Press Releases

Press Releases 03/29/2023
Cantwell Opening Remarks at Aviation Technologies Hearing: “We Must Seize on the Opportunity with this FAA Reauthorization to Strengthen America’s Competitiveness in Aerospace”
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, delivered the following remarks at a hearing on advancing next generation aviation technologies in the next FAA reauthorization legislation.
Press Releases 03/29/2023
Cantwell Calls For Surge of Federal Investment in Sustainable Aircraft Technology Poised to Make Flying Cleaner, Quieter and Cheaper
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, led a hearing focused on innovative and sustainable aviation technologies and called for increased federal funding in the next FAA reauthorization legislation for developing next generation commercial airplanes that cut carbon emissions, reduce noise and lower fuel costs.
Press Releases 03/28/2023
Cantwell, Colleagues Commemorate Coast Guard Ombudsmen Volunteers with Senate Resolution
Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chair of the Subcommittee on Oceans, Fisheries, Climate Change and Manufacturing Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) introduced a Senate resolution to commemorate Coast Guard Ombudsman Appreciation Day and the hundreds of volunteers who support Coast Guard families. The Ombudsman program celebrated 37 years of service on Sunday, March 26, 2023.
Press Releases 03/24/2023
Chair Cantwell Calls for New ‘Passenger Bill of Rights’ in Committee Hearing on Aviation
Yesterday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, led a hearing focused on protecting airline travelers and called for a new “Passenger Bill of Rights” in the forthcoming reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that would strengthen refund rules, eliminate junk fees, work toward a minimum seat size and make it easier for families to sit together on a flight.
Press Releases 03/23/2023
Cantwell at Aviation Consumer Protections Hearing: Congress Must End Unfair and Hidden Airline “Junk Fees”
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, delivered the following remarks at a hearing on enhancing consumer protections and connectivity in air transportation in the next FAA reauthorization legislation.
Press Releases 03/22/2023
Phil Washington Earns Seal of Approval from America’s Aviation Workers
Press Releases 03/22/2023
ICYMI: Chair Cantwell on MSNBC Ahead of Rail Safety Hearing: “We’re Going to See That There’s No Politics in Safety.”
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, joined MSNBC’s Morning Joe ahead of the Committee’s rail safety hearing.
Press Releases 03/22/2023
Commerce Committee Approves and Sends 5 Bills to the Senate Floor
Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation during an executive session approved 5 bills that will increase drug pricing transparency, ensure the modernization of the FAA’s NOTAM system, require privacy disclosures in many household smart devices, enhance marine debris cleanup and grow our maritime workforce.
Press Releases 03/22/2023
Commerce Committee Approves Cantwell, Grassley Bipartisan Bill to Combat Rising Prescription Drug Prices
Today, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation passed the bipartisan Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act, introduced by Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Commerce Committee, and Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Ranking Member of the Budget Committee, to increase transparency in prescription drug pricing and hold pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) accountable for deceptive and unfair practices that drive up prescription drug costs. The bill was approved 18-9 and now heads to the full Senate.
Press Releases 03/22/2023
Cantwell Opening at Rail Safety Hearing: “We Can't Have Railroads…Focused on Just Cutting Costs to Achieve Higher Profits and Then Have Higher Accident Rates.”
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, delivered the below opening statement during the hearing on rail safety and the aftermath of the Norfolk Southern February 3rd hazardous East Palestine train derailment. The Committee heard opening remarks from Ohio Senators Sherrod Brown and J.D. Vance, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and East Palestine resident Misti Allison. The Committee heard testimony and questioned several witnesses, including Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy, Ohio Western Reserve Joint Fire District Chief David Comstock, Ohio State SMART-TD Legislative Director Clyde Whitaker and Association of American Railroads CEO Ian Jefferies.
Press Releases 03/22/2023
Chair Cantwell Grills Norfolk Southern CEO on Rail Industry Priorities: “We Are Not Going To Take Profits Over Safety Investments”
During a hearing today to examine improving rail safety in the wake of the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, questioned Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw about the rail industry’s commitment to safety. The Committee heard from Ohio Senators Sherrod Brown and J.D. Vance, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and East Palestine resident Misti Allison. Along with Mr. Shaw, members questioned several witnesses including NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy, Ohio Western Reserve Joint Fire District Chief David Comstock, Ohio State SMART-TD Legislative Director Clyde Whitaker and Association of American Railroads CEO Ian Jefferies.
Press Releases 03/21/2023
Clinton Administration Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater Backs Phil Washington “Without Reservation”
In a letter to the Committee, former Clinton Administration Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater endorsed Phil Washington, President Biden’s choice to serve as the next FAA Administrator.
Press Releases 03/21/2023
America’s Aviation Community Agrees: FAA Needs Phil Washington’s Leadership
Momentum continues to grow behind President Biden’s nominee, Phil Washington, to serve as the next FAA Administrator. Over the last two weeks, Mr. Washington has received endorsements from across the U.S. aviation community, including pilots, flight attendants, aerospace workers, airport executives, safety specialists, airlines, former FAA administrators and others who agree he is the right person at the right time to lead the FAA.
Press Releases 03/21/2023
Harry Reid International, Las Vegas Backs Phil Washington
Phil Washington, President Biden’s nominee to serve as the next FAA Administrator, today picked up the endorsement of Harry Reid International Airport Director Rosemary Vassiliadis, who noted that Washington will bring to the position “the leadership and experience it takes to manage the complexities of our aviation system.” Vassiliadis adds to the chorus of support from airport executives who recognize the critical role these leaders play in ensuring the continued safety of passengers, employees, aircraft and facilities every day.
Press Releases 03/21/2023
Former Transportation Secretary and Prominent Republican Ray LaHood Calls Phil Washington “Exactly What the FAA Needs at This Critical Time for Aviation”
This week, Ray LaHood, former Secretary of Transportation and Republican congressman, sent a letter to the Committee expressing his strong support for Phil Washington to be the next FAA Administrator and calling for his swift confirmation.
Press Releases 03/21/2023
UNITE HERE Endorses Phil Washington on Behalf of Tens of Thousands of Front Line Workers
On behalf of 40,000 workers in airports across the country, Phil Washington, President Biden’s nominee to serve as the next FAA Administrator, today received the endorsement of UNITE HERE, which represents 300,000 working people in the airport, hotel, gaming, food service, transportation, and laundry industries.
Press Releases 03/20/2023
Families Who Lost Loved Ones Aboard ET302 Firmly Endorse Phil Washington as The Outsider FAA Needs to “Spur Transformative Safety Change”
Citing decades of coziness between the FAA and the airline industry – and the ongoing need for safety reforms following two tragic Boeing MAX 737 crashes which took the lives of 346 individuals – family members of Ethiopian Air Flight 302 crash victims today firmly endorsed Phil Washington to serve as the next FAA Administrator. The families were instrumental in working with the Committee to craft and enact safety reforms in the Aircraft Certification, Safety and Accountability Act (ACSAA).
Press Releases 03/20/2023
Phil Washington Earns Backing of Millions of Aviation Workers
WASHINGTON, D.C. – AFL-CIO Transportation Trades Department (TTD), on behalf of millions of aviation workers across the country, endorsed President Biden’s nominee to be the next FAA Administrator, Phil Washington, and called for his swift confirmation.
Press Releases 03/20/2023
ICYMI: Hickenlooper Pens Denver Post Op-ed in Support of Phil Washington as FAA Administrator
In case you missed it, U.S. Senator John Hickenlooper penned an op-ed in the Denver Post today in support of Phil Washington’s nomination to serve as administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Press Releases 03/17/2023
Sen. Duckworth Statement in Support of Phil Washington’s Nomination to Lead FAA
U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Chair of the Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations and Innovation and former combat pilot, released the following statement regarding her strong support for Phil Washington, President Biden’s nominee for Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator:
Press Releases 03/16/2023
Flight Attendants Nationwide Call for Phil Washington Confirmation
Phil Washington, President Biden’s nominee to serve as the next FAA Administrator, has now received the major endorsements of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA (AFA-CWA), the largest flight attendants union with 50,000 flight attendants across 19 airlines, and the Association of Professional Flight Attendants (APFA), representing American Airlines’ 25,000 flight attendants. Both organizations made clear the need for a strong, Senate-confirmed leader at the FAA in light of several recent “close calls.”
Press Releases 03/16/2023
Cantwell at Aviation Workforce Hearing: “Now More Than Ever, We Cannot Afford to Leave Good Talent on the Table”
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, discussed the importance of building a pipeline of aviation talent to meet the growing demand for commercial air travel and expanding efforts to recruit, educate and train more women and minorities for career opportunities in aerospace. Her remarks came at today’s Commerce Committee hearing on strengthening the aviation workforce.
Press Releases 03/16/2023
Pilots and Safety Specialists Tell Commerce Committee: Phil Washington Has What it Takes to Lead FAA
Today, during the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation hearing on strengthening the aviation workforce, Capt. Jason Ambrosi, President of the Air Line Pilots Association, International, which represents more than 67,000 pilots at 39 airlines, and David Spero, National President of the Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, AFL-CIO, which represents more than 11,000 public servants at the FAA and DOD expressed their strong support for Phil Washington to lead the FAA.
Press Releases 03/15/2023
100k Strong, Machinists & Aerospace Workers Back Phil Washington as FAA Administrator
Underscoring the strong support of the hard working men and women in the airline industry, today Phil Washington received the endorsement of the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), the largest airline union in North America.
Press Releases 03/10/2023
Largest Airline Workers Union Says Phil Washington is the Leader FAA Needs to Ensure Safety, Competitiveness
Transport Workers Union of America (TWU) – the largest airline workers union in the United States – underscored their support for Phil Washington to be the next FAA Administrator, calling him “exactly the leader that the FAA needs as it navigates the increasingly complex issues facing our national airspace.” TWU represents nearly every class and craft of worker across 17 airlines and several airline contractors.
Press Releases 03/9/2023
Cantwell Keeps Commitment to Safety with 737 MAX Oversight Hearing to Ensure Safety Reforms are Being Met
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, questioned FAA Acting Administrator Billy Nolen today on the status and implementation of aviation safety reforms required in the Aircraft Certification, Safety and Accountability Act (ACSAA), which Congress passed following the tragic 737 MAX crashes. Sen. Cantwell emphasized the need for transparency to ensure the FAA is meeting key deadlines, including workforce reviews to build a technical workforce.
Press Releases 03/9/2023
NEW: Frontier Airlines Endorses Phil Washington for FAA Administrator “Wholeheartedly”
Adding to the chorus of support for Phil Washington, President Biden’s nominee to serve as the next FAA Administrator, Frontier Airlines CEO Barry Biffle wrote to the Senate Commerce Committee to “wholeheartedly” recommend Mr. Washington’s confirmation. Along with its headquarters in Denver, Frontier operates major hubs from Harry Reid International Airport in Las Vegas and Orlando International Airport. Additionally, the airline serves travelers from bases in Atlanta, Chicago, Miami, Philadelphia, Phoenix and Tampa.
Press Releases 03/8/2023
Past FAA Administrators Endorse Phil Washington, Biden’s Nominee for FAA Administrator
Former FAA Administrators today rebuked Republicans’ distortion of the aviation qualifications needed to effectively lead the agency, and publicly endorsed Phil Washington, President Biden’s nominee to serve as the next Administrator, citing his invaluable safety experience, record of successfully managing large, complex organizations and his decades of public service.
Press Releases 03/8/2023
Cantwell Opening Remarks at MAX Aviation Safety Oversight Hearing
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, delivered the following opening remarks during today’s hearing with Acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen on the status and implementation of aviation safety reforms outlined in in the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act (ACSAA) which Congress passed following the tragic MAX-8 crashes. Sen. Cantwell authored the aviation safety legislation and it was signed into law on December 27, 2020.
Press Releases 03/8/2023
Sen. Cruz: 737 Max Crashes Are Stark Reminder of Why an FAA Leader Must Have Deep Technical Expertise
Press Releases 03/7/2023
Sen. Cantwell Statement on Gigi Sohn’s Decision to Withdraw Her Nomination to the FCC Commission
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, made the following statement regarding Gigi Sohn’s decision to withdraw her nomination to serve as an FCC Commissioner:
Press Releases 03/7/2023
Republicans Get Lesson On What It Takes To Run An Airport
During his nomination hearing last week to serve as FAA Administrator, Republicans questioned Phil Washington’s experience as CEO of Denver International Airport – the 3rd largest airport in the country – asserting the job doesn’t have anything to do with safety or aviation. In a letter to the Committee, the President of Airports Council International – North America, which represents more than 300 airports in the U.S. and Canada and more than 400 aviation-related businesses, refuted Republicans, outlining the extensive responsibilities that come with running an airport, such as meeting a complex set of FAA safety requirements in order to obtain and keep an airport operating certificate, ensuring safety of passengers, aircraft operations and facilities, and overseeing billions of dollars in safety investment projects.
Press Releases 03/7/2023
Powerful Airport Workers Union Says Phil Washington’s Bold Leadership Needed at FAA
On behalf of 36,000 airport service employees across the country, the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) announced its strong endorsement of Phil Washington, President Biden’s nominee to serve as the next FAA Administrator.
Press Releases 03/6/2023
Senate Commerce Republicans Blast Biden Admin for Imposing Costly Climate Agenda on NASA’s Space Exploration
Press Releases 03/1/2023
Democrats: Phil Washington is Ready to Lead Our Nation’s Aviation Safety Agency
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, today delivered the following opening statement during the nomination hearing for Phil Washington, President Biden’s choice to serve as the next administrator for the Federal Aviation Administration. Introductory remarks from Colorado Senators John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.) and Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) are also below.
Press Releases 03/1/2023
Cantwell, Democrats: Phil Washington is a Proven Leader With a Mission for Safety
Today, during a U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation nomination hearing for Phil Washington, President Biden’s nominee to be the next Administrator for the Federal Aviation Administration, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee, and other Committee Democratic members focused on the nominee’s qualifications and extensive history leading complex transportation systems, ensuring that safety is a top priority for the nation’s aviation safety Administrator.
Press Releases 03/1/2023
Sen. Cruz: Phil Washington Doesn’t Qualify Because He Has Woefully Inadequate Aviation Safety Experience
Press Releases 02/28/2023
Cantwell: “The Starting Gun Has Sounded” in Race to Restore U.S. as Global Leader in Semiconductor Manufacturing
Today, the federal CHIPS Program Office opened up its first funding opportunity for domestic semiconductor manufacturing, kicking off the nationwide race for $39 billion in manufacturing incentives and $11 billion in research and workforce development investments from the Department of Commerce. The funds were allocated in the CHIPS & Science Act, which U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) played a key role in getting over the finish line last year.
Press Releases 02/23/2023
Sen. Cruz Releases Statement in Response to NTSB’s Preliminary Report on East Palestine Derailment
Press Releases 02/17/2023
Cantwell Initiates Committee Inquiry Into Railroads’ Handling of Hazardous Materials
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, sent a letter to seven of the largest railroad company CEOs, requesting detailed information and documents about safety practices involved in rail transportation of hazardous materials by March 17, 2023.
Press Releases 02/17/2023
Skyrocketing Prescription Drug Costs, a “Life or Death Matter,” Says Cantwell
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, held a hearing on the importance of shedding light on the role Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) play in the skyrocketing price of prescription drugs.
Press Releases 02/17/2023
Commerce Committee Announces Subcommittee Memberships
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, today announced Democratic and Republican subcommittee assignments for the 118th Congress.
Press Releases 02/16/2023
Sens. Cruz, Thune Release Statement on Looming Expiration of Spectrum Auction Authority
Press Releases 02/16/2023
Sen. Cruz: We Need To Think Carefully About Advancing Legislation to Dramatically Expand the FTC’s Power
Press Releases 02/16/2023
Cantwell, Hickenlooper and Colleagues Reintroduce Bill to Reduce Orbiting Junk That Endangers the Future Space Economy
This week, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, joined U.S. Sens. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.) and Diane Feinstein (D-Calif.) to reintroduce the Orbital Sustainability (ORBITS) Act, a bipartisan bill to establish a first-of-its-kind demonstration program to reduce the amount of space junk in orbit.
Press Releases 02/15/2023
Cantwell: “For the United States to be the leader in aviation, we must set the global standard for aviation safety.”
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, delivered the following opening remarks at today’s hearing with Acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen on last month’s FAA NOTAM system failure and ensuring the safety and security of our nation’s airspace. Cantwell also pointed to the lack of diversity in aviation, calling for continued work to encourage more women to enter the aviation industry.
Press Releases 02/15/2023
Cantwell Calls for “True Redundancy”; Gives FAA One Week to Respond With Plan
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today directed the Acting FAA Administrator to return within a week with an immediate plan for building a reliable, separate back up system to ensure true redundancy for the FAA’s Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) system.
Press Releases 02/15/2023
Sen. Cruz: The Flying Public Is Stuck with a Self-regulating and Flailing Agency Stuck in the 20th Century
Press Releases 02/14/2023
At 3rd Nomination Hearing Sen. Cantwell Calls Personal Attacks Against Biden Nominee Gigi Sohn “distractions from the fact that Ms. Sohn is immensely qualified for this position and a highly effective, would be, FCC commissioner”
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell delivered the following opening remarks at today’s 3rd nomination hearing for Gigi Sohn, President Biden’s nominee to serve on the FCC Commission, underscoring Sohn’s exception qualifications, bipartisan support and her commitment to serving the public:
Press Releases 02/14/2023
Cantwell: The FAA Must Be the Global Standard
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, released the below statement ahead of the Wednesday, February 15, hearing with Acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen regarding the causes and impacts of the Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) system outage on January 11, 2023, which prompted Nolan to issue the first nation-wide ground stop since 9/11:
Press Releases 02/14/2023
Sen. Cruz: Gigi Sohn Is an Extreme Partisan Who Lacks the Impartiality and Candor Necessary To Sit On FCC
Press Releases 02/13/2023
Sen. Cruz Launches Sweeping Big Tech Oversight Investigation
Press Releases 02/9/2023
Sen. Cruz: Regulatory Overreach by the DOT Would Make Air Travel Costlier, Limit Routes
Press Releases 02/8/2023
Cantwell Statement Ahead of Southwest Hearing: “The American people have a lot of questions…We’re going to ask for answers”
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, released the below statement ahead of tomorrow’s hearing titled “Strengthening Airline Operations and Consumer Protections.” Sen. Cantwell will question Southwest Airlines Chief Operating Officer Andrew Watterson about the upheaval at the airline over the 2022 holiday season that resulted in 16,700 canceled flights and millions of stranded passengers. The Committee will also hear testimony from representatives from Southwest Airlines Pilots Association, Flyers’ Rights and Airlines for America.
Press Releases 02/7/2023
Cantwell Hears WA Residents’ Holiday Travel Stories Ahead of Committee Hearing: “It’s Clear That There Was a System Failure at Southwest”
Today, U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, held a virtual roundtable to hear from five Washington state residents who were caught up in Southwest Airlines’ holiday meltdown. Sen. Cantwell will chair a hearing on Thursday, February 9, 2023 regarding these operational failures and strengthening consumer protections for air travelers.
Press Releases 02/7/2023
Cantwell, Klobuchar, Collins, Lummis Call on Telehealth Companies to Protect Patients’ Sensitive Health Data
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, today joined Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) to call on the CEOs of three telehealth companies to protect their patients’ sensitive health data following reports the companies are tracking and sharing their customers’ personally identifiable health data with social media platforms for advertising purposes.
Press Releases 02/3/2023
Chair Cantwell Announces Committee Leadership for the 118th Congress
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, today announced Democratic subcommittee chairs for the 118th Congress.
Press Releases 02/2/2023
Sens. Cruz, Manchin Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Stop the Federal Government from Banning Gas Stoves
Press Releases 02/1/2023
Sens. Cruz, Graham, Lee, Cotton Raise Political Censorship Concerns with DirecTV’s Decision to Drop Conservative News Network Newsmax
Press Releases 02/1/2023
Cantwell Joins Colleagues to Introduce Resolution Recognizing Feb. 1 As “National Girls & Women in Sports Day”
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, joined Sens. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) and Patty Murray (D-Wash.) in introducing a bipartisan resolution recognizing today, February 1, as National Girls & Women in Sports Day.
Press Releases 02/1/2023
On this 20th Anniversary, Sens. Cantwell, Cruz Introduce Bipartisan Resolution Honoring Crewmembers Who Lost Their Lives Aboard Space Shuttle Columbia on February 1, 2003
On the 20th anniversary of the Space Shuttle Columbia tragedy, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), incoming Ranking Member of the Commerce Committee, introduced a Senate resolution honoring the seven crewmembers who lost their lives on February 1, 2003. The resolution is co-sponsored by Sens. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), Tim Kaine (D-Va.), Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Mark Warner (D-Va.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.).
Press Releases 01/31/2023
Cantwell’s Megaprojects Program Will Move Hudson Tunnel & 8 Other Major Projects Forward, Creating Jobs, Improving Supply Chain, Easing Commuters’ Lives
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, applauded the announcement by President Biden and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg that 9 major transportation projects – including the Hudson Tunnel -- have been awarded a total $1.2 billion through the Cantwell-authored new Megaprojects Grant program in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The law authorized $5 billion in funding through 2026.
Press Releases 01/29/2023
Senate Commerce Committee Delivers Progress for American Families, Economy, Future Under Chair Cantwell
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, released a review of Committee achievements during the 117th Congress.
Press Releases 01/27/2023
Cantwell, Grassley Continue Fight Against Skyrocketing Drug Costs
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), senior member of the Senate Judiciary and Finance committees, continued to press for transparency and fairness in the prescription drug market, partnering again on legislation to hold pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) accountable for opaque and often deceptive practices that contribute to high drug prices for consumers. Sen. Cantwell successfully advanced the Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act through the Commerce Committee in June and vowed to keep fighting until it becomes law.
Press Releases 01/25/2023
Sens Cruz, Cantwell and Reps Curtis, Moulton Introduce Consumer Protection Bill on Recording Smart Devices
Press Releases 01/25/2023
Sen. Cruz Demands Answers on Biden Administration’s Efforts to Ban Gas Stoves
Press Releases 01/18/2023
“Train Ride From Hell”: Senators Demand Answers From Amtrak After Harrowing Passenger Accounts From 37-Hour Delayed Journey
WASHINGTON, D.C. – After disturbing Amtrak Auto Train passenger accounts from a delayed 37-hour-long journey, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, alongside Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) sent a letter to Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner demanding answers about the incident and an explanation of the company’s policies to ensure adequate customer treatment.
Press Releases 01/11/2023
Cantwell Statement on FAA System Outage
Press Releases 01/9/2023
Cantwell Calls for Increased Oversight After Keystone Pipeline Spills Nearly 600,000 Gallons of Tar Sands, Largest Onshore Spill in Nearly a Decade
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today sent a letter to Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) Deputy Administrator Tristan Brown with concerns about the oversight of TC Energy’s special permit for the Keystone pipeline, which last month spilled nearly 600 thousand gallons of bitumen oil, polluting a creek that flows into nearby rivers and becoming the largest onshore crude pipeline spill in almost a decade. Today, the EPA and TC Energy signed a consent order to clean up the creek.
Press Releases 01/5/2023
President Biden Signs Cantwell-Capito Equal Pay Bill Into Law, Historic Win for Women’s Equality in Sports
Today, President Biden signed the Cantwell-Capito Equal Pay for Team USA Act into law, ensuring all athletes who represent the United States in global competition – like the World Cup, Olympics and Paralympics – receive equal pay and benefits – regardless of gender.
Press Releases 01/4/2023
Committee to Hold Hearings in Wake of Southwest Airlines Operational, Customer Service Meltdown, Cantwell Says
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation said that the Committee intends to hold hearings in the wake of Southwest Airlines massive operational and customer service failures.
Press Releases 12/27/2022
Cantwell Statement on Southwest Airlines Flight Cancellations
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, released the following statement regarding Southwest Airlines’ cancellation of thousands of flights:
Press Releases 12/22/2022
Cantwell Celebrates Women Athletes as Equal Pay for TEAM USA Act Heads to President’s Desk
Following last night’s overwhelming 350-59 vote by the U.S. House, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, took to the Senate floor to celebrate final passage of her bipartisan Equal Pay for Team USA Act. This landmark legislation ensures that all athletes who represent the United States in global competition – like the World Cup, Olympics and Paralympics – receive equal pay and benefits – regardless of gender. The bill passed the Senate unanimously on December 8 and now heads to the President’s desk.
Press Releases 12/21/2022
Historic Win for Women’s Equality in Sports | Equal Pay for Equal Play Coming to Team USA as Cantwell-Capito Bill Heads to President’s Desk
Following unanimous passage last week by the U.S. Senate, tonight the U.S. House passed the bipartisan Equal Pay for Team USA Act, landmark legislation to ensure all athletes who represent United States in global competition – like the World Cup, Olympics and Paralympics – receive equal pay and benefits – regardless of gender. The bill now heads to the President’s desk.
Press Releases 12/19/2022
WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING: House Members Urge Leadership to Bring Cantwell-Capito Equal Pay for Team USA Act to the Floor for a Vote
On Friday, U.S. House Representatives Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ-11) and Nancy Mace (R-SC-1) led a bipartisan group of representatives in a letter to House leadership, urging them to bring the Equal Pay for Team USA Act, which passed the Senate unanimously earlier this month, to the House floor for a vote before the end of the 117th Congress.
Press Releases 12/16/2022
Bipartisan Coast Guard, MARAD Reauthorization, Washington State Priorities Heading to President’s Desk as Part of NDAA
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, announced that the bipartisan Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 and U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) Reauthorization Act, as well as several oceans provisions passed the Senate as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The legislative package now heads to President Biden’s desk.
Press Releases 12/13/2022
Wicker, Grassley Urge DOJ Inspector General to Investigate Abuses at the Commerce Department
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, ranking member of the Senate Committee on the Judiciary, yesterday sent a letter to Department of Justice (DOJ) Inspector General Michael Horowitz requesting that he lead a “root cause analysis” in furtherance of the Commerce Committee’s initial investigation into abuses at the Department of Commerce’s Investigations and Threat Management Service (ITMS). The Commerce Committee’s investigation uncovered a failure of the DOJ, U.S. Marshals Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) to exercise appropriate oversight of ITMS activities, particularly the use of “special deputation” of ITMS employees by the Marshals Service, which enabled many ITMS abuses.
Press Releases 12/12/2022
During the World Cup, Cantwell, Capito Equal Pay for Team USA Bill Passes Senate Unanimously; Journey to Equal Pay in Sports Closest It’s Ever Been
The U.S. Senate unanimously passed the bipartisan Equal Pay for Team USA Act, led by Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), along with Sens. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), that would ensure equal pay for all Americans who represent the United States in global athletic competitions, like the World Cup and Olympics, regardless of gender. The bill must now pass the House.
Press Releases 12/9/2022
Bipartisan Coast Guard, MARAD Reauthorization Bills Set to Pass as Part of NDAA
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, successfully negotiated the inclusion of the bipartisan Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 and U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) Reauthorization Act, as well as several oceans provisions as part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). The NDAA passed the House and is expected to pass the Senate next week.
Press Releases 12/8/2022
Wicker Calls for New Hearing on Big Tech Censorship
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today sent a letter to U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, chair of the Committee, urging her to hold a hearing on the state of free speech on social media before the end of the 117th Congress. This urgent request follows the release of the “Twitter Files,” which revealed internal communications from Twitter’s content moderation team that confirmed the tech giant had been coordinating with the Biden campaign to take down posts and that there was no defensible basis for censoring a report from the New York Post on Hunter Biden.
Press Releases 12/7/2022
Commerce Committee Approves 10 Biden Nominations for Commissions and Coast Guard Promotions
Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation during an Executive Session approved ten Biden Administration nominations to serve on several boards, as well as Coast Guard promotions.
Press Releases 11/23/2022
As Thanksgiving Approaches, Cantwell, Markey, Blumenthal Call on DOT to Strengthen Ticket Refunds Rule
With more than an estimated four million people travelling through U.S. airports this Thanksgiving season, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Committee-members Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) filed a comment on the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) proposed rule on airline ticket refunds, urging the Department to strengthen and expeditiously finalize the proposed rule to ensure that consumers are fairly compensated when an airline cancels or significantly delays their flight – including secondary costs incurred from hotels, meals and transportation in the event of a cancellation or significant delay due to a problem within the airline’s control.
Press Releases 11/22/2022
Cantwell, Bipartisan Group of Senators Tell Appropriators: America’s Competitive Future Depends on Fully Funding CHIPS & Science Act
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, led a bipartisan letter to Senate Appropriators underscoring that Congress must fully fund the CHIPS and Science Act in the Fiscal Year 2023 Appropriations Bill to ensure U.S. global economic and technological leadership.
Press Releases 11/18/2022
Cantwell, Cruz Co-Author Consumer Protection Bill on Recording Smart Devices
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, and Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, introduced the Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act.
Press Releases 11/18/2022
Wicker Statement on FCC Broadband Maps
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today released the following statement regarding the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) draft broadband availability maps. These new maps are a result of Wicker’s Broadband Deployment Accuracy and Technological Availability (DATA) Act, which required the FCC to strengthen its broadband data collection and mapping process to help deploy broadband more accurately to underserved and unserved communities across the nation.
Press Releases 11/17/2022
Cantwell Honors Eddie Bernice Johnson on 40 Years of Service and Shaping the Next Generation of Women in STEM
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, honored Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX-30), Chair of the House Space, Science and Technology Committee, at a ceremony unveiling Chair Johnson’s official portrait. Chair Johnson is retiring this year after 40 years in public service. She was the first African American and first woman to chair the House Science Committee and was a key negotiator with Sen. Cantwell in passing the historic CHIPS and Science Act. In honor of Chair Johnson’s commitment to STEM, the legislation honors her with the “Eddie Bernice Johnson INCLUDES Initiative” to help increase diversity and opportunities in STEM careers.
Press Releases 11/16/2022
Artemis Blasts Off Toward the Moon – With Contributions from 42 WA Companies and Funding Spearheaded by Cantwell
Today, NASA’s Artemis I mission successfully launched from Kennedy Space Center. This is the first uncrewed test flight of the Artemis program, which is designed to return humans on the Moon and prepare for human exploration of Mars. It is also the first flight of the agency’s Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, led by Boeing, and the second spaceflight of the Orion crew capsule, led by Lockheed Martin.
Press Releases 11/15/2022
Cantwell Wants Children’s Online Privacy Bills Passed During Lame Duck
Today, Commerce Committee spokesperson Tricia Enright provided the following statement regarding Chair Cantwell’s full support for efforts to pass Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0) and the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) during the lame duck session.
Press Releases 11/8/2022
Cantwell: With New Federal Funding, Community Colleges Can Be “Backbone” of STEM Education
On Friday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, visited Yakima Valley College (YVC) for a roundtable discussion about STEM education opportunities. Sen. Cantwell and YVC faculty and students discussed the hands-on STEM education opportunities available at YVC, as well as new federal funding for programs aimed at Hispanic and first-generation college students unlocked by the recently-passed CHIPS & Science Act. The roundtable was followed by a tour of YVC’s STEM education facilities, including an on-campus lab where students are growing bacteria as part as an ongoing study into antibiotics.
Press Releases 10/28/2022
5 Washington state Ports to Receive $71.4 Million to Boost to Maritime Economy, Cantwell Announces
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, announced that a total of $71,488,445 in federal grants have been awarded to five critical ports in Washington state, including: Port of Grays Harbor, Northwest Seaport Alliance Port of Seattle, Swinomish Indian Tribal Community, Port of Olympia and the Port of Port Angeles. The grants were awarded through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration’s (MARAD) Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP).
Press Releases 10/27/2022
On CPSC 50th Anniversary, Cantwell Highlights Action to Protect Children From Residential Elevator Hazards
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, recognized the 50th anniversary of the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the decades of work to protect American consumers from dangerous and deadly products, including this year’s long overdue actions to protect children from hazardous residential elevators.
Press Releases 10/7/2022
Cantwell, Grassley Urge FTC to Complete Investigation Into PBM Practices Driving Up Rx Drug Costs
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), ranking member of the Judiciary Committee, continued their efforts to increase transparency in the prescription drug pricing market, leading a bipartisan letter to Chairwoman Lina Khan to underscore the urgency for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to complete its Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM) investigation and report its findings to Congress.
Press Releases 10/5/2022
ICYMI: Cantwell on Culture of Abuse in Women’s Soccer
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, posted the following statement calling on the U.S. Soccer Federation and National Women’s Soccer League to immediately implement recommendations outlined in the recent investigation report by former acting U.S. Attorney General Sally Q. Yates which found systemic emotional and verbal abuse and sexual harassment in the league.
Press Releases 10/4/2022
Cantwell Applauds New Flight Attendant Safety Rest Requirement
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, applauded the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) new rule that gives airline flight attendants 10 hours of consecutive rest time between shifts, guaranteeing flight attendants now have the same rest time as pilots.
Press Releases 09/29/2022
Cantwell Says CHIPS and Science Act Key to Advancing U.S. Computing Technologies & Building the Workforce to Drive it
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, underscored the need to fully fund the CHIPS and Science Act STEM education programs and build a competitive, highly-skilled workforce – the workforce needed for American leadership in key areas like artificial intelligence, quantum science, distributed ledger technologies and the semiconductors that power the computer industry.
Press Releases 09/29/2022
Wicker Remarks at “Securing U.S. Leadership in Emerging Compute Technologies” Hearing
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today delivered remarks at a full committee hearing titled, “Securing U.S. Leadership in Emerging Compute Technologies.” Senator Wicker discussed the impactful provisions in the Creating Helpful Incentives to Produce Semiconductors (CHIPS) and Science Act, which was recently signed into law, and the importance of American leadership in technology.
Press Releases 09/28/2022
Wicker Remarks at Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Hearing
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today participated in an Aviation Safety, Operations and Innovation subcommittee hearing titled “FAA Reauthorization: Integrating New Entrants into the National Airspace System.” The hearing included testimony on the 2023 reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and how the agency can best integrate uncrewed aviation systems (UAS) and advanced air mobility platforms.
Press Releases 09/28/2022
Wicker Endorses U.S. Candidate for ITU Secretary General
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today released the following statement in support of Doreen Bodgan-Martin, the U.S. candidate for secretary general of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). The ITU is the specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international information and communication technologies.
Press Releases 09/28/2022
Successful Electric Airplane Test Could Mean More Flights to Regional Airports, Cantwell Says
Today, Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) addressed aviation industry leaders testifying before the Senate Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations and Innovation. Cantwell, who serves as the committee chair, highlighted the need to invest in electric aircraft and alternative sustainable fuel sources in order to make commuter air travel cleaner, more affordable and more accessible for communities across Washington state and the nation.
Press Releases 09/28/2022
Cantwell Releases Statement in Support for U.S. Candidate Doreen Bogdan-Martin to Serve as Secretary General of ITU
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, released the following statement in support of Doreen Bogdan-Martin, the U.S. candidate for Secretary General of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), the United Nations agency that specializes in spectrum management, telecommunications technical standards and improving broadband access in communities across the globe.
Press Releases 09/22/2022
Wicker, Cantwell Introduce the Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., ranking member and chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today introduced the Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act. The bill would provide more young people with recreational fishing experiences and increase future fishing participation by establishing a grant program at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for underserved communities.
Press Releases 09/22/2022
Cantwell, Wicker Introduce the Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act
U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), chair and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today introduced the Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act. The bill would provide more young people with recreational fishing experiences and increase future fishing participation by establishing a grant program at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) for underserved communities.
Press Releases 09/22/2022
Cantwell Praises Dr. Prabhakar for White House OSTP Director Ahead of Confirmation
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, praised Dr. Arati Prabhakar, President Biden’s nominee to be director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), ahead of today’s Senate confirmation vote. In remarks on the Senate floor last night, Sen. Cantwell underscored Dr. Prabhakar’s exceptional qualifications, experience and commitment to advancing innovation in science and technology and to expanding STEM education and opportunities for women and girls.
Press Releases 09/20/2022
Cantwell, Consumer Advocates Call on Republicans to Restore Consumer Refunds
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, rallied hundreds of consumer protection advocates from across the country who are calling on Congress this week to pass the Consumer Protection Remedies Act of 2022 that would restore the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) power to secure refunds for millions of consumers ripped off by illegal scams, fraud and other unfair, deceptive and anticompetitive practices. In April 2021, the Supreme Court stripped the FTC’s “Section 13(b)” authority which it had used to return $11.2 billion owed to consumers in the five years prior to the decision.
Press Releases 09/15/2022
Senate Confirms Pekoske for a Second TSA Administrator Term
The U.S. Senate voted to confirm President Biden’s nominee, David Pekoske, for a second term as Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Before the vote, Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, spoke on the Senate floor urging lawmakers to support the nomination.
Press Releases 09/15/2022
Statement From Senator Cantwell on Railroad Labor Agreement
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, released the following statement regarding the tentative agreement reached early this morning between freight railroads and unions:
Press Releases 09/14/2022
Wicker Reintroduces Bill Establishing a National Framework for Student Athlete NIL
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today reintroduced the Collegiate Athlete Compensation Rights Act to create a national framework for student a
Press Releases 09/14/2022
Cantwell, Wicker, Baldwin Bipartisan Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 Passes Commerce Committee
Today, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation passed the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 that would reauthorize the Coast Guard for Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023. U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee, Ranking Member Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Subcommittee on Oceans Chair Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) introduced the legislation last week and the bill now heads to the Senate floor, as amended by 52 bipartisan amendments.
Press Releases 09/14/2022
Commerce Committee Approves Bipartisan Coast Guard Reauthorization Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation during an executive session approved S.4802 the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022 that would reauthorize the Coast Guard for Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023.
Press Releases 09/14/2022
Wicker Expresses Concern Surrounding Warrant Naming FAA Nominee
Press Releases 09/13/2022
Cantwell, Hickenlooper, Lummis, Wicker, Introduce Bill to Thin Out the 900,000 Pieces of Orbiting Junk That Endanger the Future of Space Exploration
Yesterday, U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, joined U.S. Sens. John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.) and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) to introduce the Orbital Sustainability (ORBITS) Act, a bipartisan bill to establish a first-of-its-kind demonstration program to reduce the amount of space junk in orbit.
Press Releases 09/9/2022
Wicker Urges the Advancement of Federal Data Privacy Legislation
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today released the following statement regarding his efforts to advance the American Data Privacy and Protection Act (ADPPA). This statement follows the White House’s recent listening session on tech platform accountability, which listed the Administration’s principles for reform on this issue.
Press Releases 09/9/2022
Wicker Calls for Swift Resolution to Rail Dispute
Commerce Committee Leader Endorses PEB Recommendations, Congressional Action If Negotiations Fail
Press Releases 09/9/2022
$20 Billion Intel Semiconductor Plant to Break Ground After Passage of Cantwell-led Bill
Today, President Joe Biden traveled to Columbus, Ohio, to celebrate the groundbreaking of Intel’s new semiconductor manufacturing plant. The company’s expansion marks the first major investment in domestic microchip manufacturing directly linked to the passage of the CHIPS & Science Act, championed by Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and signed into law on Aug. 9.
Press Releases 09/8/2022
Cantwell, Wicker, Baldwin Introduce Bipartisan Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2022
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Ranking Member Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Subcommittee Chair Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) today introduced legislation that would reauthorize the Coast Guard for Fiscal Years 2022 and 2023.
Press Releases 09/7/2022
Cantwell, Capito Take the Field With U.S. Soccer for Signing of Historic Equal Pay Agreement
Following tonight’s U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT) match against Nigeria, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.) joined leaders of U.S. Soccer, USWNT and the U.S. Men’s National Soccer Team (USMNT) for the signing of historic Collective Bargaining Agreements which guarantee players are paid equally. The fight for equal pay inspired the senators’ bipartisan Equal Pay for Team USA Act which would require equal pay and benefits for all Team USA athletes who represent the United States in global athletic competitions, like the Olympics, regardless of gender.
Press Releases 08/11/2022
Wicker Statement on FTC Notice on Privacy
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today released the following statement on the American Data Privacy and Protection Act (ADPPA) and the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) announcement of an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on data privacy:
Press Releases 08/10/2022
Cantwell, Capito Propose Broadband Buildout Along America’s Electricity Grid
Last week, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and U.S. Senator Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, introduced the Grant to Rapidly Invest and Deploy Broadband, or GRID Broadband Act, a pioneering proposal that would provide a robust new federal cost-share to spur investment in a nationwide middle-mile backbone along the nation’s existing electricity grid. The goal of this bipartisan initiative is to help provide affordable high-speed Internet options to the 120 million American households that lack connectivity and enhance the resiliency, diversity, and security of America’s electrical grid.
Press Releases 08/9/2022
ICYMI: Sen. Cantwell on CNBC The Exchange Following President Biden’s Signing of CHIPS and Science Act
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, joined Kelly Evans on CNBC’s The Exchange on Tuesday, August 9, 2022, following today’s White House ceremony where President Biden signed the CHIPS and Science Act into law.
Press Releases 08/9/2022
Cantwell Statement on President Biden’s Signing of CHIPS and Science Act Into Law During White House Ceremony
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, attended today’s signing by President Biden of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 at a White House ceremony. Sen. Cantwell was a lead architect of the law and successfully rallied a last-minute bipartisan push to secure the inclusion of historic investments in scientific research and development.
Press Releases 08/8/2022
Sen. Cantwell, Democrats Deliver Wins to Boost Sustainable Aviation Fuel, Support Coastal and Climate Resiliency, and Improve Weather Forecasting in Inflation Reduction Act
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, applauded the passage by Senate Democrats on Sunday, August 7, of the Inflation Reduction Act, which will lower costs for American families and tackle the generational challenge of climate change. As Chair, Sen. Cantwell authored key provisions to boost development and production of sustainable aviation fuel and low-emission technologies, support coastal and climate resiliency projects, and improve weather research and forecasting.
Press Releases 08/4/2022
Senate and House Members Introduce PLAN for Broadband Act
Press Releases 08/4/2022
ICYMI: Sen. Cantwell on CNBC Squawk Box Talking What CHIPS and Science Act Means for Americans, Ahead of President Biden’s Signing
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, joined Andrew Ross Sorkin on CNBC Squawk Box on Wednesday, August 4, 2022, to talk about the importance of the CHIPS and Science Act investments, ahead of next Tuesday’s signing by President Biden.
Press Releases 08/3/2022
Chair Cantwell, Senators Markey, Blumenthal, Statement on Proposed Rule to Improve Consumer Protections for Travelers Seeking Airline Refunds
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Sens. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), both members of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, released the following statement after the Department of Transportation (DOT) released a proposed rule to strengthen protections for consumers seeking refunds for airline tickets.
Press Releases 08/2/2022
Wicker Praises NASA Authorization Act of 2022
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today praised the congressional passage of the NASA Authorization Act of 2022 that was included in the CHIPS Act of 2022. The legislation provides the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) the clear direction needed to advance our nation’s space initiatives and investments and assert American global leadership in the final frontier.
Press Releases 07/29/2022
View the CHIPS+ Legislation
Press Releases 07/29/2022
Cantwell, Key Architect of CHIPS Package: “A great day for what might seem to many Americans as a very kind of ‘what does science and R&D really mean for me?’ Well, in reality, investment today means jobs for tomorrow.”
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Chair of the bipartisan Conference Committee on innovation and competition legislation, applauded overwhelming Senate passage today of a nearly $250 billion package of historic federal investments in American science and technology research, innovation and manufacturing. Sen. Cantwell was a key architect of the bill’s provisions and helped rally a last-minute bipartisan push for keeping investments in science in the legislation. The Act passed the Senate by a 64-33 vote.
Press Releases 07/28/2022
Wicker Comments on Federal Data Privacy Efforts at Committee’s Executive Session
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, yesterday delivered remarks during the committee’s Executive Session. Wicker noted the need for comprehensive data privacy protection legislation and urged the committee to consider his bipartisan, bicameral American Data Privacy Protection Act (ADPPA).
Press Releases 07/28/2022
Commerce Committee Approves Dr. Prabhakar for OSTP Director, Sends President Biden’s Nominee Closer to Confirmation
On Wednesday, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation approved the nomination of Dr. Arati Prabhakar to serve as director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee, applauded her nomination as a qualified leader to head the agency’s efforts to grow diversity in STEM and advance U.S. leadership in science and technology. Her nomination will next be considered by the full Senate.
Press Releases 07/28/2022
Cantwell Co-Sponsors Bill to Reinstate Net Neutrality, Reverse Damaging Trump-Era Deregulation
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which oversees federal internet policy, today joined Commerce Committee member Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Representative Doris Matsui (CA-06) in introducing the Net Neutrality and Broadband Justice Act. The legislation would accurately classify broadband internet access as a telecommunications service under Title II of the Communications Act, giving the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) the appropriate authority to reinstate net neutrality protections.
Press Releases 07/27/2022
Commerce Committee Approves 2 Bills and 4 Nominations, including Bipartisan Children’s Online Privacy Legislation and OSTP Nomination
Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation approved two bipartisan bills to protect children online, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director nominee, Dr. Arati Prabhakar, the Transportation Security Administration Administrator nominee, David Pekoske, the Assistant Secretary of Commerce nominee, Susie Feliz, and Donald R. Cravins, the nominee to be Undersecretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development.
Press Releases 07/22/2022
Cantwell Highlights Dr. Prabhakar’s Exceptional Experience, Leadership for OSTP Director as Senate Set to Approve Science & Tech
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, called Dr. Arati Prabhakar, President Biden’s nominee to serve as director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), the right person to lead the agency’s efforts to grow diversity in STEM and advance U.S. leadership in science and tech through the implementation of the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act (USICA).
Press Releases 07/20/2022
Wicker Remarks at Nomination Hearing for Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Nominee Dr. Arati Phrabhakar
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today delivered the following remarks during the nomination hearing for the Director of White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) Nominee Dr. Arati Phrabhakar.
Press Releases 07/20/2022
Senate Takes Decisive Action to Advance United States Leadership in Tech Innovation
On Tuesday evening, the Senate voted to advance legislation to provide urgently needed investments in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing and research and development of new innovations and technologies vital to the United States’ national security and global economic competitiveness.
Press Releases 07/15/2022
Wicker, Burr Call on President Biden to Prevent Rail Strike, Avoid Further Supply Chain Crisis
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Richard Burr, R-NC., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to appoint an impartial and qualified Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) to facilitate a fair resolution between the railroad carriers and unions, avoiding a potential strike as early as Monday, July 18, 2022.
Press Releases 07/13/2022
Wicker Remarks at Nomination Hearing of Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration Nominee Admiral David P. Pekoske
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today delivered the following remarks during the nomination hearing for Admiral David P. Pekoske, who was nominated for a new five-year term as Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA):
Press Releases 07/7/2022
Wicker Statement on White House Nominee for FAA Administrator
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today released the following statement regarding President Biden’s intent to nominate Phillip A. Washington for Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.
Press Releases 07/6/2022
Cantwell Statement on the Nomination of Phil Washington as FAA Administrator
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which oversees the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), released the following statement after President Biden’s announcement that he will nominate Phil Washington to be the next FAA Administrator:
Press Releases 06/27/2022
ICYMI // Wicker In Transport Topics: Opportunities to Help Ocean Freight
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, authored an opinion piece in Transport Topics following the enactment of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act.
Press Releases 06/22/2022
Wicker Statement on White House Nominee for OSTP Director
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today released the following statement regarding the White House’s announcement that President Biden would be nominating Dr. Arati Prabhakar to be Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy:
Press Releases 06/22/2022
Commerce Committee Advances Cantwell, Grassley Bipartisan Bill to Combat Rising Prescription Drug Prices
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today advanced the bipartisan Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act to the full Senate.
Press Releases 06/22/2022
Ahead of 50th Anniversary of Title IX, Cantwell, Capito, Klobuchar, Lummis Equal Pay Bill Moves One Step Closer to Law
On the eve of the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, approved the bipartisan S.2333 Equal Pay for Team USA Act of 2021, sending it to the full Senate.
Press Releases 06/22/2022
Commerce Committee Approves 5 Bills and 4 Nominations, Including the Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act and Equal Pay for Team USA Act
Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation approved several pieces of legislation, including the Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act to increase transparency in the drug pricing marketplace, the Equal Pay for Team USA Act of 2021 to ensure that athletes competing internationally for the U.S. receive equal pay and benefits, as well as important maritime legislation, Presidential nominations and a Coast Guard promotion.
Press Releases 06/21/2022
Cantwell’s Statement on President Biden’s Nomination of Prabhakar for White House OSTP Director
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which oversees the nation’s science policy, released the following statement regarding President Biden’s nomination of Dr. Arati Prabhakar to be Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP).
Press Releases 06/17/2022
Wicker Writes to NCAA Ahead of Title IX 50th Anniversary
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today sent a letter to Mark Emmert, President of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), requesting an update on the organization’s Title IX enforcement, including funding information, data collection methods, U.S. universities’ compliance evaluations, and enforcement procedures. The letter comes in advance of the 50th anniversary of Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, which will occur on July 23, 2022.
Press Releases 06/16/2022
President Biden Signs Cantwell-Championed Ocean Shipping Reform Act
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, today joined President Biden and several colleagues at the White House to celebrate the signing of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act into law.
Press Releases 06/15/2022
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING | American Data Privacy and Protection Act
Industry leaders and organizations are expressing their support for the recent progress in Congress on a federal data privacy bill. U.S. Senator Roger Wicker and U.S. Representatives Frank Pallone and Cathy McMorris Rodgers released a discussion draft on the American Data Privacy and Protection Act (ADPPA) two weeks ago. On Tuesday, the House Subcommittee on Consumer Protection held a legislative hearing that discussed the bill.
Press Releases 06/14/2022
Federal Funds Now Available to Help Remove Fish Passage Barriers and Open Salmon Habitat
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, encouraged eligible states, counties, municipalities and Tribes to apply for a total of $77 million in grant opportunities to fund fish barrier removal projects made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Press Releases 06/14/2022
Murray, Cantwell, Casey Call on FTC to Investigate Price Gouging of Infant Formula
Murray, Cantwell, Casey push FTC to investigate whether major retail chains have engaged in unfair trade practices by raising prices for specialized formulas during nationwide shortage
Press Releases 06/13/2022
Ocean Shipping Overhaul Bill Heads to President’s Desk
Cantwell-championed legislation will crack down on foreign-owned carriers’ unfair shipping price hikes, decrease port congestion and reduce costs for consumers
Press Releases 06/10/2022
$2.36 Billion in Grant Opportunities to Repair, Replace Aging Bridges Opens to Applicants
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, encouraged Washington state, counties, municipalities and tribes to apply for the $2.36 billion Bridge Investment Program grants made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Press Releases 06/10/2022
Wicker Statement on Lifting of Pre-Departure COVID Testing Requirement
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today responded to news that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would be lifting the pre-departure COVID-19 testing requirement for travelers entering the U.S.
Press Releases 06/9/2022
Wicker Statement at National Telecommunications and Information Administration Oversight Hearing
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today participated in a subcommittee hearing to provide oversight of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The hearing, which featured testimony from NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson, was the first time since 2018 that testimony from the NTIA has been provided to members of the Commerce committee.
Press Releases 06/8/2022
Wicker Presses DOJ on Decision Not to Prosecute FBI Agents in USA Gymnastics Case
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland regarding the decision by the Department of Justice (DOJ) not to prosecute the FBI Special Agents involved in the Larry Nassar investigation. This follows the DOJ Office of Inspector General report that these agents were found to be derelict in their duty by failing to investigate the sexual abuse claims of the Olympic athletes.
Press Releases 06/8/2022
Cantwell, Wicker Introduce MARAD Reauthorization to Boost Investment in U.S. Maritime Industry
U.S. Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Ranking Member Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today introduced the bipartisan U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) Reauthorization Act.
Press Releases 06/3/2022
House and Senate Leaders Release Bipartisan Discussion Draft of Comprehensive Data Privacy Bill
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and U.S. Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. D-N.J., and Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, today released a discussion draft of a comprehensive national data privacy and data security framework. The draft legislation is the first comprehensive privacy proposal to gain bipartisan, bicameral support.
Press Releases 06/1/2022
Admiral Linda Fagan Sworn In As Commandant of U.S. Coast Guard, Becomes First Woman Leader of Any Branch of U.S. Armed Forces
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, hailed today’s swearing in of Admiral Linda Fagan, who becomes the 27th Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Press Releases 05/27/2022
Cantwell: “We have proof now .... that there is manipulation in oil markets.”
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, took to the Senate floor today to call for immediate action to pass the Transportation Fuel Market Transparency Act, which would greatly enhance federal oversight of petroleum markets that drive the prices consumers face at the pump.
Press Releases 05/26/2022
Cantwell Advances Her Bill Targeting Fuel Market Anomalies Hurting Consumers
Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation advanced Senator Maria Cantwell’s (D-WA) Transportation Fuel Market Transparency Act, which would significantly increase transportation fuel market transparency and direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to proactively monitor and prevent any fraud or manipulation that may be artificially inflating pump prices.
Press Releases 05/26/2022
Senate Confirms Cliff to Lead Highway Safety Traffic Administration as Traffic Fatalities Hit 16-Year High
The U.S. Senate confirmed Steven Cliff to be the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Press Releases 05/25/2022
Wicker, Fischer Introduce TSA Security Threat Assessment Application Modernization Act
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Deb Fischer, R-Neb., ranking member of the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Maritime, Freight, and Ports, today introduced the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Security Threat Assessment Application Modernization Act. The legislation would help reduce the burden on workers applying for two or more of the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC), hazardous materials endorsement (HME), or TSA PreCheck programs by standardizing the enrollment and renewal systems administered by TSA.
Press Releases 05/25/2022
Wicker Advances Blockchain Bill, Calls out Political Posturing on High Gas Prices
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today praised committee passage of legislation he sponsored to boost research into blockchain technology, while also calling out national Democrats for their political posturing on soaring gas prices.
Press Releases 05/25/2022
Commerce Committee Approves Legislation to Strengthen Wildfire Response, Advance R&D, Combat Human Rights Abuses, Support Advanced Aviation
The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation advanced several bills today, including Senator Cantwell’s Transportation Fuel Market Transparency Act that would give the Federal Trade Commission authority to monitor and prevent any fraud or manipulation that may be artificially inflating gas pump prices. All are subject to approval by the full Senate.
Press Releases 05/24/2022
Cantwell, Grassley Want New Enforcement Authority for FTC to Fight Unfair Drug Pricing Practices and Provide More Transparency
U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee, introduced legislation today that would empower the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to increase drug pricing transparency and hold Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) accountable for unfair and deceptive practices that drive up the costs of prescription drugs at the expense of consumers.
Press Releases 05/19/2022
Cantwell, Sullivan Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Federal Weather Service Firefighting Tools
U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell, (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) introduced bipartisan legislation to codify and strengthen the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) authority and capacity to help prevent, forecast and fight wildfires.
Press Releases 05/13/2022
Spiking West Coast Gas Prices Spur Cantwell, Feinstein, Wyden to Introduce Bill Targeting Fuel Market Anomalies Hurting Consumers
With Americans facing record level gas and diesel price increases, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, introduced legislation that would significantly increase transportation fuel market transparency and directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to proactively monitor and prevent any fraud or manipulation that may be artificially inflating pump prices.
Press Releases 05/13/2022
Conference Committee Meets to Kick Off Negotiations
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today chaired a public meeting to kick off the Senate and House Conference Committee on bipartisan innovation and competition legislation, H.R. 4521.
Press Releases 05/12/2022
Wicker, McMorris Rodgers Raise Concern Over Secretary Raimondo’s Statement on BEAD Program
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and U.S. Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., ranking member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, today sent a letter to Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo regarding her disconcerting statement that areas already committed to receive federal broadband funding could be eligible for additional funds during yesterday’s Senate Appropriations Committee hearing.
Press Releases 05/11/2022
Cantwell Applauds Senate Confirmation of Final FTC Member, Unlocking New Opportunities to Protect Consumers
Today, the U.S. Senate confirmed Alvaro Bedoya’s as a Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Press Releases 05/11/2022
Cantwell-Led Bill to Restore FTC Authority to Return Money to Victims of Scams, Fraud, Deception Moves Forward
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, announced that today Democrats advanced the Consumer Protection Remedies Act of 2022 out of the Commerce Committee and to the Senate Floor.
Press Releases 05/11/2022
Commerce Committee Approves Consumer Protection, Supply Chain Legislation
The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation approved several consumer protection, supply chain and environmental bills today, as well as voting unanimously in favor of Admiral Linda Fagan’s nomination to serve as Commandant of the United States Coast Guard.
Press Releases 05/6/2022
Cantwell Calls for Shining a Light on “Black Box” in Prescription Drug Pricing Market
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, called for action to increase transparency and shine a light on the little-known drug pricing practices of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) as consumers struggle with higher costs of medication and independent pharmacies are driven out of business.
Press Releases 05/5/2022
Cantwell-Led Bill Would Restore FTC Authority to Return Billions to Consumers Ripped off by Scams, Fraud, Deception
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Chair of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Rev. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) introduced legislation to restore the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) decades-long authority to return money to consumers victimized by illegal scams, fraud and other unfair or deceptive practices.
Press Releases 05/4/2022
Cantwell Presses Sec. Buttigieg on Strengthening Protections for Airline Travelers, Increasing Efficiency of Consumer Refunds
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, pressed Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg on the need for DOT to strengthen consumer protections for airline travelers, increase the transparency of the ticket refund process, and ensure airlines issue refunds to consumers for canceled or changed flights promptly.
Press Releases 05/4/2022
Wicker Urges Secretary Buttigieg to Leave Liberal Priorities Out of Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Implementation
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today delivered the following remarks during the Department of Transportation Fiscal Year 2023 Budget Priorities hearing, which featured testimony from Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg.
Press Releases 05/2/2022
Commerce Committee Report Underscores Need for Congress to Restore FTC Authority to Return Billions to Consumers Ripped off by Scams, Fraud, Deception
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, released a new Committee report which validates the urgency for Congress to restore the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) decades-long authority to return money to consumers victimized by illegal scams, fraud and other unfair or deceptive practices.
Press Releases 05/2/2022
Wicker Calls on Biden Administration to Fill Leadership Gap at OSTP
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today sent a letter to President Biden urging him to nominate immediately a qualified professional with proven leadership abilities to be the next Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). After multiple public reports regarding a harmful workplace environment at the OSTP and an internal White House Investigation that verified many of the accusations, the letter addresses the urgent need for a new director to manage the concerns of misconduct and retaliation by the former Director and others at the senior management level.
Press Releases 05/2/2022
Wicker, Lummis Introduce National R&D Strategy for Distributed Ledger Technology Act
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., ranking member of the Subcommittee on Space and Science, today introduced the National R&D Strategy for Distributed Ledger Technology Act that would require the federal government to coordinate research and development efforts on distributed ledger technologies (DLT) and their applications. DLT, which includes the more commonly known blockchain technology, builds on decades of research in cryptography and distributed systems to enable information systems with improved access, interoperability, and guarantees of data integrity. It is also one of the key technology focus areas named in the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act (USICA), on which the U.S. Senate agreed to go to conference with the House of Representatives last week.
Press Releases 04/28/2022
Senate Vote Marks Official Start to Conference on Competition and Innovation Legislation
With a vote of 67 to 27, the U.S. Senate today agreed to go to conference on the United States Innovation and Competition Act (USICA), H.R.4521 and negotiate an agreement with the House of Representatives on a final bill.
Press Releases 04/28/2022
Admiral Linda Fagan, First Woman Nominee to Lead U.S. Coast Guard, Appears Before Commerce Committee
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, led the nomination hearing of Admiral Linda Fagan, President Biden’s nominee to serve as Commandant of the United States Coast Guard.
Press Releases 04/27/2022
Wicker Statement at Department of Commerce Budget Priorities Hearing
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today participated in a hearing to consider the Department of Commerce budget for Fiscal Year 2023, which featured testimony from Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.
Press Releases 04/27/2022
Cantwell, Raimondo Stress National Urgency to Pass USICA, Address U.S. Chip Crisis
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Department of Commerce (DOC) Secretary Gina Raimondo stressed the national urgency for Congress to send innovation and competition legislation to the President's desk and unleash investment in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing as other nations continue to invest heavily to expand chip production.
Press Releases 04/26/2022
Senate and House Committee Leaders Share Broadband Program Priorities with NTIA
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and John Thune, R-S.D., ranking member of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, along with U.S. Representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., ranking member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Robert Latta, R-Ohio, ranking member of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, today sent a letter to Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information Alan Davidson naming their priorities for implementation of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA’s) Infrastructure and Jobs Act (IIJA) broadband programs.
Press Releases 04/20/2022
Wicker Inquires on DOT Data Sharing Initiative for Freight Transportation
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today sent a letter to Secretary Pete Buttigieg seeking information about the Freight Logistics Optimization Works (FLOW) initiative recently announced by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Wicker urged DOT to incorporate feedback from a broad array of stakeholders in the development of the program, which seeks to enhance information sharing to increase efficiency in the freight transportation system.
Press Releases 04/8/2022
Senate Passes Legislation to Rename National Air Grant Fellowship Program After Ethiopian Air 302 Crash Victim Samya Rose Stumo & Honor 347 Lives Lost in 737 MAX-8 Crashes
U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, respectively, applauded Senate passage of legislation to rename the National Air Grant Fellowship Program and to commemorate the 347 lives lost due to the Ethiopian Airlines and Lion Air Boeing 737 MAX-8 crashes.
Press Releases 04/8/2022
Senate and House Committee Leaders Renew Their Call to End Federal Mask Mandates
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, along with Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, ranking member of the Senate Aviation Safety, Operations, and Innovation Subcommittee, U.S. Representative Sam Graves, R-Mo., ranking member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and U.S. Representative Garret Graves, R-La., ranking member of the House Aviation Subcommittee, today sent a letter urging the Biden administration to end its baseless federal mask mandate for transportation operators, employees, and users.
Press Releases 04/7/2022
Senate Passes Legislation Renaming Department of Transportation Headquarters for Secretaries Coleman and Mineta
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., ranking member and chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Senators Tom Carper, D-Del., and Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.V., chair and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, as well as nine other Senators, led in the passage of the William T. Coleman, Jr., and Norman Y. Mineta Department of Transportation (DOT) Headquarters Act.
Press Releases 04/5/2022
Cantwell Praises Nomination of Admiral Fagan to Serve as 27th U.S. Coast Guard Commandant
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, praised today’s nomination by President Biden of Admiral Linda Fagan to lead the United States Coast Guard as its 27th Commandant.
Press Releases 04/5/2022
Cantwell Calls for Shining a Light on Oil and Gas Market Practices that May Be Driving Up Gas Prices
Today, Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, led a hearing that underscored the need for action to ensure transparency and greater oversight of petroleum markets in order to protect consumers from possible price manipulation.
Press Releases 04/5/2022
Cantwell: “This hearing is about this mysterious middle of the supply chain"
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing on examining steps Congress can take to protect consumers from excessive gas prices, including increasing transparency and ensuring the Federal Trade Commission has the tools and authority necessary to monitor wholesale markets and investigate suspicious trading practices.
Press Releases 04/1/2022
Senate Passes Wicker’s FREIGHT Act
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today released the following statement regarding the Senate’s unanimous passage of Senators Klobuchar and Thune’s Ocean Shipping Reform Act, which includes Ranking Member Wicker’s Facilitating Relief for Efficient Intermodal Gateways to Handle Transportation (FREIGHT) Act.
Press Releases 03/31/2022
Cantwell Applauds Unanimous Senate Passage of Ocean Shipping Reform Act
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation applauded Senate unanimous passage of the bipartisan Ocean Shipping Reform Act that will crack down on skyrocketing shipping costs and boost farmers’ and exporters’ ability to get their goods to the global marketplace.
Press Releases 03/30/2022
ICYMI: Wicker Opposes Alvaro M. Bedoya for Federal Trade Commission
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, yesterday delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor ahead of a Senate vote on a motion to discharge the nomination of Alvaro M. Bedoya for Federal Trade Commissioner (FTC).
Press Releases 03/30/2022
Cantwell: Without a Full FTC, We Can’t Protect Consumers from Fraud, Bring Nominee to a Senate Vote
Today, the U.S. Senate voted to discharge Alvaro Bedoya’s nomination to be a Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) out of the Senate Commerce Committee, allowing a confirmation vote to be scheduled.
Press Releases 03/29/2022
Cantwell Underscores Urgency for Senate to Confirm Biden FTC Commissioner
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation spoke on the Senate floor tonight, urging her colleagues to support Leader Schumer’s motion to bring Alvaro Bedoya’s nomination to be a Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) out of the Senate Commerce Committee and onto the Senate calendar, allowing a confirmation vote to be scheduled.
Press Releases 03/29/2022
Wicker Opposes Confirmation of FTC Nominee Alvaro M. Bedoya
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today released the following statement on the nomination of Alvaro M. Bedoya for Federal Trade Commissioner ahead of a Senate vote on a motion to discharge consideration of his nomination from committee and proceed to a floor vote:
Press Releases 03/28/2022
Senate Overwhelmingly Approves Innovation and Competition Legislation, Setting Stage for Conference Committee
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation spoke on the Senate floor immediately before the Senate passed its version of bipartisan innovation legislation, the United States Innovation and Competition Act (USICA), setting the stage for a conference where Senate and House negotiators will work to find agreement on a final bill.
Press Releases 03/28/2022
Wicker Questions NCAA on NIL Policy Establishment and Enforcement
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today sent a letter to Dr. Mark Emmert, President of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), seeking information on the status of the association’s effort to establish and enforce a permanent name, image, and likeness (NIL) policy that provides oversight for college athletes’ rights to monetize and profit from their personal brand.
Press Releases 03/24/2022
Cantwell Continues Drumbeat Calling for Action on Innovation and Competition Legislation
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, again took to the Senate floor to implore colleagues to allow the Senate to begin bipartisan discussions with the House on critical innovation and competition legislation.
Press Releases 03/23/2022
Cantwell Opening Statement at Semiconductor Hearing
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing on the need to bolster U.S. semiconductor manufacturing, with the CEOs of Intel, Micron, Lam, and PACCAR.