Republican News

May 10, 2016

Press Release

Thune and Gardner Question Excessive Consulting Fees Draining Rural Health Care Telecommunications Funds

“[W]e wish to express our concern that rate-payer dollars dedicated to programs under USAC’s stewardship, such as the Rural Health Care program, are going toward unnecessary or excessive consulting fees rather than their intended purpose – helping rural health care providers gain access to essential telecommunications and broadband services.”

May 10, 2016

Press Release

Thune Seeks Answers from Facebook on Political Manipulation Allegations

U.S. Senator John Thune, chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today asked Facebook Chairman and CEO Mark Zuckerberg to answer questions following reports that company employees actively suppressed news stories on topics of interest to politically conservative users of the social media platform.

May 5, 2016

Press Release

Commerce Announces Hearing on Future of Science and Technology Policy

Witnesses have been asked to testify about ways to improve the roles of the federal government, private sector, and academia in science and technology research and development, STEM education and workforce, and the application of research and development to commercial uses.

May 4, 2016

Press Release

Confirmation Hearing Set for Commerce Department Inspector General Vacancy

WASHINGTON – The Honorable Peg Gustafson will provide testimony at a U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation confirmation hearing at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 10. On April 25, 2016, President Obama nominated Ms. Gustafson to serve as inspector general for the Department of Commerce. The Department of Commerce has been without a […]

April 29, 2016

Press Release

Senate Thanks Coast Guard Aviators for 100 Years of Service

“Aviators in the Coast Guard have risked their lives to rescue thousands of people during Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Katrina, and other life-threatening events,” said Sen. Thune. “This resolution expresses our thanks to the brave aviators who serve in the Coast Guard for their heroic life-saving efforts and instrumental role in keeping our nation safe.”

April 27, 2016

Press Release

Commerce Approves FCC Reauthorization, Internet of Things Bill, and Five Other Bills

“Today, the Commerce Committee approved a measure to reauthorize the FCC for the first time in 25 years,” said Thune.

April 25, 2016

Press Release

Fischer Sets May 2 Nebraska Field Hearing on FAST Act Implementation

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), chairman of the Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety and Security Subcommittee, will convene a subcommittee field hearing titled “Keeping Goods Moving in America’s Heartland” on Monday, May 2, 2016, at 10:00 a.m. MT/12:00 p.m. ET in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. The recently-enacted FAST Act included provisions to improve […]

April 21, 2016

Press Release

Commerce Schedules Legislative Markup of FCC Reauthorization and Six Other Bills

Click for the agenda.

April 19, 2016

Press Release

Rail Customers Honor Thune for Improving Freight Rail Service

U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, was honored last night with the first annual Murdo MacKenzie Award for advancing public policies that improve freight rail service and the American economy.

April 19, 2016

Press Release

Commerce Leaders Praise Passage of Security-Focused, Passenger-Friendly FAA Bill

A 95-3 vote sends the bill to the House of Representatives.