Resolution
02:30 PM Russell Senate Office Building 253
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will meet in Executive Session on Tuesday, January 20, 2015, at 2:30 p.m. to consider committee rules, subcommittee memberships, and a committee budget resolution for the 114th Congress.
Executive Session Details:
Tuesday, January 20, 2015
Consideration of committee rules, subcommittee memberships, and a budget resolution for the 114th Congress
2:30 p.m. in room SR-253
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Minority Statement
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Ranking Member Bill Nelson
Minority Statement
Ranking Member Bill Nelson
First, let me welcome Senator Thune as the new chairman of this distinguished committee.
The Commerce Committee is nearly 200 years old, but today, we work on issues our forefathers could have never even imagined – like how to maintain a free and open Internet or sending humans to Mars.
But one thing that has remained constant on this committee is the spirit of bipartisanship. This will undoubtedly continue in the 114th Congress.
And we have much to do, including:
• Authorizing several critical transportation programs;
• Ensuring U.S. supremacy in space exploration;
• Addressing cybersecurity and protecting networks and the data stored on them from both domestic and foreign threats; and
• Shielding consumers from fraudulent practices and dangerous products.
Late last year, we held a hearing and began an investigation to explore defective airbags. As we know now, the airbags can explode violently when they deploy, sending metal fragments flying.
These explosions have caused a number of serious injuries and at least four publicly reported deaths in the United States, including one death in Florida.
At the time of the hearing, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration had announced recalls of approximately 7.8 million vehicles.
Following the hearing, millions of additional vehicles were added to the recall – and, more importantly, capacity to fix the affected vehicles was greatly ramped up.
The committee’s investigation into these airbags continues in earnest today.
This is just one example of committee action that has helped improve the lives of people all across the country.
I’m delighted to welcome our new committee members – Senators Udall, Manchin and Peters.
Tom Udall returns to this committee, and I know will continue his work to protect student athletes from concussions. He’s worked, too, to prevent cell phone “bill shock” and to increase access to broadband access services in rural areas of his home state.
Senator Manchin will carry the West Virginia torch at this committee, and I suspect will continue his approach to finding “common-sense solutions” for job creation and smart energy.
Senator Peters will draw upon his business experience and tremendous knowledge of auto safety and manufacturing. He’ll be a stellar addition to this committee.
Finally, I would like to make a few announcements about ranking members.
• Senator Cantwell will continue to serve as ranking member for the Aviation Operations, Safety and Security Subcommittee;
• Senator Schatz will take the post for the Communication, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet Subcommittee; and
• Senator Blumenthal will take our lead on the Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance, and Data Security Subcommittee.
I hope to announce ranking members for the remaining three subcommittees in the very near future.
