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.
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.
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.
Phil Washington Earns Seal of Approval from America’s Aviation Workers
The International Brotherhood of Teamsters this morning endorsed Phil Washington, President Biden’s nominee to serve as the next FAA Administrator, and called on the Commerce Committee to advance his nomination. The Teamsters represent members in the airline industry, including mechanics, customer service agents, reservationists, simulator technicians, ramp agents, stock clerks, dispatch personnel, flight attendants and […]
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.
Nevada Business Aviation Association, Arizona Pilots Association Oppose Phil Washington’s Nomination to Lead FAA
WASHINGTON, D.C. – As concerns regarding Phil Washington’s qualifications to serve as Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) continue to grow, the Nevada Business Aviation Association (NBAA) and the Arizona Pilots Association (APA) voiced their opposition to his nomination due to his lack of deep aviation experience, particularly in aviation safety. The NBAA joined […]
Sen. Cruz: “Phil Washington Is Objectively, Indisputably Unqualified To Lead the FAA”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Member Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) took to the Senate floor to deliver a speech in opposition to the nomination of Phil Washington to serve as Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). WATCH: “Phil Washington Is Objectively, Indisputably Unqualified To Lead the FAA” Key excerpts […]
Coalition of Aviation Groups from Across the Nation Oppose Phil Washington’s FAA Nomination
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a letter to U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairwoman Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-Texas), a diverse, nationwide coalition of aviation organizations representing aviation industry workers, pilots, airport officials, and aviation enthusiasts voiced their strong opposition to the nomination of Phil Washington to serve as Administrator of the Federal […]
Former Gov’t Officials and Members of Congress: “Simply Too Much at Stake To Have the FAA Administrator Trying To Learn the Basics of Aviation on the Job”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – A group of senior former U.S. Department of Transportation officials and Members of Congress with deep aviation and transportation knowledge has sent a letter to President Biden urging him to withdraw the nomination of Phil Washington to be Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The letter outlines that Mr. Washington lacks […]
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.