September 12, 2023
Press Release
During a subcommittee hearing today on transparency in artificial intelligence, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, said strong and enforceable federal privacy protections for consumers are key to combat scams, misuse of personal data and to prevent bias and discrimination in artificial intelligence (AI) technology. Sen. Cantwell also said she would be introducing separate legislation to combat deepfakes to protect consumers and national security, stop potential disruptions of interstate commerce and protect civil liberties and First Amendment rights.
September 7, 2023
Press Release
Today, the U.S. Senate voted 55-43 to confirm Anna Gomez, President Biden’s nominee to be a Commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, applauded her confirmation to be the fifth Commissioner, completing the Commission and unlocking the years-long 2-2 deadlock.
September 7, 2023
Press Release
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, which oversees the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), released the following statement after President Biden’s announcement that he will nominate Mike Whitaker to be the next FAA Administrator:
August 23, 2023
Press Release
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, hosted a “Future of AI” forum and panel discussion about how innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) are critical to tackling challenges like climate change and natural disasters, the need to build and train a skilled workforce and how Congress can ensure AI is deployed safely and equitably.
August 22, 2023
Press Release
Today, at the DARPA Electronic Resurgence Initiative Summit, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, called for fostering a new kind of collaboration to maximize the CHIPS and Science Act, outlining three ways the federal government can address workforce training and education to continue leading global innovation.
August 18, 2023
Press Release
This week, AARP, the leading advocacy group for more than 100 million Americans aged 50 and over, announced its endorsement for U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley’s (R-Iowa) Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) Transparency Act of 2023 that would increase transparency in prescription drug pricing and hold PBMs accountable for deceptive and unfair practices that drive up costs. The bill awaits a vote before the full Senate.
August 14, 2023
Press Release
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, announced a total of $58 million in federal funding for 23 projects in the State of Washington to remove fish passage barriers like small dams and culverts that will open migration routes and allow more salmon to return to spawning grounds.
August 9, 2023
Press Release
As a chief architect of the CHIPS and Science Act, today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, celebrated the one-year anniversary of the law designed to spur American manufacturing, research and development, create thousands of jobs and build a highly-trained workforce.
July 28, 2023
Press Release
As part of the National Defense Authorization Act, the Senate passed bipartisan consumer protection legislation co-sponsored by Chair Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-Texas) to require pre-purchase disclosures for smart devices and appliances that have built-in microphones or cameras capable of recording or transmitting data. The Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act now heads to the President’s desk.
July 27, 2023
Press Release
During an Executive Session today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation approved 11 bipartisan bills, including legislation aimed at protecting children’s online privacy: the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0) and the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA). Other important bills approved included the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, the ORBITS Act, the TICKET Act, the COOL Online Act and several manufacturing bills. These bills now head to the Senate floor.