Aviation Safety, Operations, and Innovation

The Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations, and Innovation has jurisdiction over civil aviation, including: safety; security; technology; engineering; manufacturing; infrastructure; consumer protection; research and development; airspace, and international aviation matters.  The subcommittee conducts oversight on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and aviation programs of the Department of Transportation (DOT) with respect to economic regulation of air carriers and passenger airline service.

Committee Members

Majority

Minority

Related Press Releases & Hearings

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 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.
Hearings 09/28/2022
Subcommittee: FAA Reauthorization: Integrating New Entrants into the National Airspace System
U.S. Senator Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), Chair of the Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations and Innovation, will convene a subcommittee hearing titled “FAA Reauthorization: Integrating New Entrants into the National Airspace System” on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, at 2:15 p.m. EDT.
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 09/15/2022
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 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 08/3/2022
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.
Hearings 07/13/2022
Nomination Hearing
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will convene a full committee hearing on Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at 10 a.m. EDT to consider President Biden’s nomination of David Pekoske to be Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) at the Department of Homeland Security.
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.