Senate Panel OKs Bill Allowing Federal Assistance For Toxic Algae Outbreaks

WASHINGTON, DC – A key senate panel today approved legislation that, for the first time, could open the door to federal assistance for states and local communities hard hit by toxic algae blooms. The measure, sponsored by Florida U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, unanimously cleared the Senate Commerce Committee on a voice vote. “Floridians have borne […]

Consumer Protection Subcommittee to Hold Hearing on Pool Safety

This hearing will examine the effectiveness of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act that became law in 2007 and other ways to improve pool safety. The bill is named after Graeme Baker, who died in an accident in June 2002 when the suction from a hot tub drain trapped her under water. Graeme’s mother, Ms. Nancy Baker, will testify before the subcommittee.

Space Subcommittee to Explore Impact of Outer Space Treaty on its 50th Anniversary

This hearing will examine U.S. government obligations under the Outer Space Treaty on its 50th anniversary, specifically compliance with Article VI of the Treaty that requires governments to authorize and continually supervise the activities of non-government entities. This hearing will also explore the Treaty’s potential impacts on expansion of our nation’s commerce and settlement in space.

Senate, House: We Need to Stop Online Booking Scams

U.S. Sens. Steve Daines (R-MT), Bill Nelson (D-FL), Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and U.S. Representatives Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL), Lois Frankel (D-FL) and Peter Welch (D-VT) today introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation to protect consumers from online booking scams.   The Stop Online Booking Scams Act protects consumers from illegitimate third-party websites that trick consumers […]

Commerce Committee Leaders Introduce Coast Guard Reauthorization

U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee’s Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard, introduced S. 1129, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2017. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), the chairman and ranking member of the full Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, are co-sponsors of the legislation.

Committee Sets Legislative Markup for May 18

The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold an executive session on Thursday, May 18, at 10:00 a.m. to consider the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2017 and other measures.

Committee to Explore Athlete Safety Efforts

U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will convene a hearing titled “Current Issues in American Sports: Protecting the Health and Safety of American Athletes” at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 17, 2017. This hearing will examine issues under the committee’s sports jurisdiction, including efforts to promote athlete safety, anti-doping, and prevent opioid abuse among athletes.

Thune Highlights Committee’s Railroad Policy Accomplishments, Receives Award

“We were able to make last Congress the most productive two years for railroad policy that I can remember – from enactment of the FAST Act, which included a reauthorization of Amtrak, increased rail safety, and improved infrastructure, to the Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act, which was the first reform of the Board since its creation 20 years ago.”

Subcommittee to Explore Federal Maritime Policy and Challenges

This hearing will explore federal maritime policy to guide the reauthorization of two maritime agencies. It will also examine the state of the nation’s maritime transportation system and conduct oversight of the U.S. Maritime Administration, U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, and the Federal Maritime Commission.