Press Releases

Press Releases 07/11/2025
Cantwell, Democrats Weigh in on Rail Industry Push to Cut Track Safety Inspections
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, led several Democratic colleagues in a letter to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) expressing their concern over a waiver requested by the Association of American Railroads (AAR) to dramatically reduce track safety inspections and loosen requirements to repair safety defects. Sen. Cantwell was joined by Senators Andy Kim (D-N.J.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), John Fetterman (D-Pa.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.).
Press Releases 07/9/2025
Cantwell Report Highlights Vital Role PBS and NPR Play in Warning Public During Weather Emergencies
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, reiterated the critical role public broadcasters across the United States play in responding to weather emergencies. In rural areas, public broadcasters may be the sole source or one of only few sources of information during disasters, leaving them disproportionately impacted by federal funding cuts.
Press Releases 07/9/2025
NOAA Nominee Claims Critical Services Like Weather Forecasting Won’t Suffer Under Trump’s Proposed 27% Budget Cut. Cantwell: “I Think We’re in a Disagreement.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, questioned Dr. Neil Jacobs, President Trump’s nominee to head the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), about his plans to preserve the agency’s crucial weather forecasting, research, fisheries management and other core functions in the face of an administration that continues to hack away at NOAA’s budget, workforce and programs.
Press Releases 07/9/2025
Cantwell Statement Opposing Bryan Bedford for FAA Administrator
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of today’s Senate vote on the confirmation of Bryan Bedford, President Trump’s nominee to lead the Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, released the following statement:
Press Releases 07/9/2025
Cantwell Slams Trump’s Direct Assault on Americans’ Safety
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a speech this afternoon on the Senate Floor, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, slammed Republicans’ plan to rescind $1.1 billion in congressionally-approved funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) calling it a “reckless endangerment of 13 million Americans who depend on these stations for life-saving emergency information.”
Press Releases 07/9/2025
Sen. Cruz: This Committee is Confirming People We Trust to Keep Our Country Safe
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee nominations hearing, Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) expressed his condolences to the victims, families, and communities affected by the severe flash flooding in central Texas. He also announced he hopes to soon reintroduce bipartisan legislation aiming to improve NOAA’s emergency weather radio system, which could be lifesaver for Texans and others who live in areas with spotty or no cell service.
Press Releases 07/8/2025
Nominations Hearing for Modal Administrators of the Department of Transportation
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will convene a nominations hearing for modal administrators of the Department of Transportation at 10:00 AM EST on July 16, 2025.
Press Releases 07/1/2025
Nominations Hearing for Department of Commerce Nominees
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will convene a nominations hearing for nominees of the Department of Commerce at 10:00 AM EST on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.
Press Releases 07/1/2025
Senate Strikes AI Moratorium from Budget Reconciliation Bill in Overwhelming 99-1 Vote
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Tonight, the U.S. Senate voted 99-1 in favor of an amendment co-sponsored by U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and Senator Marsha Blackburn (R–Tenn.) to strip a ten-year moratorium on state AI regulations from the Republican budget reconciliation bill.
Press Releases 06/30/2025
Cantwell, Markey File Amendment to Strip AI Moratorium from GOP Reconciliation Bill Amid Opposition to Blackburn-Cruz “Compromise”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As opposition to the new Blackburn-Cruz AI moratorium “compromise” continues to grow, Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and Sen. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) filed an amendment to strip any AI moratorium from the Republican budget reconciliation bill.
Press Releases 06/30/2025
Cantwell Shines a Light on the Ugly in Republicans’ Big Beautiful Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a speech tonight on the Senate Floor, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, highlighted the damaging impact of provisions included by Committee-Chair Senator Cruz in the 940-page Republican reconciliation bill, including a 10-year moratorium on State regulation of AI and the auction of spectrum critical to national security and aviation safety. Highlights of her remarks:
Press Releases 06/30/2025
What Others Are Saying About the Blackburn-Cruz AI Moratorium Amendment
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As opposition to the new Blackburn-Cruz AI moratorium “compromise” rapidly grows, Sen. Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation filed an amendment to strip the entire provision from the republican budget reconciliation bill. Here’s what others are saying about the amendment:
Press Releases 06/30/2025
Ranking Member Cantwell Says Blackburn-Cruz AI Moratorium Amendment Does Nothing to Protect Kids and Consumers
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, spoke out against the last-minute deal between Senators Cruz and Blackburn on a proposed five-year moratorium on states’ ability to regulate AI. The deal comes as parents, school districts and states are fighting social media companies in court to stop them from pushing their harmful and addictive products on kids, and this provision will give Meta and TikTok a get out of jail free card.
Press Releases 06/28/2025
10 More Organizations, 10 More Reasons to Oppose 10-Year AI Moratorium
Republicans are trying to enact a controversial provision in the Senate reconciliation bill imposing a sweeping 10-year moratorium on States’ enforcement of laws “limiting, restricting, or otherwise regulating” artificial intelligence (AI). Below are 10 more reactions to this proposal from organizations across the country.
Press Releases 06/27/2025
10 Organizations, 10 Different Reasons to Oppose the 10-Year AI Moratorium
Republicans are trying to enact a controversial provision in the Senate reconciliation bill imposing a sweeping 10-year moratorium on States’ enforcement of laws “limiting, restricting, or otherwise regulating” artificial intelligence (AI). Below are just a sample of the reactions to this proposal from organizations across the country.
Press Releases 06/27/2025
Aviation Safety Leaders Whitaker, Sullenberger, Thomson Denounce Republican Spectrum Auction Plans That Put Public Safety at Risk
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, former FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker, safety expert Captain “Sully” Sullenberger and former Deputy FAA Administrator Katie Thomson spoke out against Chair Cruz’s reconciliation proposal to auction 800mhz of spectrum, including spectrum immediately adjacent to bands used by radio altimeters for commercial and military aircraft. Radio altimeters provide pilots with precise altitude readings during takeoff and landing, particularly in low-visibility conditions. When similar spectrum was auctioned in 2020, 5G deployment caused flight cancellations, forced 600 5G towers to go dark on launch day and left over 1,000 aircraft restricted from certain landings.
Press Releases 06/27/2025
Senate Passes Cantwell, Blackburn, Blunt Rochester, Shaheen Bill to Prevent Supply Chain Disruptions, Protect American Producers, Consumers
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) applauded Senate passage of the bipartisan Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act. The Act would authorize the Department of Commerce to strengthen American supply chains for critical industries and emerging technologies by working with the private sector and U.S. government partners to anticipate and prevent future supply chain disruptions before they happen. In the process, it will also identify opportunities to grow manufacturing capacity and jobs and reduce costs for consumers.
Press Releases 06/26/2025
Senators Demand Answers from SBA Administrator Loeffler and Commerce Secretary Lutnick on Gutting Support for Entrepreneurs and Small Businesses
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Ranking Member of the Senate Small Business and Entrepreneurship Committee, joined by Senators Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Cory Booker (D-N.J.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawai’i), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), demanded answers from Administrator of the Small Business Administration Kelly Loeffler and Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick on the Trump Administration’s actions eliminating support for small businesses, including small minority-owned businesses.
Press Releases 06/26/2025
Cantwell Slams Trump Administration for Latest Assault on NSF Workers, This Time Kicking Them Out of Headquarters Building
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, reacted to reports that the Trump Administration is displacing over 1,800 National Science Foundation (NSF) employees from their headquarters building in order to accommodate luxury upgrades ordered by Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Scott Turner.
Press Releases 06/25/2025
Commerce Committee Advances Five Bills and Nomination of FAA Administrator
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation approved five bills and the nomination of Bryan Bedford to serve as Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. The Committee also voted to promote four Coast Guardsmen. The approved legislation covers a wide sweep of the Committee’s jurisdiction, including kids’ data privacy, sports, space, and economic development.
Press Releases 06/25/2025
Cantwell Votes ‘No’ on Bryan Bedford’s Nomination to Lead FAA
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and all Committee Democrats voted against the nomination of Bryan Bedford to serve as Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.
Press Releases 06/25/2025
New Cruz Budget Reconciliation Bill Same as the Old Cruz Budget Reconciliation Bill: Leverages BEAD Funding to Ban State AI Laws for 10 Years
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, criticized new reconciliation bill language released today by Chair Cruz which forces states receiving BEAD funding to choose between expanding broadband or protecting consumers from AI harms for ten years. The new language also auctions spectrum critical to national defense.
Press Releases 06/24/2025
Cantwell Will Oppose Bryan Bedford to Lead FAA
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, announced today she will oppose the nomination of Bryan Bedford to serve as Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.
Press Releases 06/24/2025
NPR and PBS Are More Than “Tiny Desk” and “Daniel Tiger” They Are Critical to Public Safety
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, today released a Snapshot Report that highlights data on public broadcasters across the United States and broadcasters' role in responding to emergencies and public safety events. In rural areas, public broadcasters may be the sole source of information during emergencies, leaving them disproportionately impacted by federal funding cuts.
Press Releases 06/18/2025
State Attorneys General Tell Congress: AI Moratorium Will Leave Consumers, Citizens Vulnerable to AI Fraud, Theft & Other Harms
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The State of Washington’s Democratic Attorney General Nick Brown and Tennessee’s Republican Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti underscored the harmful impacts to Americans across the country if Congress enacts a controversial provision in the House and Senate budget reconciliation bills imposing a sweeping 10-year moratorium on States’ enforcement of laws “limiting, restricting, or otherwise regulating” artificial intelligence (AI). The attorneys generals spoke during a virtual press conference today with Sens. Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), a senior member of the Committee, who have worked together on federal AI and privacy protection legislation and vehemently oppose the moratorium.
Press Releases 06/18/2025
Ranking Member Cantwell Lays Out Rail Priorities for Surface Reauthorization – Freight Investments to Support the Economy, Improved Safety, and Support for Passenger Rail
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, spoke of the need for additional resources to support future economic growth, and also the need to enhance safety features at today’s Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Freight, Pipelines, and Safety, hearing titled “On the Right Track: Modernizing America’s Rail.”
Press Releases 06/18/2025
Chairman Cruz Announces Executive Session for June 25th
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will convene a full committee Executive Session on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. ET to consider the following legislation and nomination
Press Releases 06/18/2025
Sen. Young Chairs Hearing on Modernizing America’s Rail Network
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), Chairman of the Commerce Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Freight, Pipelines, and Safety, convened a subcommittee hearing titled “On the Right Track: Modernizing America’s Rail.”
Press Releases 06/17/2025
Sen. Cruz: Doping Has No Place in Olympic Sports
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Technology, and Data Privacy hearing titled “WADA Shame: Swimming in Denial Over Chinese Doping,” Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) condemned the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for failing to enforce anti-doping standards and compromising the integrity of athletic competition. Sen. Cruz criticized WADA for allowing Chinese athletes who tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs to compete in the Olympics without consequence.
Press Releases 06/17/2025
Cantwell Will Oppose Olivia Trusty for FCC Commissioner, Urges Colleagues to Join Her
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, said today she will oppose the nomination of Olivia Trusty to be a Commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) citing Republicans’ breach of the longstanding practice to advance both Republican and Democratic nominees, and their plan to auction spectrum used for national security and aviation safety.
Press Releases 06/16/2025
ICYMI: Widespread Support for Senate Commerce Committee’s 800 MHz Spectrum Pipeline
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, leaders across the telecommunications industry and respected tech and economic policy voices endorsed the Senate Commerce Committee’s spectrum provision. The proposal, expected to be included in the Senate budget reconciliation text, marks a historic milestone by creating the largest spectrum pipeline ever and generating an estimated $85 billion for American taxpayers. Reinstating spectrum auction authority will boost the American economy, answer consumer demands, and strengthen American leadership in wireless technologies, while preserving key national security interests.
Press Releases 06/16/2025
‘The Art of a Spectrum Deal’
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In case you missed it, the Wall Street Journal Editorial Board praised Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and President Trump for securing a major legislative breakthrough to reinstate spectrum auction authority. The agreement, included in Senate Commerce Committee’s section of the Senate budget reconciliation text, balances key national security interests with consumer demands, establishing the largest spectrum pipeline ever. The spectrum provision will generate an estimated $85 billion for American taxpayers, drive consumer-focused innovation in connectivity and AI, and secure American leadership in next-generation technologies.
Press Releases 06/13/2025
Cantwell Condemns Impacts of IUU Fishing and Cuts to NOAA on America’s Fishing Families
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, condemned the impacts of illegal, unreported and unregulated fisheries and the impacts of the Trump Administration’s unprecedented cuts to NOAA on America’s fishing families at a hearing of the Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Coast Guard, Maritime and Fisheries.
Press Releases 06/13/2025
Cantwell Sounds the Alarm About Dangers of Republican Plan to Auction Spectrum Essential to National Security, Aviation Safety and the Innovation Economy
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, sounded the alarm about the dangers of the Republican plan to auction 800 megahertz of spectrum that is essential to national security, aviation safety and America’s innovation economy in a one-on-one conversation with Dr. Tom Karako, Director of the Missile Defense Project and Senior Fellow in Defense & Security at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
Press Releases 06/12/2025
Cantwell Demands Answers from AT&T and Verizon on Chinese “Salt Typhoon” Hack
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, demanded answers from AT&T Chairman and CEO John Stankey and from Verizon Chairman and CEO Hans Vestberg about ongoing vulnerabilities related to the successful Chinese state-sponsored “Salt Typhoon” hack discovered last year. Salt Typhoon deeply penetrated major U.S. telecommunications networks, including AT&T and Verizon, but in December 2024, both companies claimed that their networks were secure.
Press Releases 06/12/2025
Sen. Cruz: Mexican Cartels are Robbing Hardworking Texas Fishermen
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Coast Guard, Maritime, and Fisheries hearing titled “Finding Nemo’s Future: Conflicts over Ocean Resources,” Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) sounded the alarm over the growing threat of Mexican cartels poaching fish from U.S. waters to finance illicit activities, harming the livelihoods of Texas fishermen, endangering Americans, and undermining global security and maritime stability.
Press Releases 06/11/2025
Cantwell Grills FAA Nominee on Key Aviation Safety Measures
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, grilled Trump’s nominee to serve as Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, Bryan Bedford, on his failure to commit not to weaken the 1,500-hour pilot training rule if confirmed. Bedford spearheaded the lobbying effort against the safety rule enacted after the tragic 2009 Colgan Air Flight 3407 crash that killed 49 people, and as CEO of Republic Airways, petitioned the FAA for an exemption from it. Sen. Cantwell also pressed Bedford to confirm his concerns that Republicans’ spectrum auction plan would threaten aviation safety.
Press Releases 06/11/2025
Ranking Member Cantwell Delivers Opening Statement at Nomination Hearing of Bryan Bedford to lead the FAA
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, delivered the following opening remarks at today’s hearing on the nomination of Bryan Bedford to serve as the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA):
Press Releases 06/11/2025
Cantwell to Join Center for Strategic and International Studies for Conversation on Protecting Spectrum Critical to National, Aviation Security from Reckless Sell-Off Proposals
WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Thursday, June 12 at 8:30 a.m. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation will sit down at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) for a conversation on why Congress must guard spectrum resources critical to our national security and global competitiveness from being auctioned off as part of Republicans’ reconciliation bill. Sen. Cantwell will be joined by Dr. Tom Karako, director of the Missile Defense Project and senior fellow in the Defense & Security Department at the CSIS. This event is online only.
Press Releases 06/11/2025
Sen. Cruz: FAA Nominee Needs to Bring the U.S. Aviation System Into the Modern Era
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee confirmation hearing for the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) stressed the urgent need to modernize America’s aviation systems and integrate cutting-edge technologies like drones, air taxis, and commercial spaceflight. Sen. Cruz discussed the importance of the $12 billion designated for FAA’s modernization efforts in the Commerce Committee’s reconciliation title.
Press Releases 06/11/2025
Cantwell, Commerce Committee Democrats Call for Regular Order on Dangerous and Damaging Commerce Title of Reconciliation Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, joined by fellow Democratic Committee Members Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Ben Ray Luján, (N.M.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) urged Commerce Committee Chairman Sen. Ted Cruz to follow regular order and schedule a markup for the budget reconciliation text he released last week. The Republican bill will impact every American, but not a single hearing on the legislation has been held on the most significant piece of legislation expected to be considered by the Senate this year.
Press Releases 06/10/2025
Sen. Cruz Continues to Lead Fight to Stop Big Tech Cancel Culture
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) reintroduced the Transparency in Enforcement, Restricting, and Monitoring of Services (TERMS) Act, which will prevent online service providers from weaponizing broadly worded terms of service agreements to silence customers and deny them access to essential business technologies over their political beliefs. The limited number of providers for some online services has forced conservative organizations to decide between conforming to restrictive woke demands or exercising their freedom of speech.
Press Releases 06/10/2025
Sen. Cruz Applauds New NTIA Guidance Fixing Biden’s $42 Billion Internet Boondoggle
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) released a Policy Notice issuing new guidance for the Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program. The new guidance ensures requested funds will be released this calendar year so long as a state proposal is technologically neutral and uses money efficiently. The Notice strips out time-consuming and unnecessary Biden-era central planning mandates, such as its extreme and costly technology bias, illegal rate regulation, and DEI labor requirements. Those edicts limited provider competition and delayed delivery of faster Internet to Americans.
Press Releases 06/10/2025
On the Right Track: Modernizing America’s Rail Network
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Freight, Pipelines, and Safety, will convene a subcommittee hearing titled “On the Right Track: Modernizing America’s Rail” on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. EST. This hearing will examine the state of the U.S. freight and passenger rail network, with an emphasis on enhancing safety, improving efficiency, fostering innovation, and ensuring the long-term viability of the nation’s rail infrastructure to move American energy, goods, and people. The hearing will explore avenues for meaningful regulatory and policy reforms in the context of the upcoming surface transportation reauthorization.
Press Releases 06/9/2025
Senate Committee Leaders Call for Audits on DCA Airspace Safety Issues
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Rand Paul (R-Ky.), and Ranking Member Gary Peters (D-Mich.) led their Senate colleagues in sending a letter to the Acting Inspector General of the Department of Transportation (DOT OIG) and the Inspector General of the Department of the Army (Army OIG) requesting concurrent audits in response to the January 29th midair collision between a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter and American Airlines 5342 near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) as well as ongoing coordination issues between the Army and DCA air traffic control.
Press Releases 06/9/2025
Cantwell, Cruz Lead Call for Audits of DCA Airspace Safety Issues
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) were joined by U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Rand Paul (R-Ky.), Ranking Member Gary Peters (D-Mich.), all Democratic members of the Committee and several Republican members in sending a letter to Acting Inspector General of the Department of Transportation (DOT OIG) Mitch Behm and Inspector General of the Department of the Army (Army OIG) Lieutenant General Gregory J. Brady requesting concurrent safety audits in response to the January 29th mid-air collision near National Airport (DCA), as well as ongoing coordination issues between the Army and DCA air traffic control.
Press Releases 06/6/2025
WTAS: President Trump Congratulates Chairman Cruz for Spectrum Deal
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, President Trump applauded U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, for his deal on spectrum in the budget reconciliation text. Sen. Cruz worked with Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Armed Services, and Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Chairman of the Senate Republican Conference and Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, to broker a deal on spectrum that bolsters American global leadership in wireless technologies.
Press Releases 06/6/2025
Cantwell Statement on Commerce Secretary Lutnick's "Reform" of BEAD Broadband Program
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, released the following statement on Commerce Secretary Lutwick's "new guidance" on the BEAD program:
Press Releases 06/6/2025
Cantwell Statement on GOP Spectrum Auction Proposal
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, criticized Senate Republicans’ spectrum auction language released on Thursday, June 5, 2025 for failing to protect aviation safety and national security. The proposal would require the FCC to sell off at least 100 Mhz of spectrum in the upper C-Band, directly adjacent to the spectrum used for aircraft altimeters, within just two years. When the first Trump administration auctioned the lower C-Band—even further from aircraft altimeter spectrum—the FAA was so concerned about potential interference it nearly grounded every airplane in the country in early 2022.
Press Releases 06/5/2025
In Wake of DCA Collision Tragedy, Senators Cantwell, Duckworth, Klobuchar, Warnock, Kaine, Warner and Markey Introduce the Safe Operation of Shared Airspace Act of 2025
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation, Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Mark Warner (D-Va.), and Ed Markey (D-Mass.) introduced the Safe Operation of Shared Airspace Act of 2025 to strengthen aviation safety at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), airports across the nation, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This bill is the first comprehensive aviation safety legislation responding to the January 29, 2025 collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and a regional commercial jet operating as American Airlines flight 5342 near DCA that took the lives of 67 people.
Press Releases 06/4/2025
Trump’s Rescission Package Defunds Essential Public Broadcasting Across the Nation to Pay for Tax Cuts for Billionaires
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, issued the following statement on the Trump Administration’s rescission package that claws back $1.1 billion in appropriated funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
Press Releases 06/4/2025
Finding Nemo’s Future: Conflicts over Ocean Resources
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation’s Subcommittee on Coast Guard, Maritime, and Fisheries, will convene a hearing titled “Finding Nemo’s Future: Conflicts over Ocean Resources” on Thursday, June 12, 2025, at 10:00 am EST. This hearing will examine U.S. efforts to counter illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and explore opportunities to strengthen enforcement, coordination, and technological innovation. The hearing will evaluate existing legislative authorities and international agreements and examine policy options to advance maritime domain awareness and promote responsible ocean governance in the face of rising IUU activity.
Press Releases 06/4/2025
Facing Extreme Hurricane & Wildfire Seasons, Cantwell Slams Admin’s Erosion of Weather Forecasting: “NOAA Has Been Transparent That They Can’t Keep Up”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, joined renowned meteorologists from across the country for a virtual presser to sound the alarm on cuts to the National Weather Service (NWS) as the United States heads into peak hurricane and wildfire season – and call on the Trump Administration to restore the agency to full capacity.
Press Releases 06/4/2025
Senate Commerce Announces Nomination Hearing for Bryan Bedford to Lead the FAA
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will convene a nomination hearing for Bryan Bedford, nominee to be Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, at 10:00 AM EST on Wednesday, June 11, 2025.
Press Releases 06/3/2025
Democrats Continue to Hammer Trump Administration on Illegally Gutting Agency Dedicated to Growing Minority Owned Businesses
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Science, Manufacturing and Competitiveness, Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) continued to hammer the Trump Administration for its illegal dismantling of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). Today, the Senators asked the GAO to investigate whether actions by Trump Commerce Department officials or others in the Administration violated congressional directives, the extent to which they undermined MBDA’s congressional mandate and whether any officials have engaged in misconduct.
Press Releases 06/2/2025
National Weather Service Partial Rehire Plan Isn’t Good Enough, Says Cantwell
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, released this statement following the Trump administration’s announcement of a plan to partially undo the damage done by their indiscriminate firings, resignations, and attrition plaguing the National Weather Service (NWS) workforce.
Press Releases 05/30/2025
Senators Cantwell, Schumer & Luján Call on Trump Administration to Stop Bureaucratic Delays and Immediately Release Broadband Equity, Access & Deployment Funding to States
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Democratic Leader Senator Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media, called on the Trump Administration to immediately release the $42 billion allocated for the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program as part of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The program was designed with the goal of building high-speed, scalable, and reliable networks everywhere in the United States.
Press Releases 05/29/2025
As Hurricane Season Begins, Cantwell Demands Trump Administration Stop Putting Lives & Property at Risk & Immediately Lift National Weather Service Hiring Freeze
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, again demanded that the Trump Administration immediately exempt the National Weather Service (NWS) from its current Federal hiring freeze so that citizens and communities will not be left to fend for themselves without adequate warnings as both hurricane season and wildfire season rapidly approach.
Press Releases 05/28/2025
Following Federal Court Order, Democrats Hold Trump Administration Accountable for Unlawfully Dismantling MBDA
WASHINGTON, D.C. –Senators Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Science, Manufacturing and Competitiveness, Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) demanded the Trump Administration detail its compliance with a May 13 federal court injunction ordering it to stop the illegal dismantling of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and restore the agency’s personnel and grantmaking capacities.
Press Releases 05/23/2025
Cantwell, Hickenlooper Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Clear Space Junk, Protect Space Exploration
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, joined Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Sen. Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), and Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS) in reintroducing the bipartisan Orbital Sustainability (ORBITS) Act to establish a first-of-its-kind demonstration program that would reduce the nearly 1 million pieces of space junk in orbit.
Press Releases 05/22/2025
Cantwell Demands Answers from Trump Administration on Illegal Plan to Eliminate the Consumer Product Safety Commission
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, demanded answers from Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Acting Chairman Peter Feldman on plans to eliminate the Commission and move its functions to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
Press Releases 05/21/2025
Cantwell Statement on the Nomination of Admiral Kevin Lunday to be the Next Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, issued the following statement on the nomination of Admiral Kevin Lunday to be the next Commandant of the United States Coast Guard:
Press Releases 05/21/2025
Commerce Committee Advances Eight Bills, Four Nominations
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation approved eight bills and four nominations for nominees of the Federal Railroad Administration, Amtrak Board of Directors, and the Department of Commerce. The Committee also voted to promote more than 250 Coast Guardsmen. The approved legislation covers a wide sweep of the Committee’s jurisdiction, including scientific research, transportation, telecommunications, consumer protection, weather forecasting, and disaster preparedness.
Press Releases 05/21/2025
House GOP Spectrum Giveaway Would Punch a Gaping Hole in U.S. National Defenses, Cantwell Warns
WASHINGTON D.C. –Today, Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, condemned House Republicans’ spectrum auction plan as they advance it to the House floor as part of their reconciliation bill. The senator’s latest warning that the plan could jeopardize U.S. national defense and aviation safety systems came following a Trump social media post yesterday insisting the Republican majority auction 600 MHz regardless of concerns.
Press Releases 05/20/2025
Cantwell, Van Hollen and National Leaders in Science, Education, Industry Condemn Devastating Impacts of Trump’s Proposed 55% Cuts to NSF
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, and Senator Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Committee’s Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Subcommittee, were joined today by five leaders in the scientific community to decry the devastating impacts of the Trump Administrations proposed 55% cut to the FY 2026 budget of the National Science Foundation.
Press Releases 05/15/2025
Sen. Cruz: Americans Want Energy That Is Affordable, Reliable, and Transported Safely
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Freight, Pipelines, and Safety hearing titled “Pipeline Safety Reauthorization: Ensuring the Safe and Efficient Movement of American Energy,” Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) discussed the critical role of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) in overseeing the safe transportation of oil, natural gas, and other hazardous liquids by pipelines across the U.S. Sen. Cruz emphasized how the hearing will help inform discussions for a pipeline safety reauthorization bill to ensure Americans have access to inexpensive, dependable, and safely transported energy.
Press Releases 05/15/2025
Cantwell: Pipeline Safety Enforcement Plummets Under Trump
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, called on the Trump Administration to explain why the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) -- the agency charged with enforcing pipeline safety -- is failing to act against operators that fail to comply with laws that keep the public safe.
Press Releases 05/15/2025
WADA Shame: Swimming in Denial Over Chinese Doping
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Technology, and Data Privacy, will convene a subcommittee hearing titled “WADA Shame: Swimming in Denial Over Chinese Doping” on Thursday, May 22, 2025, at 10:00 am EST. This hearing will examine if the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is effective in its mission of ensuring international events are free from doping and other performance enhancements, which put U.S. athletes at risk. The hearing will also investigate how WADA’s inconsistent enforcement has resulted in unfair competitions impacting American athletes, especially ahead of the LA Games in 2028 and Salt Lake City Games in 2034.
Press Releases 05/14/2025
Democrats Hammer Trump Nominees for Commerce Department, FRA and Amtrak
Press Releases 05/14/2025
Sen. Cruz: Bold Thinking Needed to Set FAA Up for Long-Term Success
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee hearing titled “FAA Reauthorization One Year Later: Aviation Safety, Air Traffic, and Next Generation Technology,” Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) emphasized the urgent need to modernize the national airspace system following recent aviation tragedies. Nearly a year after the bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 was signed into law, Sen. Cruz explained that the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) ongoing struggles to use better technology and hire sufficient air traffic controllers were symptoms of its current bureaucratic setup.
Press Releases 05/14/2025
Commerce Deputy Secretary Nominee Paul Dabbar Advances Out of Committee
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, chaired by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), cleared President Trump’s nominee for U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce, Paul Dabbar, for consideration by the full Senate. Mr. Dabbar’s nomination passed the committee by a vote of 17 yeas and 11 nays.
Press Releases 05/14/2025
FAA Safety Oversight is Still Too Reactive Cantwell Questions Effectiveness of FAA ATO Safety Management System
WASHINGTON, D.C. – During a hearing today with senior FAA safety leaders, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, pushed for answers on effectiveness of the FAA Air Traffic Organization’s safety management system (SMS).
Press Releases 05/13/2025
Sen. Cruz: Nominees Will Champion Regulatory Clarity and Strategic Investment
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee nominations hearing, Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) voiced his support for David Fink (Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration), David Fogel (Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service), Pierre Gentin (General Counsel of the Department of Commerce), and Robert Gleason (Amtrak Board of Directors). Sen. Cruz highlighted the nominees’ experience and priorities, which include attracting foreign direct investment, reducing trade barriers for U.S. exports, and improving the reliability, efficiency, and safety of the nation’s rail system.
Press Releases 05/13/2025
Sen. Peters Opening Statement at Hearing on Trump Nominees for FRA, Amtrak, Commerce Dept
Press Releases 05/12/2025
Cantwell Asks Duffy About Risks of GOP Spectrum Auction Plan to Aviation Safety
Press Releases 05/9/2025
Cantwell, Colleagues Call on President Trump to Reverse the Firing of Consumer Product Safety Commissioners
Press Releases 05/8/2025
At Hearing with Industry Leaders, Cantwell Seeks to Accelerate U.S. Leadership in AI Technology and Exports
Press Releases 05/8/2025
Sen. Cruz: Adopting Europe’s Approach on Regulation Will Cause China to Win the AI Race
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee hearing, titled “Winning the AI Race: Strengthening U.S. Capabilities in Computing and Innovation,” Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) emphasized the need to secure American leadership in AI innovation and adoption. He highlighted AI’s vast potential to improve quality of life, create high-skilled jobs, and bolster U.S. global competitiveness.
Press Releases 05/8/2025
Senate Passes Cruz-Led Measure to Scrap Illegal Biden FCC Rule over Child Online Safety Concerns
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) celebrated the Senate passage of his resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA), which would repeal an unlawful Biden-era Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule bankrolling kids’ unsupervised internet access, undermining parental rights, and threatening to raise taxes on American families.
Press Releases 05/7/2025
FAA Reauthorization One Year Later: Aviation Safety, Air Traffic, and Next Generation Technology
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will convene a full committee hearing titled “FAA Reauthorization One Year Later: Aviation Safety, Air Traffic, and Next Generation Technology” on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 10:00 AM EST. This hearing will examine both the progress achieved and any delays encountered in implementing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024.
Press Releases 05/7/2025
Commerce Committee Announces Pipeline Safety Reauthorization Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Freight, Pipelines, and Safety, will convene a subcommittee hearing titled “Pipeline Safety Reauthorization: Ensuring the Safe and Efficient Movement of American Energy” on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 10:00 am EST. This hearing will review pipeline safety regulations and operations at the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to evaluate what policy priorities should be included in an upcoming PHMSA pipeline safety reauthorization. This hearing will focus on PHMSA’s implementation of outstanding rulemakings required in previous legislation, the state of the hazardous liquid and natural gas industry, and innovative safety technologies and processes.
Press Releases 05/6/2025
Sen. Cruz: Streaming May Be the Future — But It Shouldn’t Sideline Sports Fans
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee hearing titled “Field of Streams: The New Channel Guide for Sports Fans,” Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) highlighted how sports fans increasingly struggle to find where they can watch their favorite teams and face increased costs for streaming subscriptions and sports packages.
Press Releases 05/6/2025
Cantwell & Longtime Public TV Travel Host Rick Steves Decry Trump Assault on Public Broadcasting
Steves: I fear that the same swaths of our country that struggle as ‘food deserts’ will suffer as ‘media deserts’
Press Releases 05/6/2025
Cantwell Opening Statement at May 6 ‘Field of Streams: The New Channel Guide for Sports Fans’ Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, delivered the following opening statement at today’s ‘Field of Streams: The New Channel Guide for Sports Fans’ hearing:
Press Releases 05/6/2025
Hegseth Dereliction in Defending DoD Spectrum from Land Grab Threatens National Security, Cantwell Warns
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, sent a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth demanding answers about the risks to national security if spectrum bands that are essential to national defense are included for auction in the Republicans’ proposed reconciliation legislation.
Press Releases 05/3/2025
Cantwell Statement on Crippling of National Weather Service
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation blasted the Trump administration following news reports that the National Weather Service is headed into hurricane season with 30 of its 122 weather forecast offices without their most experienced official, known as the meteorologist-in-charge.
Press Releases 05/2/2025
Senate Commerce Announces Nominations Hearing for FRA, Amtrak, and Commerce Nominees
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will convene a nominations hearing for nominees of the Federal Railroad Administration, Amtrak Board of Directors, and the Department of Commerce at 10:00 AM EST on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.
Press Releases 05/1/2025
Senators Demand to Know Who Killed Minority Business Development Agency, Why & Where’s the Money Going?
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), demanded that Keith Sonderling, the purported Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), promptly turn over key documents and information related to the dismantling of the agency and recent funding termination notices sent to all grantees by a member of Elon Musk’s DOGE. The Senators’ demands come as Paul Dabbar, Trump’s nominee for Deputy Secretary of Commerce, appears this morning before the Commerce Committee for his nomination hearing.
Press Releases 05/1/2025
Sen. Cruz: Paul Dabbar is Highly Qualified to Help Lead the Commerce Department
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee nomination hearing for Deputy Secretary of Commerce, Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) conveyed his support for President Trump’s nominee, Paul Dabbar. Sen. Cruz highlighted Mr. Dabbar’s public and private sector experience, including stints as a nuclear submarine officer in the U.S. Navy and as Under Secretary for Science at the Department of Energy, a position to which he was confirmed unanimously.
Press Releases 05/1/2025
Cantwell Questions Commerce Deputy Sec Nominee on Drastic NOAA Cuts: “We Are Going to Hold This Administration Accountable.”
Press Releases 04/30/2025
Cantwell Opening Statement at April 30 Markup
Press Releases 04/30/2025
Cantwell Statement on Trump’s First 100 Days in Office
Press Releases 04/30/2025
Commerce Committee Advances 15 Bills, Nominations for FCC and NASA
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation approved 15 bills and two nominations, Olivia Trusty to be a Member of the Federal Communications Commission and Jared Isaacman to be the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The Committee also voted to promote a Coast Guardsman. The approved legislation covers a wide sweep of the Committee’s jurisdiction, including weather forecasting, scientific research, space exploration, telecommunications, and consumer protection.
Press Releases 04/29/2025
Field of Streams: The New Channel Guide for Sports Fans
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will convene a full committee hearing titled “Field of Streams: The New Channel Guide for Sports Fans” on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 10:00 AM EST. The hearing will examine the policy questions raised by the changing ways Americans are watching live professional sports on television, particularly how traditional over-the-air broadcasts are increasingly supplemented—or even replaced—by digital platforms, subscription services, and exclusive streaming arrangements.
Press Releases 04/28/2025
Cantwell, Schumer, Markey Call on FTC to Protect Consumers’ Neural Data
Press Releases 04/23/2025
ICYMI: Texas Chosen for Groundbreaking Aviation Center After Cruz Push
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today applauded Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy’s announcement that the Texas A&M System will lead a new Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies (CAAT) with laboratory and testing locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and across the Lone Star State.
Press Releases 04/22/2025
Senate Commerce Announces Nomination Hearing for Paul Dabbar to Serve as Deputy Secretary of Commerce
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will convene a nomination hearing for Paul Dabbar, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce, at 10:00 AM EST on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
Press Releases 04/17/2025
Cantwell, Baldwin, Blunt Rochester Demand Answers on Lutnick’s Failure to Protect Minority Business Development Agency
Press Releases 04/16/2025
Chairmen Cruz and Babin Lead State Delegation in Support of Relocating NASA HQ to Texas
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and U.S. House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Brian Babin (R-Texas-36) led a bicameral coalition of federal lawmakers representing Texas communities in sending a letter to President Trump urging his administration to move the headquarters for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) from Washington, D.C. to the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, Texas. The lease for NASA’s current DC office expires in 2028.
Press Releases 04/14/2025
Democrats Fight Back Against Trump’s Attacks on the FTC and Independent Agencies
Press Releases 04/10/2025
Cantwell, Democrats Reject FTC Nom as Trump Admin Threatens Agency’s Independence, Illegally Fires Democratic Commissioners
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, led Democrats in opposing Trump nominee Mark Meador for a spot on the Federal Trade Commission after firing the two Democratic Commissioners without cause and undermining the FTC’s independence and history of protecting consumers from fraud, scams and anti-competitive practices, free from political influence.
Press Releases 04/10/2025
Cantwell, Blackburn, Heinrich Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Increase Transparency, Combat AI Deepfakes & Put Journalists, Artists & Songwriters Back in Control of Their Content
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) reintroduced the Content Origin Protection and Integrity from Edited and Deepfaked Media Act (COPIED ACT) to combat harmful deepfakes. The bill would set new federal transparency guidelines for marking, authenticating and detecting AI-generated content, protect journalists, actors and artists against AI-driven theft, and hold violators accountable for abuses.
Press Releases 04/10/2025
Sen. Cruz: Let’s Embrace a Sensible Approach to Time Management
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee hearing titled “If I Could Turn Back Time: Should We Lock the Clock?” Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) underscored the implications of changing the clocks on the American economy, health, and everyday life.
Press Releases 04/10/2025
Cantwell to Vote NO on FTC Nom as Trump Admin Threatens Agency’s Independence, Illegally Fires Democratic Commissioners
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, called on Senate colleagues to reject Trump nominee Mark Meador for a spot on the Federal Trade Commission after firing the two Democratic Commissioners without cause and undermining the FTC’s independence and history of protecting consumers from fraud, scams and anti-competitive practices, free from political influence.
Press Releases 04/9/2025
Sen. Cruz: Arielle Roth Will Pursue a Win-Win Solution on Spectrum
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee executive session, Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) reiterated his support for Arielle Roth’s nomination to lead the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Sen. Cruz highlighted how Ms. Roth’s current role as the telecommunication policy director for the Senate Commerce Committee Majority staff, as well as her previous work at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and across Congress, make her an exceptionally qualified candidate for NTIA Administrator.
Press Releases 04/9/2025
Sen. Cruz: The Next Space Race is Already Here
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee nominations hearing for Jared Isaacman, nominee to be Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and Olivia Trusty, nominee be a Member of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) addressed the importance of U.S. leadership in space exploration, a commitment by law to getting back to the Moon, and preeminence in telecommunications.
Press Releases 04/8/2025
Cantwell Votes No on Trump Pick for NTIA
Cantwell Votes No on Trump Pick for NTIA [AUDIO] [VIDEO] WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, voted against advancing Trump’s nominee to lead the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), citing her failure to commit to honoring broadband investment agreements and other NTIA program grants, respecting the need to fully understand the national security and public safety impacts of spectrum policy and ensuring the completion of evidence-based studies—including of Lower 3Ghz, 7 and 8Ghz spectrum bands – before bringing more spectrum to market.
Press Releases 04/8/2025
Sen. Cruz Blasts USA Fencing Over Failure to Protect Female Athletes, Blatant Disregard for Federal Law
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) called out USA Fencing for violating federal law by letting male athletes, who claim to be transgender women, compete against female athletes. The organization’s breach of federal law came to Sen. Cruz’s attention after Stephanie Turner was disqualified for taking a knee and refusing to compete against her male opponent. In a letter to USA Fencing Chief Executive Officer Phil Andrews, Sen. Cruz criticized the organization’s “commitment to inclusivity” claim as a ploy to support male athletes participating in female sports.
Press Releases 04/8/2025
As Trump Trade War Bludgeons US Economy, Administration Defunds Network of Centers That Boost American Manufacturing
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Ranking Member of the Science, Manufacturing and Competitiveness Subcommittee, led a letter to Trump Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, along with Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Maizie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) demanding answers regarding the Administration’s decision to cancel funding for ten National Institute of Standards and Technology Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers across the country. The action came on April 1, one day before Trump announced sweeping tariffs on imports which tanked the stock market and raised warnings from experts of a recession.
Press Releases 04/3/2025
Senators Press Boeing CEO on Company’s Safety, Quality Improvements
WASHINGTON, D.C. – At yesterday’s Senate Commerce Committee hearing, “Safety First: Restoring Boeing’s Status as a Great American Manufacturer,” Senate Republicans questioned Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg on implementation of the company’s safety and quality plan, and asked about what detailed steps the company has taken to infuse manufacturing processes with a safety-first culture.
Press Releases 04/2/2025
If I Could Turn Back Time: Should We Lock the Clock?
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will convene a full committee hearing titled “If I Could Turn Back Time: Should We Lock the Clock?” on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 10:00 AM EST. The hearing will examine the various issues around whether the country should continue “springing forward” and “falling back” each year with time.
Press Releases 04/2/2025
Sen. Cruz: Boeing Must Prove to the Public It’s Working to Restore Safety, Quality in Production Processes
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s full committee hearing titled “Safety First: Restoring Boeing’s Status as a Great American Manufacturer,” Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) discussed the manufacturing challenges that have plagued Boeing in recent years, highlighting the importance of hearing from CEO Kelly Ortberg directly about the concrete actions Boeing has taken to fix these production problems that led to unacceptable safety events.
Press Releases 04/2/2025
Senator Cantwell Statement Following Hearing With Boeing CEO
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, released the following statement after Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg testified before the committee:
Press Releases 04/2/2025
Under Cantwell Questioning, Boeing CEO Commits to Mandatory SMS by October
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, questioned Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg on how the company is improving its safety protocols and culture and correcting defects. Sen. Cantwell has consistently pushed Boeing to implement a Safety Management System that meets FAA standards and today secured a commitment from Ortberg to have that system in place in six months.
Press Releases 03/31/2025
Commerce Committee Leaders: Army’s Refusal To Turn Over ADS-B Memo ‘Completely Unacceptable’
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) released the following statement regarding the Army’s continued refusal to comply with the Committee’s investigation into the tragic Jan. 29 midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport:
Press Releases 03/28/2025
Senate Republicans Raise Concerns Over Aviation Safety Breakdowns That Led to Fatal Mid-Air Collision at DCA
WASHINGTON, D.C. – At this week’s Senate Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation hearing, titled “NTSB Preliminary Report: DCA Midair Collision,” Senate Republicans pressed officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Army, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on breakdowns in the aviation safety systems that potentially contributed to the deadly mid-air collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and an Army Black Hawk helicopter on January 29, 2025 near the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Senators emphasized concerns about the Army’s practice of frequently turning off ADS-B Out transmission and called for the FAA to modernize its air traffic control system.
Press Releases 03/27/2025
Cantwell Opening Statement at Hearing on Jan. 29 Tragic Crash Near DCA
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, delivered the following opening statement during today’s Aviation Subcommittee hearing on NTSB’s preliminary report on the tragic Jan. 29 midair collision between a military Blackhawk helicopter and an American Airlines commercial jet:
Press Releases 03/27/2025
Sen. Cruz: After DCA Crash Factors Show Action Necessary to Make Aviation System Safer
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation hearing titled “NTSB Preliminary Report: DCA Midair Collision,” Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) expressed his condolences to the families of the victims of the crash involving American Airlines Flight 5342 and an Army Black Hawk helicopter. Sen. Cruz highlighted his commitment to using the power of the Committee to thoroughly investigate the factors leading to this accident and make any necessary policy changes. Sen. Cruz also reiterated the need for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to urgently modernize its air traffic control system and previewed that the Committee has begun the process of crafting legislation to provide resources to make lasting improvements to the U.S. aviation system.
Press Releases 03/27/2025
Cantwell Grills Aviation Safety Heads on Near-Misses Before Fatal DCA Collision: ‘Why Did the FAA Not Act?’
Press Releases 03/27/2025
Sen. Cantwell Opening Statement at Nomination Hearing for Arielle Roth
Ranking Member Cantwell opening statement and Q and A at the nomination hearing for Arielle Roth, Trump's nominee for Assistant Secretary of Communications and Information at the Department of Commerce
Press Releases 03/27/2025
Sen. Cruz: Arielle Roth “Ideally Suited” to Lead NTIA, Fix BEAD, and Advance Spectrum Policy
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee nomination hearing, Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) reiterated his strong support for Arielle Roth to lead the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) at the Department of Commerce. Sen. Cruz praised her strong dedication to public service, indefatigable work ethic, and unrivaled passion for telecommunications policy and law.
Press Releases 03/26/2025
Sens. Cruz, Moran Request Ideas From Colleagues, Stakeholders on Modernizing Air Traffic Control System
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) are seeking input from their colleagues in the Senate and across the aviation industry as the Committee looks to assist Trump administration efforts to modernize America’s air traffic control system and make air travel efficient, reliable, and safe for all users. As part of their request for policy priorities and proposals, Sens. Cruz and Moran are seeking input and recommendations regarding air traffic control infrastructure, technology, and workforce as well as proposals to improve the management of the nation’s airspace.
Press Releases 03/25/2025
Safety First: Restoring Boeing’s Status as a Great American Manufacturer
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will convene a full committee hearing titled “Safety First: Restoring Boeing’s Status as a Great American Manufacturer” on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at 10:00 AM EST. The hearing will examine steps Boeing has taken to address production deficiencies and safety issues identified after the Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 incident last year. Since then, Boeing has been subject to additional safety audits and enhanced Federal Aviation Administration oversight.
Press Releases 03/25/2025
Sen. Cruz Urges DNI Gabbard to Investigate CCP Smear Campaign Against Spectrum Pipeline
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) sent a letter to the Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, urging her office to investigate potential malign influence orchestrated by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) against American leadership in next generation telecommunications technologies. In the letter, Sen. Cruz outlined how the CCP, and affiliated entities like Huawei, may be leading misinformation campaigns to oppose reauthorization of the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) spectrum auction authority and the creation of a pipeline of spectrum for commercial use. Auctioning additional government-held spectrum for commercial use in the U.S. is vital for economic growth, national security, and preserving America’s global technology leadership.
Press Releases 03/24/2025
Cantwell, Blunt Rochester Demand Commerce Secretary Lutnick Protect Minority Business Development Agency from Trump’s Overreach
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) called on U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to stand up and protect the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) from Trump’s Executive Order that would functionally dismantle it.
Press Releases 03/21/2025
Cantwell, Democratic Senate Committee Leaders Demand Immediate Review by Agency Inspectors General of Trump Administration’s Mass Dismissals of Federal Employees
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, joined 16 Senate Committee Ranking Members in a letter to the Inspectors General of 23 federal agencies, including the Department of Transportation and Department of Commerce, demanding details on the impact of President Trump’s sweeping and unprecedented dismissal of tens of thousands of federal employees. The senators asked the Inspectors General to review the Trump Administration’s actions, citing potential violations of federal laws and procedures, which the senators warn could harm Americans’ access to vital government services and increase waste and abuse of taxpayer dollars.
Press Releases 03/21/2025
Sen. Cantwell Statement on Trump's Elimination of Agency Dedicated to Supporting Minority Businesses Across the United States
SEATTLE – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, released the following statement on Trump’s recent Executive Order eliminating the Minority Business Development Agency at the Department of Commerce:
Press Releases 03/20/2025
Senate Commerce Announces Nomination Hearing for Arielle Roth to Lead the National Telecommunications and Information Administration
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will convene a nomination hearing for Arielle Roth, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information, at 2:15 PM EST on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
Press Releases 03/19/2025
Cantwell, Klobuchar, Colleagues Call on President Trump to Reverse Illegal Firing of FTC Commissioners
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), a senior member of the Committee, and more than two dozen Democratic Senators are calling on President Trump to reverse his illegal firing of Commissioners Rebecca Kelly Slaughter and Alvaro Bedoya from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Press Releases 03/19/2025
Cantwell Statement on Departure of Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner
Seattle - U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, released the following statement on the departure of Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner:
Press Releases 03/18/2025
Sen. Cantwell Statement on Trump FAA Nomination Announcement
Press Releases 03/13/2025
Commerce Committee Advances Two Nominations and Multiple Cruz-Led Bipartisan Bills
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) issued the following statements after the Committee approved the nominations of Mark Meador to be a Federal Trade Commissioner and Michael Kratsios to be Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, as well as multiple pieces of bipartisan legislation.
Press Releases 03/12/2025
Ranking Member Cantwell Opening Statement
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, delivered the following opening statement at today's markup of several pieces of legislation and the nominations of Michael Kratsios to be the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy and Mark Meador to be a Federal Trade Commissioner.
Press Releases 03/12/2025
Commerce Committee Approves 14 Bills and Advances Two Nominations
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee advanced 14 bills and two nominations, Mark Meador to be a Federal Trade Commissioner and Michael Kratsios to be the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy. The approved legislation covers a wide swath of the Commerce Committee’s broad jurisdiction, including, oceans, space exploration, consumer protection, semiconductor manufacturing, and industrial supply chains.
Press Releases 03/12/2025
Sen. Cruz: Massport’s Compliance with Subpoena ‘Win for Taxpayer and Airline Travelers’ Alike
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee executive session, Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) announced that the Massachusetts Port Authority has now agreed to comply with a Committee inquiry and produce requested documents, and that he will therefore withdraw a motion to authorize a planned subpoena. Sen. Cruz called this as a win for taxpayers and a warning to other entities to cooperate with congressional oversight.
Press Releases 03/11/2025
Cantwell Calls for Permanent Helicopter Restrictions Near DCA
Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, released the following statement regarding the National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) preliminary report on the Jan. 29 mid-air collision involving an American Airlines flight and a Black Hawk military helicopter near DCA that resulted in the deaths of 67 people:
Press Releases 03/11/2025
Cantwell Urges Colleagues to Reject Steven Bradbury for Deputy Secretary of Transportation
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, delivered the following remarks on the Senate Floor, urging her colleagues to reject President Trump’s nominee to be Deputy Secretary for the Department of Transportation, Steven Bradbury:
Press Releases 03/11/2025
Chairman Cruz Issues Statement Following Release of NTSB Preliminary Report on DCA Tragedy
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) released the following statement after the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued its preliminary report for its ongoing investigation of the tragic accident between Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Blackhawk in the DCA airspace.
Press Releases 03/11/2025
Sens. Cruz and Moran Demand Answers from the Army on DCA Tragedy
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) sent a letter pressing Brigadier General Matthew Braman, Director, Army Aviation for Headquarters, for more information on the tragic crash between American Airlines Flight 5342 and an Army Blackhawk in the DCA airspace. The Army’s timely response to Congress would inform Congressional oversight into the Army’s use of ADS-B Out.
Press Releases 03/11/2025
Commerce Committee Leaders Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Reinforce U.S. Space Leadership
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), and Sens. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2025, which sets clear near-term priorities for National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) programs, advances American leadership in deep space exploration, prevents a gap in low Earth orbit leadership and capability, and upholds scientific ingenuity. The bipartisan bill also equips NASA with the support it needs to continue critical science and exploration missions that will lead to breakthrough discoveries across our solar system.
Press Releases 03/11/2025
Chairman Cruz and Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Moran Announce Hearing on DCA Tragedy
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation, will convene a subcommittee hearing titled “NTSB Preliminary Report: DCA Midair Collision” on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 10:00 am EST. This hearing will examine preliminary findings from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on the deadly crash involving American Airlines 5342 and a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
Press Releases 03/11/2025
Cantwell Leads Dems in Voting Unanimously Against Steven Bradbury for DOT Dep. Sec.
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation spoke on the Senate floor ahead of the Senate vote on the nomination of Steven Bradbury, President Trump’s pick to serve as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation. All Democrats voted against his confirmation.
Press Releases 03/7/2025
Cantwell Asks DOD to Explain Why Capital-Area Flights Aren’t Using Key Safety Feature
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation sent a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth requesting that the Department of Defense (DoD) clarify how often and why it operates aircraft in the National Capital Region without Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Out activated.
Press Releases 03/5/2025
Cantwell, Cruz Coast Guard Reauthorization Bill Unanimously Passes Senate
Tonight, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the bipartisan Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2025 that would reauthorize $30.45 billion for the U.S. Coast Guard for Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026. The bill was introduced last month by U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, and Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chair of the Committee, as well as Sens. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.). The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Press Releases 03/5/2025
Trump Tells Farmers ‘Have Fun’ As He Kicks Off Pointless Trade Wars. Cantwell Tells the Truth: ‘It’s Not Going to Be Fun, It’s Going to Be A Nightmare’
Press Releases 03/5/2025
Cantwell Criticizes Improper, Partisan Subpoenas Sought by Chair
Press Releases 02/27/2025
Cantwell Statement Ahead of Vote on Trump Pick for DOT Dep Secretary
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, delivered the below remarks before she, and all Democrats on the committee, voted against advancing Steven Bradbury, President Trump’s nominee for Deputy Secretary at the Department of Transportation.
Press Releases 02/27/2025
DOT Deputy Secretary Nominee Steven Bradbury Advances Out of Commerce Committee
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, chaired by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), cleared President Trump’s nominee for U.S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation, Steven Bradbury, for consideration by the full Senate. Bradbury’s nomination passed the committee by a vote of 15 yeas and 13 nays.
Press Releases 02/27/2025
Sen. Young Chairs “Grand Theft Cargo” Subcommittee Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Freight, Pipelines, and Safety, convened a subcommittee hearing titled “Grand Theft Cargo: Examining a Costly Threat to Consumers to the U.S. Supply Chain.”
Press Releases 02/26/2025
Sens. Cruz, King Reintroduce MAPOceans Act to Make Fishing Easier
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Senator Angus King (I-Maine) reintroduced the Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans (MAPOceans) Act, which would standardize, digitize, and map fishing restrictions in federal waters. The legislation is similar to a law that provides reliable information about hunting on public lands.
Press Releases 02/26/2025
Sen. Cruz: You Cannot Stop Deadly Drugs With an Open Border
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee hearing titled “Interdicting Illicit Drug Trafficking: A View from the Front Lines,” Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) discussed how the Biden administration’s radical, open-border policies weakened the U.S. Coast Guard’s (USCG) ability to stop deadly drugs from crossing U.S. maritime borders and allow Middle East drug runners to help fund Iranian terrorism. Sen. Cruz highlighted how the bicameral and bipartisan Coast Guard Authorization Act, cosponsored by Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin), aims to end the 'catch and release' approach to Middle East drug enforcement and close a loophole so cartels could be prosecuted for drug smuggling via remotely operated sea drones.
Press Releases 02/25/2025
Ranking Member Cantwell Presses Trump FTC Nominee to Put Consumers First, OSTP Nominee to Put Innovation First
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, today pressed Mark Meador, President Trump’s nominee to serve as a Federal Trade Commissioner, to protect consumers from unfair and deceptive practices that raise costs, and to restore FTC’s authority to return money to consumers who have been harmed. Sen. Cantwell also pressed Michael Kratsios, President Trump’s nominee to lead the Office of Science and Technology Policy. She urged him to focus on investments in innovation, research and development needed to outpace the United States’ global competitors.
Press Releases 02/25/2025
Sen. Cruz: The Story of the 21st Century Will Be Written by Whichever Nation Can Innovate the Fastest
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee nominations hearing for Michael Kratsios, nominee to be Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), and Mark Meador, nominee to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) highlighted the importance of fostering of innovative technologies like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and 5G technology to create new, high-paying jobs across the country.
Press Releases 02/25/2025
Ranking Member Cantwell Presses Trump FTC Nominee to Put Consumers First, OSTP Nominee to Put Innovation First
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, today pressed Mark Meador, President Trump’s nominee to serve as a Federal Trade Commissioner, to protect consumers from unfair and deceptive practices that raise costs, and to restore FTC’s authority to return money to consumers who have been harmed. Sen. Cantwell also pressed Michael Kratsios, President Trump’s nominee to lead the Office of Science and Technology Policy. She urged him to focus on investments in innovation, research and development needed to outpace the United States’ global competitors.
Press Releases 02/25/2025
Ranking Member Cantwell Delivers Opening Statement at Nomination Hearing for Michael Kratsios to Lead OSTP & Mark Meador as FTC Commissioner
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation delivered the following opening statement at today’s nomination hearing for Michael Kratsios to lead the Office of Science and Technology and Mark Meador to serve as a Federal Trade Commissioner.
Press Releases 02/24/2025
Steven Bradbury, Deputy Secretary of Transportation Nominee, Earns Praise from Transportation Industry Leaders
WASHINGTON, D.C. – At the Senate Commerce Committee hearing last week, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be U.S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation, Steven Bradbury affirmed his commitment to improve transportation safety, invest in cost-beneficial infrastructure improvements, and eliminate burdensome regulations to enhance the Department of Transportation’s effectiveness. Mr. Bradbury received support from over 25 organizations throughout the transportation community. Read the full list HERE.
Press Releases 02/20/2025
Cantwell on Deputy DOT Nominee: Aviation Sector Can’t Afford “Someone Who Thinks That We Can Bend The Law To An Outcome”
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, pressed Steven Bradbury – President Donald Trump’s pick to serve as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation – on his role under the first Trump administration.
Press Releases 02/20/2025
Sen. Cruz: Steven Bradbury is an Exceptionally Qualified Leader Who Will Drive Intelligent Change at DOT
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee confirmation hearing for the Deputy Secretary of Transportation, Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) endorsed the nomination of Steven Bradbury. Sen. Cruz highlighted Mr. Bradbury’s past leadership roles at the Department of Transportation (DOT), including time as General Counsel and Acting Secretary, as well as Mr. Bradbury’s legal work in the private sector dealing with transportation matters. Mr. Bradbury will draw on his experience to help keep travelers safe, responsibly invest in the nation’s infrastructure, and ensure the DOT operates efficiently.
Press Releases 02/20/2025
DOT Deputy Secretary Nominee Steven Bradbury Commits to Safety, Efficiency, and Reform at Senate Commerce Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C. – At the Senate Commerce Committee today, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be Deputy Secretary to the Department of Transportation, Steven Bradbury, outlined his plans to address key issues facing the Department. During his nomination hearing, Mr. Bradbury shared his commitment to supporting DOT’s safety and efficiency mission by upholding legal authorities, collaborating with Congress, enhancing aviation safety, advancing regulatory reforms, and ensuring transparency.
Press Releases 02/20/2025
Chairman Cruz Stresses Need to Modernize America’s Aviation Systems
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, delivered remarks at today’s Aero Club of Washington event stressing the need for Congress to review the outdated state of the U.S. air traffic control system highlighting inefficiencies, staffing shortages, and technological and structural deficiencies compared to other countries. During his speech, Sen. Cruz called on stakeholders—airlines, pilots, air traffic controllers, airports, general and business aviation, new entrants, technology providers, and lawmakers—to actively participate in modernizing the U.S. air traffic control system and preventing future aviation accidents.
Press Releases 02/20/2025
GOP Senators, National Security, and Telecom Experts Stress Importance of Expanding Access to Spectrum for National and Economic Security
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week’s Senate Commerce Committee hearing titled “America Offline? How Spectrum Auction Delays Give China the Edge and Cost Us Jobs,” Senate Republicans emphasized the importance of American leadership in spectrum policy to protect our national security, prevent Chinese control of global communications networks, upgrade U.S. military capability and drive economic growth. National security and telecom experts agreed that expanding commercial access to mid-band spectrum can support both consumer needs and national security. Senators warned that delays in auctions hurt national defense and America’s efforts to lead in global technology.
Press Releases 02/19/2025
Cantwell Opening Statement at Hearing on Spectrum Management
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, delivered the following remarks at today’s hearing on spectrum management:
Press Releases 02/19/2025
Sen. Cruz: Spectrum Pipeline Means Faster Internet, More Jobs, Stronger National Defense
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee hearing titled “America Offline? How Spectrum Auction Delays Give China the Edge and Cost Us Jobs,” Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) raised the alarm on the urgent need to auction spectrum to preserve America’s global technology leadership, protect national security, create millions of jobs, and improve the lives of American consumers. Spectrum auctions have unlocked billions for the Treasury while enabling our nation’s wireless networks to deliver better connectivity, fueling the rise of breakthroughs from the iPhone to generative AI.
Press Releases 02/19/2025
Cantwell Opening Statement at Hearing on Spectrum Management
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, delivered the following remarks at today’s hearing on spectrum management:
Press Releases 02/18/2025
Cantwell Votes NO On Advancing Lutnick for Commerce Secretary; Slams His Enthusiasm for Inflationary Tariffs
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, voted against confirming Howard Lutnick, President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as Secretary of the Department of Commerce.
Press Releases 02/18/2025
Senate Commerce Announces Nominations Hearing for Michael Kratsios to Lead the Office of Science and Technology Policy and Mark Meador to Serve as a Federal Trade Commissioner
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will convene a nominations hearing for Michael Kratsios, nominee to be Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, and Mark Meador, nominee to be a Federal Trade Commissioner, at 10:00 AM EST on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.
Press Releases 02/17/2025
Cantwell Statement on Firings of FAA Employees
Today, Sen. Maria Cantwell, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, released the following statement about reports that FAA safety employees who have served less than one year at the agency, including to technicians working under FAA’s Air Traffic Organization, have been fired as part of the DOGE-led federal workforce cuts
Press Releases 02/12/2025
America Offline? How Spectrum Auction Delays Give China the Edge and Cost Us Jobs
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will convene a full committee hearing titled “America Offline? How Spectrum Auction Delays Give China the Edge and Cost Us Jobs” on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 10:15 am EST. This hearing will examine the critical role of spectrum policy in driving the U.S. economy, maintaining the U.S.’s technological edge over China, and strengthening national security. As demand for spectrum-based services and technologies grows, American leadership in the 21st century must include a clear roadmap for spectrum optimization. The hearing will immediately follow an executive session to consider the Committee’s budget.
Press Releases 02/12/2025
Ranking Member Cantwell Statement at Hearing on Arctic, Greenland
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, delivered the following opening remarks at a hearing today on the Arctic and Greenland. Cantwell stressed the importance of a new Arctic Strategy that solidifies American leadership in the Arctic and the need for collaboration with longstanding U.S. allies to meet the threats from Russia and China.
Press Releases 02/12/2025
Ranking Member Cantwell Q&A at Hearing on Arctic, Greenland
Press Releases 02/12/2025
Sen. Cruz: Discussing U.S. Acquisition of Greenland Is About Diplomacy and Shared Interests
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee hearing titled “Nuuk and Cranny: Looking at the Arctic and Greenland’s Geostrategic Importance to U.S. Interests,” Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) argued that acquiring Greenland would serve America’s national security and economic interests well due to the island’s location in the Arctic, access to sea routes, and wealth of natural resources.
Press Releases 02/12/2025
Cantwell Introduces Coast Guard Reauthorization Bill, Secures Wins for WA Environment & Tribes
Press Releases 02/12/2025
Senators Highlight Greenland’s Strategic Importance, Untapped Resource Potential in Discussion About Acquisition
WASHINGTON, D.C. – At today’s Senate Commerce Committee hearing on the growing geopolitical importance of Greenland and the Arctic, Senate Republicans highlighted the many potential economic and security benefits of an acquisition of Greenland by the United States.
Press Releases 02/11/2025
Cruz-Led Investigation Uncovers $2 Billion in Woke DEI Grants at NSF, Releases Full Database
WASHINGTON, D.C -- U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) released a database identifying over 3,400 grants, totaling more than $2.05 billion in federal funding awarded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) during the Biden-Harris administration. This funding was diverted toward questionable projects that promoted Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) or advanced neo-Marxist class warfare propaganda.
Press Releases 02/6/2025
Sen. Cruz’s Investigation Leads Microsoft to Disavow Support for NewsGuard’s Biased Indoctrination Tool
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) praised Microsoft’s decision to disavow its affiliation with NewsGuard. This move came in response to a letter from Sen. Cruz calling out the company for financing NewsGuard’s so-called “Media Literacy” program. The program was actively marketed as an educational tool for schoolchildren to learn about “misinformation,” but NewsGuard’s inconsistent and biased rating system indoctrinates children and distorts their media literacy by censoring exposure to conservative viewpoints.
Press Releases 02/6/2025
Cantwell Letter to Duffy: ‘You Must Make Sure That All Conflicts Of Interest Between The FAA & Elon Musk Are Removed’
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Committee, sent a letter to Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy calling on him to ensure that Elon Musk stays out of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), citing Musk’s clear conflicts of interest.
Press Releases 02/5/2025
During Committee Markup, Cantwell Votes Against Trump’s Commerce Secretary Nominee
Today, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation voted 16-12 to advance Howard Lutnick’s nomination to be Secretary of Commerce out of the Committee. Ahead of the vote, Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) delivered the following remarks on her decision to vote against the nominee, citing concerns over Trump’s trade policies and the nominee’s lack of commitment to uphold federal funding and programs.
Press Releases 02/5/2025
Commerce Committee Approves 17 Bipartisan Bills and Advances Lutnick Nomination To Lead Commerce Department
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee overwhelmingly approved 17 bipartisan bills and the nomination of Howard Lutnick to be Secretary of Commerce. The legislation passed touches almost all aspects of the Commerce Committee’s wide jurisdiction including transportation, weather and emergency forecasting, consumer protection and fee transparency, manufacturing and supply-chain resilience, oceans and fisheries, promoting tourism, and protecting children online.
Press Releases 02/5/2025
Sen. Cruz: We Remain Focused on Improving the Lives of the American People
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee executive session, Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) urged his colleagues to support Howard Lutnick’s nomination to be U.S. Secretary of Commerce and highlighted the importance of advancing the bipartisan legislation being considered by the committee.
Press Releases 02/5/2025
Commerce Committee Passes Bipartisan Bill to Prevent Supply Chain Disruptions, Protect American Producers & Pocketbooks
Today, the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee passed the bipartisan Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act, led by Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), members of the Committee.
Press Releases 02/5/2025
Nuuk and Cranny: Looking at the Arctic and Greenland’s Geostrategic Importance to U.S. Interests
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, will convene a full committee hearing titled “Nuuk and Cranny: Looking at the Arctic and Greenland’s Geostrategic Importance to U.S. Interests” on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 10:00 am EST. This hearing will examine the strategic significance of Greenland to the American economy and national security, focusing on the island’s cache of rare earth elements and U.S. research presence on the island, as well as the potential threats due to the growing influence of Russia and China in the Arctic.
Press Releases 02/5/2025
Commerce Committee Advances Cruz-Led Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Kids’ Online Safety, Preserve AM Radio, Help Traveling Families, Combat Illegal Fishing, and Modernize Weather Forecasts
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) issued the following statements after the Committee approved multiple bills with strong bipartisan support: Kids Off Social Media Act, AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act, TORNADO Act, and the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Enhancement Act. These measures will now proceed to the full Senate for consideration.
Press Releases 02/4/2025
During Week of East Palestine Derailment Anniversary, Cantwell Urges Commerce Chair to Advance Legislation to Strengthen Rail Safety
Following yesterday’s two-year anniversary of the East Palestine train derailment, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, sent a letter to Chair Ted Cruz urging Republicans to pass legislation to strengthen rail safety and hold companies accountable.
Press Releases 02/4/2025
Cantwell Takes to Senate Floor to Oppose Trump’s Trade Philosophy: No to Tariffs, Yes to Innovation, Collaboration & Growth
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, delivered a speech on the Senate floor calling for the United States to establish new trade agreements with Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America – and to repudiate the trade philosophy of President Donald Trump, whose proposed tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China would spark a trade war, drive up costs for American consumers, harm domestic businesses across hundreds of industries, and compromise the United States’ global leadership in the free trade ecosystem.
Press Releases 02/4/2025
Business Community Unites Behind Lutnick for Commerce Department Leader
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of the Senate Commerce Committee markup of the nomination for Howard Lutnick to be U.S. Secretary of Commerce, dozens of organizations and companies from across the technology, space exploration, energy, and communications sectors have expressed support for Mr. Lutnick and enthusiasm for his leadership at the Department of Commerce.
Press Releases 01/31/2025
Watch: Cantwell Discusses Wednesday’s Devastating Jet-Helicopter Crash on CNN
This morning, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, joined CNN to discuss the devastating crash on Wednesday involving American Airlines flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River near Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
Press Releases 01/30/2025
Cantwell Statement on Devastating Aviation Crash Wednesday
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, released the following statement on Wednesday’s collision.
Press Releases 01/30/2025
Chairman Cruz and Senator Moran Announce Intent to Host Bipartisan Senate Commerce Committee Briefing with Key Federal Officials
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Chairman of the Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Aviation, today issued the following joint statement after receiving a briefing from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA):
Press Releases 01/29/2025
Sen. Cruz: Howard Lutnick Will Help to Unleash America’s Full Economic Potential
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee confirmation hearing for the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) reaffirmed his support for Howard Lutnick. Sen. Cruz discussed how Mr. Lutnick’s entrepreneurial experience will be valuable in guiding investments in emerging technology, bolstering America’s leadership in AI innovation and commercial space regulation, and expanding job opportunities across multiple industries.
Press Releases 01/29/2025
Cantwell Opening Remarks During Howard Lutnick’s Nomination Hearing for Secretary of Commerce
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, delivered the following opening remarks during today’s hearing to consider Trump nominee Howard Lutnick to be Secretary of Commerce.
Press Releases 01/28/2025
Cantwell Calls for Revitalized US Maritime Strategy to Secure Panama Canal from Foreign Adversaries, Increase Trade and Lower Costs for Americans
Following today’s Commerce Committee hearing on the Panama Canal, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, reiterated the need for continued U.S.-Panama cooperation to increase investments in port infrastructure and cybersecurity measures that will strengthen national security, increase trade and lower costs for consumers. The senator will request Defense officials to brief Committee members on foreign threats to the Panama Canal and plans to lead a delegation to visit the Canal’s operations.
Press Releases 01/28/2025
Cruz Applauds Strong Bipartisan Senate Support for Sean Duffy to Lead DOT
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation issued the following statement after the Senate voted to confirm the Honorable Sean Duffy, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be U.S. Secretary of Transportation by a vote of 77 yeas and 22 nays.
Press Releases 01/28/2025
Sen. Cruz: Evidence Shows Panama May Be in Violation of Canal Treaty
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee hearing titled “Fees and Foreign Influence: Examining the Panama Canal and Its Impact on U.S. Trade and National Security,” Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) stressed the importance of the Panama Canal for the American economy and voiced concerns over China’s growing influence in the region. The Panama Canal facilitates 40 percent of U.S. seaborne container traffic and six percent of all global trade, but China has exploited Panama’s institutional weakness to evade U.S. sanctions and impose unfair charges on U.S. commerce and Naval ships.
Press Releases 01/27/2025
Cantwell, Blackburn, Blunt Rochester Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Prevent Supply Chain Disruptions, Protect American Producers & Pocketbooks
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), members of the Committee, re-introduced the bipartisan Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act that would authorize the Department of Commerce to strengthen American supply chains for critical industries and emerging technologies by working with the private sector and U.S. government partners to anticipate and prevent future supply chain disruptions before they happen. In the process, it will also identify opportunities to grow manufacturing capacity and jobs, and reduce costs for American consumers.
Press Releases 01/27/2025
Chairman Cruz Leads Senate Commerce GOP in Effort to Stop Biden FCC from Subsidizing Kids’ Unsupervised Internet Access
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) led 13 Senate Commerce Republicans in introducing a resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) that would nullify a partisan FCC order that violates federal law, creates major risks for kids’ online safety, harms parental rights, and will increase taxes on working families.
Press Releases 01/22/2025
Cantwell Statement Ahead of Commerce Committee Vote to Advance Sean Duffy’s Nomination to be Transportation Secretary
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, spoke ahead of today’s bipartisan vote to advance Sean Duffy’s nomination to be Secretary of the Department of the Transportation.
Press Releases 01/22/2025
DOT Nominee Sean Duffy Clears Commerce Committee Unanimously
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, chaired by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), voted to advance President Trump’s nominee for U.S. Secretary of Transportation, the Honorable Sean Duffy, to the full Senate with unanimous support from committee members. Duffy’s nomination passed the committee by a vote of 28 yeas and 0 nays.
Press Releases 01/21/2025
Cantwell Slams Trump Decision to Fire Coast Guard Commandant Who Took On Sexual Assault Culture: “It’s Appalling”
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, went live on CNN to criticize the Department of Homeland Security’s middle-of-the-night decision to terminate Admiral Linda Fagan as U.S. Coast Guard Commandant. Commandant Admiral Fagan was the first woman to lead any branch of the Armed Forces.
Press Releases 01/17/2025
Cantwell Statement on Supreme Court TikTok Decision
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) released this statement regarding the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the law requiring the sale of TikTok.
Press Releases 01/16/2025
Sens. Cruz, Klobuchar, Reps. Salazar, Dean Continue Fight to Pass TAKE IT DOWN Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In one of his first moves as the Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) joined Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) in reintroducing the bipartisan, bicameral TAKE IT DOWN Act. The legislation would criminalize the publication of non-consensual, sexually exploitative images—including AI-generated deepfakes—and require platforms to remove images within 48 hours of notice.