Sen. Cruz: Arielle Roth “Ideally Suited” to Lead NTIA, Fix BEAD, and Advance Spectrum Policy
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee nomination hearing, Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) reiterated his strong support for Arielle Roth to lead the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) at the Department of Commerce. Sen. Cruz praised her strong dedication to public service, indefatigable work ethic, and unrivaled passion for telecommunications policy and law.
Sen. Cruz: After DCA Crash Factors Show Action Necessary to Make Aviation System Safer
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation hearing titled “NTSB Preliminary Report: DCA Midair Collision,” Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) expressed his condolences to the families of the victims of the crash involving American Airlines Flight 5342 and an Army Black Hawk helicopter. Sen. Cruz highlighted his commitment to using the power of the Committee to thoroughly investigate the factors leading to this accident and make any necessary policy changes. Sen. Cruz also reiterated the need for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to urgently modernize its air traffic control system and previewed that the Committee has begun the process of crafting legislation to provide resources to make lasting improvements to the U.S. aviation system.
Cantwell Grills Aviation Safety Heads on Near-Misses Before Fatal DCA Collision: ‘Why Did the FAA Not Act?’
NTSB preliminary crash report shows that in the 3-year period leading up to January collision, commercial planes flew within 400 feet of helicopters 15,000+ times; Cantwell on CNN this morning: Turning off live location transmitting for military helicopters “was a loophole that, in my opinion, should never have been given” WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator […]
Cantwell Opening Statement at Hearing on Jan. 29 Tragic Crash Near DCA
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, delivered the following opening statement during today’s Aviation Subcommittee hearing on NTSB’s preliminary report on the tragic Jan. 29 midair collision between a military Blackhawk helicopter and an American Airlines commercial jet:
Sens. Cruz, Moran Request Ideas From Colleagues, Stakeholders on Modernizing Air Traffic Control System
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) are seeking input from their colleagues in the Senate and across the aviation industry as the Committee looks to assist Trump administration efforts to modernize America’s air traffic control system and make air travel efficient, reliable, and safe for all users. As part of their request for policy priorities and proposals, Sens. Cruz and Moran are seeking input and recommendations regarding air traffic control infrastructure, technology, and workforce as well as proposals to improve the management of the nation’s airspace.
Biden DOD Officials Violated Lobbying Restrictions in Effort To Stop FCC Spectrum Auctions
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) has asked the Department of Defense (DOD) to turn over documents related to how Biden-era officials pressured defense contractors to lobby against reauthorizing the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) spectrum auction authority. In a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Sen. Cruz details allegations that Biden DOD officials and career staff sought to circumvent laws prohibiting federal agencies from lobbying on legislation.
Sen. Cruz Urges DNI Gabbard to Investigate CCP Smear Campaign Against Spectrum Pipeline
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) sent a letter to the Director of National Intelligence, Tulsi Gabbard, urging her office to investigate potential malign influence orchestrated by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) against American leadership in next generation telecommunications technologies. In the letter, Sen. Cruz outlined how the CCP, and affiliated entities like Huawei, may be leading misinformation campaigns to oppose reauthorization of the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) spectrum auction authority and the creation of a pipeline of spectrum for commercial use. Auctioning additional government-held spectrum for commercial use in the U.S. is vital for economic growth, national security, and preserving America’s global technology leadership.
Safety First: Restoring Boeing’s Status as a Great American Manufacturer
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will convene a full committee hearing titled “Safety First: Restoring Boeing’s Status as a Great American Manufacturer” on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 at 10:00 AM EST. The hearing will examine steps Boeing has taken to address production deficiencies and safety issues identified after the Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 incident last year. Since then, Boeing has been subject to additional safety audits and enhanced Federal Aviation Administration oversight.
Cantwell, Blunt Rochester Demand Commerce Secretary Lutnick Protect Minority Business Development Agency from Trump’s Overreach
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.) called on U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick to stand up and protect the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) from Trump’s Executive Order that would functionally dismantle it.
Sen. Cruz Celebrates Approval of Deepwater Port License Off Texas, Louisiana Coast
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today issued the following statement celebrating the Trump administration’s issuance of a license to Delfin LNG, LLC to construct and operate a deepwater port near the border of Texas and Louisiana to export Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) from the United States. This project is a major step toward unlocking America’s full energy potential.