Commerce Committee Approves Critical Legislation Including Ocean Shipping Reform Bill
The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation approved 11 bills, including ocean shipping reform legislation. All are subject to approval by the full Senate.
Sen. Cantwell, Commerce Committee to Pursue Ocean Shipping Reforms
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will hold a full committee hearing on Thursday, March 3, 2022, to examine S. 3580, the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, and ways to strengthen oversight of international ocean carriers.
Cantwell Says Rising Sea Level Projections Underscore Need for Action on Coastal Resiliency
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation reacted to a NOAA-led report released today which predicts sea levels along the U.S. coastline will rise an additional 10-12 inches by 2050 – as much as we have experienced over the last 100 years. According to the report, sea levels along the Washington state coastline are expected to rise an average of four to six inches, underscoring the need to ensure coastal communities have the resources to build resiliency and adapt to climate change.
With Cantwell’s Support, Washington State Labor Leader Max Vekich Confirmed by Senate for Federal Maritime Commission
Today, Max Vekich, President Biden’s nominee for Commissioner of the Federal Maritime Commission, and Aberdeen, Washington Native, was confirmed by the Senate with a vote of 51-43. Prior to the vote, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Chair of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, spoke on the floor of the Senate in support of his nomination.
Cantwell Reacts to Alarming NOAA, NASA Climate Reports
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, underscored the need for the critical investments in mitigating and adapting to climate change that are included in the Build Back Better bill following release of separate analyses by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The analyses found that Earth’s global average surface temperature in 2021 was the sixth warmest on record (NASA analysis found 2021 tied for sixth with 2018) and collectively, the past eight years were the eight warmest since modern record keeping began in 1880.
Cantwell Demands Accountability From USMMA, Coast Guard, DOT Leaders Following Sexual Assault Allegations
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation which oversees federal maritime agencies sent a letter to Acting Administrator of the Maritime Administration (MARAD) Lucinda Lessley demanding answers regarding allegations of rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment made by midshipmen at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) as well as the response from leaders at MARAD. Senator Cantwell sent a copy of the letter to the Coast Guard, which has primary jurisdiction for investigating these incidents on the high seas.
Cantwell, Wicker Introduce Sport Fish Restoration and Recreational Boating Safety Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Chair Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Ranking Member Roger Wicker (R-MS) today introduced the Sport Fish Restoration and Recreational Boating Safety Act of 2021. The legislation would reauthorize the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, which supports about $650 million annually in fishery restoration and conservation programs, boating access and infrastructure, as well as fish stocking programs important to recreational anglers. The legislation would also authorize studies on the impacts of non-motorized vessel use on vessel waterway access as well as the impact of abandoned vessels.
Chair Cantwell Questions Department of Commerce Nominee on Census Delays and Fisheries Disaster Relief
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, questioned Don Graves, nominee to be Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce, on issues regarding Census data for the State of Washington and getting disaster relief funds for fishermen in the Pacific Northwest. The Census Bureau announced […]
Cantwell on Wins for Women in the Coast Guard Bill: “A Major Step Forward”
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today lauded the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2019 for its commitment not only to Coast Guard women but to the children and families of women who serve our country. “The bill also helps in the recruitment, retainment, and […]
Cantwell Bill to Help Stop Senseless Slaughter of Sharks Passes Commerce Committee
Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation passed U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell’s (D-WA) Shark Fin Trade Elimination Act, a bill to protect declining shark populations by making it illegal to possess, buy, sell, or transport shark fins or any product containing shark fins, unless taken lawfully under a state, territorial, or federal […]