Democratic News

Press Releases 03/22/2023
Chair Cantwell Grills Norfolk Southern CEO on Rail Industry Priorities: “We Are Not Going To Take Profits Over Safety Investments”
During a hearing today to examine improving rail safety in the wake of the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, questioned Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw about the rail industry’s commitment to safety. The Committee heard from Ohio Senators Sherrod Brown and J.D. Vance, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and East Palestine resident Misti Allison. Along with Mr. Shaw, members questioned several witnesses including 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.
Press Releases 03/22/2023
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.
Press Releases 03/22/2023
Phil Washington Earns Seal of Approval from America’s Aviation Workers
Press Releases 03/22/2023
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.
Press Releases 03/22/2023
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.
Press Releases 03/21/2023
Former Transportation Secretary and Prominent Republican Ray LaHood Calls Phil Washington “Exactly What the FAA Needs at This Critical Time for Aviation”
This week, Ray LaHood, former Secretary of Transportation and Republican congressman, sent a letter to the Committee expressing his strong support for Phil Washington to be the next FAA Administrator and calling for his swift confirmation.
Press Releases 03/21/2023
UNITE HERE Endorses Phil Washington on Behalf of Tens of Thousands of Front Line Workers
On behalf of 40,000 workers in airports across the country, Phil Washington, President Biden’s nominee to serve as the next FAA Administrator, today received the endorsement of UNITE HERE, which represents 300,000 working people in the airport, hotel, gaming, food service, transportation, and laundry industries.
Press Releases 03/21/2023
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.
Press Releases 03/21/2023
Clinton Administration Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater Backs Phil Washington “Without Reservation”
In a letter to the Committee, former Clinton Administration Transportation Secretary Rodney Slater endorsed Phil Washington, President Biden’s choice to serve as the next FAA Administrator.
Press Releases 03/21/2023
America’s Aviation Community Agrees: FAA Needs Phil Washington’s Leadership
Momentum continues to grow behind President Biden’s nominee, Phil Washington, to serve as the next FAA Administrator. Over the last two weeks, Mr. Washington has received endorsements from across the U.S. aviation community, including pilots, flight attendants, aerospace workers, airport executives, safety specialists, airlines, former FAA administrators and others who agree he is the right person at the right time to lead the FAA.