Press Releases

Press Releases 05/13/2025
Sen. Peters Opening Statement at Hearing on Trump Nominees for FRA, Amtrak, Commerce Dept
Press Releases 05/13/2025
Sen. Cruz: Nominees Will Champion Regulatory Clarity and Strategic Investment
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee nominations hearing, Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) voiced his support for David Fink (Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration), David Fogel (Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service), Pierre Gentin (General Counsel of the Department of Commerce), and Robert Gleason (Amtrak Board of Directors). Sen. Cruz highlighted the nominees’ experience and priorities, which include attracting foreign direct investment, reducing trade barriers for U.S. exports, and improving the reliability, efficiency, and safety of the nation’s rail system.
Press Releases 05/12/2025
Cantwell Asks Duffy About Risks of GOP Spectrum Auction Plan to Aviation Safety
Press Releases 05/9/2025
Cantwell, Colleagues Call on President Trump to Reverse the Firing of Consumer Product Safety Commissioners
Press Releases 05/8/2025
At Hearing with Industry Leaders, Cantwell Seeks to Accelerate U.S. Leadership in AI Technology and Exports
Press Releases 05/8/2025
Senate Passes Cruz-Led Measure to Scrap Illegal Biden FCC Rule over Child Online Safety Concerns
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) celebrated the Senate passage of his resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA), which would repeal an unlawful Biden-era Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule bankrolling kids’ unsupervised internet access, undermining parental rights, and threatening to raise taxes on American families.
Press Releases 05/8/2025
Sen. Cruz: Adopting Europe’s Approach on Regulation Will Cause China to Win the AI Race
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee hearing, titled “Winning the AI Race: Strengthening U.S. Capabilities in Computing and Innovation,” Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) emphasized the need to secure American leadership in AI innovation and adoption. He highlighted AI’s vast potential to improve quality of life, create high-skilled jobs, and bolster U.S. global competitiveness.
Press Releases 05/7/2025
Commerce Committee Announces Pipeline Safety Reauthorization Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Freight, Pipelines, and Safety, will convene a subcommittee hearing titled “Pipeline Safety Reauthorization: Ensuring the Safe and Efficient Movement of American Energy” on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at 10:00 am EST. This hearing will review pipeline safety regulations and operations at the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) to evaluate what policy priorities should be included in an upcoming PHMSA pipeline safety reauthorization. This hearing will focus on PHMSA’s implementation of outstanding rulemakings required in previous legislation, the state of the hazardous liquid and natural gas industry, and innovative safety technologies and processes.
Press Releases 05/7/2025
FAA Reauthorization One Year Later: Aviation Safety, Air Traffic, and Next Generation Technology
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 “FAA Reauthorization One Year Later: Aviation Safety, Air Traffic, and Next Generation Technology” on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 10:00 AM EST. This hearing will examine both the progress achieved and any delays encountered in implementing the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024.
Press Releases 05/6/2025
Hegseth Dereliction in Defending DoD Spectrum from Land Grab Threatens National Security, Cantwell Warns
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, sent a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth demanding answers about the risks to national security if spectrum bands that are essential to national defense are included for auction in the Republicans’ proposed reconciliation legislation.
Press Releases 05/6/2025
Cantwell Opening Statement at May 6 ‘Field of Streams: The New Channel Guide for Sports Fans’ Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, delivered the following opening statement at today’s ‘Field of Streams: The New Channel Guide for Sports Fans’ hearing:
Press Releases 05/6/2025
Cantwell & Longtime Public TV Travel Host Rick Steves Decry Trump Assault on Public Broadcasting
Steves: I fear that the same swaths of our country that struggle as ‘food deserts’ will suffer as ‘media deserts’
Press Releases 05/6/2025
Sen. Cruz: Streaming May Be the Future — But It Shouldn’t Sideline Sports Fans
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee hearing titled “Field of Streams: The New Channel Guide for Sports Fans,” Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) highlighted how sports fans increasingly struggle to find where they can watch their favorite teams and face increased costs for streaming subscriptions and sports packages.
Press Releases 05/3/2025
Cantwell Statement on Crippling of National Weather Service
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation blasted the Trump administration following news reports that the National Weather Service is headed into hurricane season with 30 of its 122 weather forecast offices without their most experienced official, known as the meteorologist-in-charge.
Press Releases 05/2/2025
Senate Commerce Announces Nominations Hearing for FRA, Amtrak, and Commerce Nominees
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will convene a nominations hearing for nominees of the Federal Railroad Administration, Amtrak Board of Directors, and the Department of Commerce at 10:00 AM EST on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.
Press Releases 05/1/2025
Cantwell Questions Commerce Deputy Sec Nominee on Drastic NOAA Cuts: “We Are Going to Hold This Administration Accountable.”
Press Releases 05/1/2025
Senators Demand to Know Who Killed Minority Business Development Agency, Why & Where’s the Money Going?
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Ed Markey (D-Mass.), Ben Ray Lujan (D-N.M.), Andy Kim (D-N.J.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), demanded that Keith Sonderling, the purported Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), promptly turn over key documents and information related to the dismantling of the agency and recent funding termination notices sent to all grantees by a member of Elon Musk’s DOGE. The Senators’ demands come as Paul Dabbar, Trump’s nominee for Deputy Secretary of Commerce, appears this morning before the Commerce Committee for his nomination hearing.
Press Releases 05/1/2025
Sen. Cruz: Paul Dabbar is Highly Qualified to Help Lead the Commerce Department
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee nomination hearing for Deputy Secretary of Commerce, Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) conveyed his support for President Trump’s nominee, Paul Dabbar. Sen. Cruz highlighted Mr. Dabbar’s public and private sector experience, including stints as a nuclear submarine officer in the U.S. Navy and as Under Secretary for Science at the Department of Energy, a position to which he was confirmed unanimously.
Press Releases 04/30/2025
Commerce Committee Advances 15 Bills, Nominations for FCC and NASA
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation approved 15 bills and two nominations, Olivia Trusty to be a Member of the Federal Communications Commission and Jared Isaacman to be the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The Committee also voted to promote a Coast Guardsman. The approved legislation covers a wide sweep of the Committee’s jurisdiction, including weather forecasting, scientific research, space exploration, telecommunications, and consumer protection.
Press Releases 04/30/2025
Cantwell Statement on Trump’s First 100 Days in Office
Press Releases 04/30/2025
Cantwell Opening Statement at April 30 Markup
Press Releases 04/29/2025
Field of Streams: The New Channel Guide for Sports Fans
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 “Field of Streams: The New Channel Guide for Sports Fans” on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 10:00 AM EST. The hearing will examine the policy questions raised by the changing ways Americans are watching live professional sports on television, particularly how traditional over-the-air broadcasts are increasingly supplemented—or even replaced—by digital platforms, subscription services, and exclusive streaming arrangements.
Press Releases 04/28/2025
Cantwell, Schumer, Markey Call on FTC to Protect Consumers’ Neural Data
Press Releases 04/23/2025
ICYMI: Texas Chosen for Groundbreaking Aviation Center After Cruz Push
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) today applauded Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy’s announcement that the Texas A&M System will lead a new Center for Advanced Aviation Technologies (CAAT) with laboratory and testing locations in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and across the Lone Star State.
Press Releases 04/22/2025
Senate Commerce Announces Nomination Hearing for Paul Dabbar to Serve as Deputy Secretary of Commerce
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will convene a nomination hearing for Paul Dabbar, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce, at 10:00 AM EST on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
Press Releases 04/17/2025
Cantwell, Baldwin, Blunt Rochester Demand Answers on Lutnick’s Failure to Protect Minority Business Development Agency
Press Releases 04/16/2025
Chairmen Cruz and Babin Lead State Delegation in Support of Relocating NASA HQ to Texas
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and U.S. House Science, Space, and Technology Committee Chairman Brian Babin (R-Texas-36) led a bicameral coalition of federal lawmakers representing Texas communities in sending a letter to President Trump urging his administration to move the headquarters for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) from Washington, D.C. to the Lyndon B. Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, Texas. The lease for NASA’s current DC office expires in 2028.
Press Releases 04/14/2025
Democrats Fight Back Against Trump’s Attacks on the FTC and Independent Agencies
Press Releases 04/10/2025
Sen. Cruz: Let’s Embrace a Sensible Approach to Time Management
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee hearing titled “If I Could Turn Back Time: Should We Lock the Clock?” Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) underscored the implications of changing the clocks on the American economy, health, and everyday life.
Press Releases 04/10/2025
Cantwell, Blackburn, Heinrich Reintroduce Bipartisan Bill to Increase Transparency, Combat AI Deepfakes & Put Journalists, Artists & Songwriters Back in Control of Their Content
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) reintroduced the Content Origin Protection and Integrity from Edited and Deepfaked Media Act (COPIED ACT) to combat harmful deepfakes. The bill would set new federal transparency guidelines for marking, authenticating and detecting AI-generated content, protect journalists, actors and artists against AI-driven theft, and hold violators accountable for abuses.
Press Releases 04/10/2025
Cantwell to Vote NO on FTC Nom as Trump Admin Threatens Agency’s Independence, Illegally Fires Democratic Commissioners
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, called on Senate colleagues to reject Trump nominee Mark Meador for a spot on the Federal Trade Commission after firing the two Democratic Commissioners without cause and undermining the FTC’s independence and history of protecting consumers from fraud, scams and anti-competitive practices, free from political influence.
Press Releases 04/10/2025
Cantwell, Democrats Reject FTC Nom as Trump Admin Threatens Agency’s Independence, Illegally Fires Democratic Commissioners
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, led Democrats in opposing Trump nominee Mark Meador for a spot on the Federal Trade Commission after firing the two Democratic Commissioners without cause and undermining the FTC’s independence and history of protecting consumers from fraud, scams and anti-competitive practices, free from political influence.
Press Releases 04/9/2025
Sen. Cruz: Arielle Roth Will Pursue a Win-Win Solution on Spectrum
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee executive session, Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) reiterated his support for Arielle Roth’s nomination to lead the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Sen. Cruz highlighted how Ms. Roth’s current role as the telecommunication policy director for the Senate Commerce Committee Majority staff, as well as her previous work at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and across Congress, make her an exceptionally qualified candidate for NTIA Administrator.
Press Releases 04/9/2025
Sen. Cruz: The Next Space Race is Already Here
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee nominations hearing for Jared Isaacman, nominee to be Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and Olivia Trusty, nominee be a Member of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) addressed the importance of U.S. leadership in space exploration, a commitment by law to getting back to the Moon, and preeminence in telecommunications.
Press Releases 04/8/2025
Sen. Cruz Blasts USA Fencing Over Failure to Protect Female Athletes, Blatant Disregard for Federal Law
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) called out USA Fencing for violating federal law by letting male athletes, who claim to be transgender women, compete against female athletes. The organization’s breach of federal law came to Sen. Cruz’s attention after Stephanie Turner was disqualified for taking a knee and refusing to compete against her male opponent. In a letter to USA Fencing Chief Executive Officer Phil Andrews, Sen. Cruz criticized the organization’s “commitment to inclusivity” claim as a ploy to support male athletes participating in female sports.
Press Releases 04/8/2025
Cantwell Votes No on Trump Pick for NTIA
Cantwell Votes No on Trump Pick for NTIA [AUDIO] [VIDEO] WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, voted against advancing Trump’s nominee to lead the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), citing her failure to commit to honoring broadband investment agreements and other NTIA program grants, respecting the need to fully understand the national security and public safety impacts of spectrum policy and ensuring the completion of evidence-based studies—including of Lower 3Ghz, 7 and 8Ghz spectrum bands – before bringing more spectrum to market.
Press Releases 04/8/2025
As Trump Trade War Bludgeons US Economy, Administration Defunds Network of Centers That Boost American Manufacturing
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Ranking Member of the Science, Manufacturing and Competitiveness Subcommittee, led a letter to Trump Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, along with Senate Democratic Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Senators Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), Maizie Hirono (D-Hawaii), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) demanding answers regarding the Administration’s decision to cancel funding for ten National Institute of Standards and Technology Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Centers across the country. The action came on April 1, one day before Trump announced sweeping tariffs on imports which tanked the stock market and raised warnings from experts of a recession.
Press Releases 04/3/2025
Senators Press Boeing CEO on Company’s Safety, Quality Improvements
WASHINGTON, D.C. – At yesterday’s Senate Commerce Committee hearing, “Safety First: Restoring Boeing’s Status as a Great American Manufacturer,” Senate Republicans questioned Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg on implementation of the company’s safety and quality plan, and asked about what detailed steps the company has taken to infuse manufacturing processes with a safety-first culture.
Press Releases 04/2/2025
Sen. Cruz: Boeing Must Prove to the Public It’s Working to Restore Safety, Quality in Production Processes
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s full committee hearing titled “Safety First: Restoring Boeing’s Status as a Great American Manufacturer,” Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) discussed the manufacturing challenges that have plagued Boeing in recent years, highlighting the importance of hearing from CEO Kelly Ortberg directly about the concrete actions Boeing has taken to fix these production problems that led to unacceptable safety events.
Press Releases 04/2/2025
Under Cantwell Questioning, Boeing CEO Commits to Mandatory SMS by October
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, questioned Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg on how the company is improving its safety protocols and culture and correcting defects. Sen. Cantwell has consistently pushed Boeing to implement a Safety Management System that meets FAA standards and today secured a commitment from Ortberg to have that system in place in six months.
Press Releases 04/2/2025
Senator Cantwell Statement Following Hearing With Boeing CEO
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, released the following statement after Boeing CEO Kelly Ortberg testified before the committee:
Press Releases 04/2/2025
If I Could Turn Back Time: Should We Lock the Clock?
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 “If I Could Turn Back Time: Should We Lock the Clock?” on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at 10:00 AM EST. The hearing will examine the various issues around whether the country should continue “springing forward” and “falling back” each year with time.
Press Releases 03/31/2025
Commerce Committee Leaders: Army’s Refusal To Turn Over ADS-B Memo ‘Completely Unacceptable’
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) released the following statement regarding the Army’s continued refusal to comply with the Committee’s investigation into the tragic Jan. 29 midair collision near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport:
Press Releases 03/28/2025
Senate Republicans Raise Concerns Over Aviation Safety Breakdowns That Led to Fatal Mid-Air Collision at DCA
WASHINGTON, D.C. – At this week’s Senate Commerce Committee Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation hearing, titled “NTSB Preliminary Report: DCA Midair Collision,” Senate Republicans pressed officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Army, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on breakdowns in the aviation safety systems that potentially contributed to the deadly mid-air collision between American Airlines Flight 5342 and an Army Black Hawk helicopter on January 29, 2025 near the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA). Senators emphasized concerns about the Army’s practice of frequently turning off ADS-B Out transmission and called for the FAA to modernize its air traffic control system.
Press Releases 03/27/2025
Sen. Cantwell Opening Statement at Nomination Hearing for Arielle Roth
Ranking Member Cantwell opening statement and Q and A at the nomination hearing for Arielle Roth, Trump's nominee for Assistant Secretary of Communications and Information at the Department of Commerce
Press Releases 03/27/2025
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.
Press Releases 03/27/2025
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.
Press Releases 03/27/2025
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:
Press Releases 03/26/2025
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.
Press Releases 03/25/2025
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.
Press Releases 03/25/2025
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.
Press Releases 03/24/2025
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.
Press Releases 03/21/2025
Sen. Cantwell Statement on Trump's Elimination of Agency Dedicated to Supporting Minority Businesses Across the United States
SEATTLE – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, released the following statement on Trump’s recent Executive Order eliminating the Minority Business Development Agency at the Department of Commerce:
Press Releases 03/21/2025
Cantwell, Democratic Senate Committee Leaders Demand Immediate Review by Agency Inspectors General of Trump Administration’s Mass Dismissals of Federal Employees
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, joined 16 Senate Committee Ranking Members in a letter to the Inspectors General of 23 federal agencies, including the Department of Transportation and Department of Commerce, demanding details on the impact of President Trump’s sweeping and unprecedented dismissal of tens of thousands of federal employees. The senators asked the Inspectors General to review the Trump Administration’s actions, citing potential violations of federal laws and procedures, which the senators warn could harm Americans’ access to vital government services and increase waste and abuse of taxpayer dollars.
Press Releases 03/20/2025
Senate Commerce Announces Nomination Hearing for Arielle Roth to Lead the National Telecommunications and Information Administration
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will convene a nomination hearing for Arielle Roth, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information, at 2:15 PM EST on Thursday, March 27, 2025.
Press Releases 03/19/2025
Cantwell Statement on Departure of Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner
Seattle - U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, released the following statement on the departure of Amtrak CEO Stephen Gardner:
Press Releases 03/19/2025
Cantwell, Klobuchar, Colleagues Call on President Trump to Reverse Illegal Firing of FTC Commissioners
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), a senior member of the Committee, and more than two dozen Democratic Senators are calling on President Trump to reverse his illegal firing of Commissioners Rebecca Kelly Slaughter and Alvaro Bedoya from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Press Releases 03/18/2025
Sen. Cantwell Statement on Trump FAA Nomination Announcement
Press Releases 03/13/2025
Commerce Committee Advances Two Nominations and Multiple Cruz-Led Bipartisan Bills
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) issued the following statements after the Committee approved the nominations of Mark Meador to be a Federal Trade Commissioner and Michael Kratsios to be Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, as well as multiple pieces of bipartisan legislation.
Press Releases 03/12/2025
Sen. Cruz: Massport’s Compliance with Subpoena ‘Win for Taxpayer and Airline Travelers’ Alike
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee executive session, Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) announced that the Massachusetts Port Authority has now agreed to comply with a Committee inquiry and produce requested documents, and that he will therefore withdraw a motion to authorize a planned subpoena. Sen. Cruz called this as a win for taxpayers and a warning to other entities to cooperate with congressional oversight.
Press Releases 03/12/2025
Ranking Member Cantwell Opening Statement
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, delivered the following opening statement at today's markup of several pieces of legislation and the nominations of Michael Kratsios to be the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy and Mark Meador to be a Federal Trade Commissioner.
Press Releases 03/12/2025
Commerce Committee Approves 14 Bills and Advances Two Nominations
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee advanced 14 bills and two nominations, Mark Meador to be a Federal Trade Commissioner and Michael Kratsios to be the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy. The approved legislation covers a wide swath of the Commerce Committee’s broad jurisdiction, including, oceans, space exploration, consumer protection, semiconductor manufacturing, and industrial supply chains.
Press Releases 03/11/2025
Cantwell Calls for Permanent Helicopter Restrictions Near DCA
Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, released the following statement regarding the National Transportation Safety Board's (NTSB) preliminary report on the Jan. 29 mid-air collision involving an American Airlines flight and a Black Hawk military helicopter near DCA that resulted in the deaths of 67 people:
Press Releases 03/11/2025
Chairman Cruz Issues Statement Following Release of NTSB Preliminary Report on DCA Tragedy
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Ranking Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) released the following statement after the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued its preliminary report for its ongoing investigation of the tragic accident between Flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Blackhawk in the DCA airspace.
Press Releases 03/11/2025
Sens. Cruz and Moran Demand Answers from the Army on DCA Tragedy
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) sent a letter pressing Brigadier General Matthew Braman, Director, Army Aviation for Headquarters, for more information on the tragic crash between American Airlines Flight 5342 and an Army Blackhawk in the DCA airspace. The Army’s timely response to Congress would inform Congressional oversight into the Army’s use of ADS-B Out.
Press Releases 03/11/2025
Commerce Committee Leaders Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Reinforce U.S. Space Leadership
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), and Sens. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Gary Peters (D-Mich.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.), and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) introduced the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2025, which sets clear near-term priorities for National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) programs, advances American leadership in deep space exploration, prevents a gap in low Earth orbit leadership and capability, and upholds scientific ingenuity. The bipartisan bill also equips NASA with the support it needs to continue critical science and exploration missions that will lead to breakthrough discoveries across our solar system.
Press Releases 03/11/2025
Chairman Cruz and Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Moran Announce Hearing on DCA Tragedy
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Aviation, Space, and Innovation, will convene a subcommittee hearing titled “NTSB Preliminary Report: DCA Midair Collision” on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at 10:00 am EST. This hearing will examine preliminary findings from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on the deadly crash involving American Airlines 5342 and a U.S. Army Blackhawk helicopter near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
Press Releases 03/11/2025
Cantwell Urges Colleagues to Reject Steven Bradbury for Deputy Secretary of Transportation
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, delivered the following remarks on the Senate Floor, urging her colleagues to reject President Trump’s nominee to be Deputy Secretary for the Department of Transportation, Steven Bradbury:
Press Releases 03/11/2025
Cantwell Leads Dems in Voting Unanimously Against Steven Bradbury for DOT Dep. Sec.
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation spoke on the Senate floor ahead of the Senate vote on the nomination of Steven Bradbury, President Trump’s pick to serve as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation. All Democrats voted against his confirmation.
Press Releases 03/7/2025
Cantwell Asks DOD to Explain Why Capital-Area Flights Aren’t Using Key Safety Feature
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation sent a letter to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth requesting that the Department of Defense (DoD) clarify how often and why it operates aircraft in the National Capital Region without Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Out activated.
Press Releases 03/5/2025
Cantwell, Cruz Coast Guard Reauthorization Bill Unanimously Passes Senate
Tonight, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the bipartisan Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2025 that would reauthorize $30.45 billion for the U.S. Coast Guard for Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026. The bill was introduced last month by U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, and Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chair of the Committee, as well as Sens. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.). The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Press Releases 03/5/2025
Trump Tells Farmers ‘Have Fun’ As He Kicks Off Pointless Trade Wars. Cantwell Tells the Truth: ‘It’s Not Going to Be Fun, It’s Going to Be A Nightmare’
Press Releases 03/5/2025
Cantwell Criticizes Improper, Partisan Subpoenas Sought by Chair
Press Releases 02/27/2025
Sen. Young Chairs “Grand Theft Cargo” Subcommittee Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Freight, Pipelines, and Safety, convened a subcommittee hearing titled “Grand Theft Cargo: Examining a Costly Threat to Consumers to the U.S. Supply Chain.”
Press Releases 02/27/2025
DOT Deputy Secretary Nominee Steven Bradbury Advances Out of Commerce Committee
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, chaired by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), cleared President Trump’s nominee for U.S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation, Steven Bradbury, for consideration by the full Senate. Bradbury’s nomination passed the committee by a vote of 15 yeas and 13 nays.
Press Releases 02/27/2025
Cantwell Statement Ahead of Vote on Trump Pick for DOT Dep Secretary
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, delivered the below remarks before she, and all Democrats on the committee, voted against advancing Steven Bradbury, President Trump’s nominee for Deputy Secretary at the Department of Transportation.
Press Releases 02/26/2025
Sen. Cruz: You Cannot Stop Deadly Drugs With an Open Border
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee hearing titled “Interdicting Illicit Drug Trafficking: A View from the Front Lines,” Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) discussed how the Biden administration’s radical, open-border policies weakened the U.S. Coast Guard’s (USCG) ability to stop deadly drugs from crossing U.S. maritime borders and allow Middle East drug runners to help fund Iranian terrorism. Sen. Cruz highlighted how the bicameral and bipartisan Coast Guard Authorization Act, cosponsored by Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisconsin), aims to end the 'catch and release' approach to Middle East drug enforcement and close a loophole so cartels could be prosecuted for drug smuggling via remotely operated sea drones.
Press Releases 02/26/2025
Sens. Cruz, King Reintroduce MAPOceans Act to Make Fishing Easier
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Senator Angus King (I-Maine) reintroduced the Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans (MAPOceans) Act, which would standardize, digitize, and map fishing restrictions in federal waters. The legislation is similar to a law that provides reliable information about hunting on public lands.
Press Releases 02/25/2025
Ranking Member Cantwell Presses Trump FTC Nominee to Put Consumers First, OSTP Nominee to Put Innovation First
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, today pressed Mark Meador, President Trump’s nominee to serve as a Federal Trade Commissioner, to protect consumers from unfair and deceptive practices that raise costs, and to restore FTC’s authority to return money to consumers who have been harmed. Sen. Cantwell also pressed Michael Kratsios, President Trump’s nominee to lead the Office of Science and Technology Policy. She urged him to focus on investments in innovation, research and development needed to outpace the United States’ global competitors.
Press Releases 02/25/2025
Ranking Member Cantwell Delivers Opening Statement at Nomination Hearing for Michael Kratsios to Lead OSTP & Mark Meador as FTC Commissioner
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation delivered the following opening statement at today’s nomination hearing for Michael Kratsios to lead the Office of Science and Technology and Mark Meador to serve as a Federal Trade Commissioner.
Press Releases 02/25/2025
Sen. Cruz: The Story of the 21st Century Will Be Written by Whichever Nation Can Innovate the Fastest
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee nominations hearing for Michael Kratsios, nominee to be Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), and Mark Meador, nominee to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) highlighted the importance of fostering of innovative technologies like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and 5G technology to create new, high-paying jobs across the country.
Press Releases 02/25/2025
Ranking Member Cantwell Presses Trump FTC Nominee to Put Consumers First, OSTP Nominee to Put Innovation First
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, today pressed Mark Meador, President Trump’s nominee to serve as a Federal Trade Commissioner, to protect consumers from unfair and deceptive practices that raise costs, and to restore FTC’s authority to return money to consumers who have been harmed. Sen. Cantwell also pressed Michael Kratsios, President Trump’s nominee to lead the Office of Science and Technology Policy. She urged him to focus on investments in innovation, research and development needed to outpace the United States’ global competitors.
Press Releases 02/24/2025
Steven Bradbury, Deputy Secretary of Transportation Nominee, Earns Praise from Transportation Industry Leaders
WASHINGTON, D.C. – At the Senate Commerce Committee hearing last week, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be U.S. Deputy Secretary of Transportation, Steven Bradbury affirmed his commitment to improve transportation safety, invest in cost-beneficial infrastructure improvements, and eliminate burdensome regulations to enhance the Department of Transportation’s effectiveness. Mr. Bradbury received support from over 25 organizations throughout the transportation community. Read the full list HERE.
Press Releases 02/20/2025
GOP Senators, National Security, and Telecom Experts Stress Importance of Expanding Access to Spectrum for National and Economic Security
WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week’s Senate Commerce Committee hearing titled “America Offline? How Spectrum Auction Delays Give China the Edge and Cost Us Jobs,” Senate Republicans emphasized the importance of American leadership in spectrum policy to protect our national security, prevent Chinese control of global communications networks, upgrade U.S. military capability and drive economic growth. National security and telecom experts agreed that expanding commercial access to mid-band spectrum can support both consumer needs and national security. Senators warned that delays in auctions hurt national defense and America’s efforts to lead in global technology.
Press Releases 02/20/2025
DOT Deputy Secretary Nominee Steven Bradbury Commits to Safety, Efficiency, and Reform at Senate Commerce Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C. – At the Senate Commerce Committee today, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be Deputy Secretary to the Department of Transportation, Steven Bradbury, outlined his plans to address key issues facing the Department. During his nomination hearing, Mr. Bradbury shared his commitment to supporting DOT’s safety and efficiency mission by upholding legal authorities, collaborating with Congress, enhancing aviation safety, advancing regulatory reforms, and ensuring transparency.
Press Releases 02/20/2025
Chairman Cruz Stresses Need to Modernize America’s Aviation Systems
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, delivered remarks at today’s Aero Club of Washington event stressing the need for Congress to review the outdated state of the U.S. air traffic control system highlighting inefficiencies, staffing shortages, and technological and structural deficiencies compared to other countries. During his speech, Sen. Cruz called on stakeholders—airlines, pilots, air traffic controllers, airports, general and business aviation, new entrants, technology providers, and lawmakers—to actively participate in modernizing the U.S. air traffic control system and preventing future aviation accidents.
Press Releases 02/20/2025
Cantwell on Deputy DOT Nominee: Aviation Sector Can’t Afford “Someone Who Thinks That We Can Bend The Law To An Outcome”
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, pressed Steven Bradbury – President Donald Trump’s pick to serve as Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Transportation – on his role under the first Trump administration.
Press Releases 02/20/2025
Sen. Cruz: Steven Bradbury is an Exceptionally Qualified Leader Who Will Drive Intelligent Change at DOT
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee confirmation hearing for the Deputy Secretary of Transportation, Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) endorsed the nomination of Steven Bradbury. Sen. Cruz highlighted Mr. Bradbury’s past leadership roles at the Department of Transportation (DOT), including time as General Counsel and Acting Secretary, as well as Mr. Bradbury’s legal work in the private sector dealing with transportation matters. Mr. Bradbury will draw on his experience to help keep travelers safe, responsibly invest in the nation’s infrastructure, and ensure the DOT operates efficiently.
Press Releases 02/19/2025
Cantwell Opening Statement at Hearing on Spectrum Management
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, delivered the following remarks at today’s hearing on spectrum management:
Press Releases 02/19/2025
Cantwell Opening Statement at Hearing on Spectrum Management
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, delivered the following remarks at today’s hearing on spectrum management:
Press Releases 02/19/2025
Sen. Cruz: Spectrum Pipeline Means Faster Internet, More Jobs, Stronger National Defense
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee hearing titled “America Offline? How Spectrum Auction Delays Give China the Edge and Cost Us Jobs,” Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) raised the alarm on the urgent need to auction spectrum to preserve America’s global technology leadership, protect national security, create millions of jobs, and improve the lives of American consumers. Spectrum auctions have unlocked billions for the Treasury while enabling our nation’s wireless networks to deliver better connectivity, fueling the rise of breakthroughs from the iPhone to generative AI.
Press Releases 02/18/2025
Cantwell Votes NO On Advancing Lutnick for Commerce Secretary; Slams His Enthusiasm for Inflationary Tariffs
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, voted against confirming Howard Lutnick, President Donald Trump’s nominee to serve as Secretary of the Department of Commerce.
Press Releases 02/18/2025
Senate Commerce Announces Nominations Hearing for Michael Kratsios to Lead the Office of Science and Technology Policy and Mark Meador to Serve as a Federal Trade Commissioner
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will convene a nominations hearing for Michael Kratsios, nominee to be Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, and Mark Meador, nominee to be a Federal Trade Commissioner, at 10:00 AM EST on Tuesday, February 25, 2025.
Press Releases 02/17/2025
Cantwell Statement on Firings of FAA Employees
Today, Sen. Maria Cantwell, ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, released the following statement about reports that FAA safety employees who have served less than one year at the agency, including to technicians working under FAA’s Air Traffic Organization, have been fired as part of the DOGE-led federal workforce cuts
Press Releases 02/12/2025
America Offline? How Spectrum Auction Delays Give China the Edge and Cost Us Jobs
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will convene a full committee hearing titled “America Offline? How Spectrum Auction Delays Give China the Edge and Cost Us Jobs” on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 10:15 am EST. This hearing will examine the critical role of spectrum policy in driving the U.S. economy, maintaining the U.S.’s technological edge over China, and strengthening national security. As demand for spectrum-based services and technologies grows, American leadership in the 21st century must include a clear roadmap for spectrum optimization. The hearing will immediately follow an executive session to consider the Committee’s budget.
Press Releases 02/12/2025
Sen. Cruz: Discussing U.S. Acquisition of Greenland Is About Diplomacy and Shared Interests
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee hearing titled “Nuuk and Cranny: Looking at the Arctic and Greenland’s Geostrategic Importance to U.S. Interests,” Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) argued that acquiring Greenland would serve America’s national security and economic interests well due to the island’s location in the Arctic, access to sea routes, and wealth of natural resources.
Press Releases 02/12/2025
Cantwell Introduces Coast Guard Reauthorization Bill, Secures Wins for WA Environment & Tribes
Press Releases 02/12/2025
Ranking Member Cantwell Statement at Hearing on Arctic, Greenland
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce Committee, delivered the following opening remarks at a hearing today on the Arctic and Greenland. Cantwell stressed the importance of a new Arctic Strategy that solidifies American leadership in the Arctic and the need for collaboration with longstanding U.S. allies to meet the threats from Russia and China.
Press Releases 02/12/2025
Senators Highlight Greenland’s Strategic Importance, Untapped Resource Potential in Discussion About Acquisition
WASHINGTON, D.C. – At today’s Senate Commerce Committee hearing on the growing geopolitical importance of Greenland and the Arctic, Senate Republicans highlighted the many potential economic and security benefits of an acquisition of Greenland by the United States.
Press Releases 02/12/2025
Ranking Member Cantwell Q&A at Hearing on Arctic, Greenland
Press Releases 02/11/2025
Cruz-Led Investigation Uncovers $2 Billion in Woke DEI Grants at NSF, Releases Full Database
WASHINGTON, D.C -- U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) released a database identifying over 3,400 grants, totaling more than $2.05 billion in federal funding awarded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) during the Biden-Harris administration. This funding was diverted toward questionable projects that promoted Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) or advanced neo-Marxist class warfare propaganda.
Press Releases 02/6/2025
Sen. Cruz’s Investigation Leads Microsoft to Disavow Support for NewsGuard’s Biased Indoctrination Tool
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) praised Microsoft’s decision to disavow its affiliation with NewsGuard. This move came in response to a letter from Sen. Cruz calling out the company for financing NewsGuard’s so-called “Media Literacy” program. The program was actively marketed as an educational tool for schoolchildren to learn about “misinformation,” but NewsGuard’s inconsistent and biased rating system indoctrinates children and distorts their media literacy by censoring exposure to conservative viewpoints.
Press Releases 02/6/2025
Cantwell Letter to Duffy: ‘You Must Make Sure That All Conflicts Of Interest Between The FAA & Elon Musk Are Removed’
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Committee, sent a letter to Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy calling on him to ensure that Elon Musk stays out of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), citing Musk’s clear conflicts of interest.
Press Releases 02/5/2025
Commerce Committee Passes Bipartisan Bill to Prevent Supply Chain Disruptions, Protect American Producers & Pocketbooks
Today, the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee passed the bipartisan Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act, led by Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), members of the Committee.
Press Releases 02/5/2025
Sen. Cruz: We Remain Focused on Improving the Lives of the American People
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee executive session, Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) urged his colleagues to support Howard Lutnick’s nomination to be U.S. Secretary of Commerce and highlighted the importance of advancing the bipartisan legislation being considered by the committee.
Press Releases 02/5/2025
Commerce Committee Advances Cruz-Led Bipartisan Legislation to Improve Kids’ Online Safety, Preserve AM Radio, Help Traveling Families, Combat Illegal Fishing, and Modernize Weather Forecasts
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) issued the following statements after the Committee approved multiple bills with strong bipartisan support: Kids Off Social Media Act, AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act, TORNADO Act, and the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Enhancement Act. These measures will now proceed to the full Senate for consideration.
Press Releases 02/5/2025
During Committee Markup, Cantwell Votes Against Trump’s Commerce Secretary Nominee
Today, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation voted 16-12 to advance Howard Lutnick’s nomination to be Secretary of Commerce out of the Committee. Ahead of the vote, Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) delivered the following remarks on her decision to vote against the nominee, citing concerns over Trump’s trade policies and the nominee’s lack of commitment to uphold federal funding and programs.
Press Releases 02/5/2025
Commerce Committee Approves 17 Bipartisan Bills and Advances Lutnick Nomination To Lead Commerce Department
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee overwhelmingly approved 17 bipartisan bills and the nomination of Howard Lutnick to be Secretary of Commerce. The legislation passed touches almost all aspects of the Commerce Committee’s wide jurisdiction including transportation, weather and emergency forecasting, consumer protection and fee transparency, manufacturing and supply-chain resilience, oceans and fisheries, promoting tourism, and protecting children online.
Press Releases 02/5/2025
Nuuk and Cranny: Looking at the Arctic and Greenland’s Geostrategic Importance to U.S. Interests
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 “Nuuk and Cranny: Looking at the Arctic and Greenland’s Geostrategic Importance to U.S. Interests” on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, at 10:00 am EST. This hearing will examine the strategic significance of Greenland to the American economy and national security, focusing on the island’s cache of rare earth elements and U.S. research presence on the island, as well as the potential threats due to the growing influence of Russia and China in the Arctic.
Press Releases 02/4/2025
Business Community Unites Behind Lutnick for Commerce Department Leader
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of the Senate Commerce Committee markup of the nomination for Howard Lutnick to be U.S. Secretary of Commerce, dozens of organizations and companies from across the technology, space exploration, energy, and communications sectors have expressed support for Mr. Lutnick and enthusiasm for his leadership at the Department of Commerce.
Press Releases 02/4/2025
During Week of East Palestine Derailment Anniversary, Cantwell Urges Commerce Chair to Advance Legislation to Strengthen Rail Safety
Following yesterday’s two-year anniversary of the East Palestine train derailment, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, sent a letter to Chair Ted Cruz urging Republicans to pass legislation to strengthen rail safety and hold companies accountable.
Press Releases 02/4/2025
Cantwell Takes to Senate Floor to Oppose Trump’s Trade Philosophy: No to Tariffs, Yes to Innovation, Collaboration & Growth
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, delivered a speech on the Senate floor calling for the United States to establish new trade agreements with Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America – and to repudiate the trade philosophy of President Donald Trump, whose proposed tariffs on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China would spark a trade war, drive up costs for American consumers, harm domestic businesses across hundreds of industries, and compromise the United States’ global leadership in the free trade ecosystem.
Press Releases 01/31/2025
Watch: Cantwell Discusses Wednesday’s Devastating Jet-Helicopter Crash on CNN
This morning, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, joined CNN to discuss the devastating crash on Wednesday involving American Airlines flight 5342 and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River near Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA).
Press Releases 01/30/2025
Chairman Cruz and Senator Moran Announce Intent to Host Bipartisan Senate Commerce Committee Briefing with Key Federal Officials
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Chairman of the Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Aviation, today issued the following joint statement after receiving a briefing from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA):
Press Releases 01/30/2025
Cantwell Statement on Devastating Aviation Crash Wednesday
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, released the following statement on Wednesday’s collision.
Press Releases 01/29/2025
Cantwell Opening Remarks During Howard Lutnick’s Nomination Hearing for Secretary of Commerce
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, delivered the following opening remarks during today’s hearing to consider Trump nominee Howard Lutnick to be Secretary of Commerce.
Press Releases 01/29/2025
Sen. Cruz: Howard Lutnick Will Help to Unleash America’s Full Economic Potential
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee confirmation hearing for the U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) reaffirmed his support for Howard Lutnick. Sen. Cruz discussed how Mr. Lutnick’s entrepreneurial experience will be valuable in guiding investments in emerging technology, bolstering America’s leadership in AI innovation and commercial space regulation, and expanding job opportunities across multiple industries.
Press Releases 01/28/2025
Cruz Applauds Strong Bipartisan Senate Support for Sean Duffy to Lead DOT
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation issued the following statement after the Senate voted to confirm the Honorable Sean Duffy, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be U.S. Secretary of Transportation by a vote of 77 yeas and 22 nays.
Press Releases 01/28/2025
Cantwell Calls for Revitalized US Maritime Strategy to Secure Panama Canal from Foreign Adversaries, Increase Trade and Lower Costs for Americans
Following today’s Commerce Committee hearing on the Panama Canal, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, reiterated the need for continued U.S.-Panama cooperation to increase investments in port infrastructure and cybersecurity measures that will strengthen national security, increase trade and lower costs for consumers. The senator will request Defense officials to brief Committee members on foreign threats to the Panama Canal and plans to lead a delegation to visit the Canal’s operations.
Press Releases 01/28/2025
Sen. Cruz: Evidence Shows Panama May Be in Violation of Canal Treaty
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee hearing titled “Fees and Foreign Influence: Examining the Panama Canal and Its Impact on U.S. Trade and National Security,” Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) stressed the importance of the Panama Canal for the American economy and voiced concerns over China’s growing influence in the region. The Panama Canal facilitates 40 percent of U.S. seaborne container traffic and six percent of all global trade, but China has exploited Panama’s institutional weakness to evade U.S. sanctions and impose unfair charges on U.S. commerce and Naval ships.
Press Releases 01/27/2025
Chairman Cruz Leads Senate Commerce GOP in Effort to Stop Biden FCC from Subsidizing Kids’ Unsupervised Internet Access
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) led 13 Senate Commerce Republicans in introducing a resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) that would nullify a partisan FCC order that violates federal law, creates major risks for kids’ online safety, harms parental rights, and will increase taxes on working families.
Press Releases 01/27/2025
Cantwell, Blackburn, Blunt Rochester Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Prevent Supply Chain Disruptions, Protect American Producers & Pocketbooks
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), members of the Committee, re-introduced the bipartisan Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act that would authorize the Department of Commerce to strengthen American supply chains for critical industries and emerging technologies by working with the private sector and U.S. government partners to anticipate and prevent future supply chain disruptions before they happen. In the process, it will also identify opportunities to grow manufacturing capacity and jobs, and reduce costs for American consumers.
Press Releases 01/22/2025
Cantwell Statement Ahead of Commerce Committee Vote to Advance Sean Duffy’s Nomination to be Transportation Secretary
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, spoke ahead of today’s bipartisan vote to advance Sean Duffy’s nomination to be Secretary of the Department of the Transportation.
Press Releases 01/22/2025
DOT Nominee Sean Duffy Clears Commerce Committee Unanimously
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, chaired by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), voted to advance President Trump’s nominee for U.S. Secretary of Transportation, the Honorable Sean Duffy, to the full Senate with unanimous support from committee members. Duffy’s nomination passed the committee by a vote of 28 yeas and 0 nays.
Press Releases 01/21/2025
Cantwell Slams Trump Decision to Fire Coast Guard Commandant Who Took On Sexual Assault Culture: “It’s Appalling”
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, went live on CNN to criticize the Department of Homeland Security’s middle-of-the-night decision to terminate Admiral Linda Fagan as U.S. Coast Guard Commandant. Commandant Admiral Fagan was the first woman to lead any branch of the Armed Forces.
Press Releases 01/17/2025
Cantwell Statement on Supreme Court TikTok Decision
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) released this statement regarding the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the law requiring the sale of TikTok.
Press Releases 01/16/2025
Sens. Cruz, Klobuchar, Reps. Salazar, Dean Continue Fight to Pass TAKE IT DOWN Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In one of his first moves as the Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) joined Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) in reintroducing the bipartisan, bicameral TAKE IT DOWN Act. The legislation would criminalize the publication of non-consensual, sexually exploitative images—including AI-generated deepfakes—and require platforms to remove images within 48 hours of notice.
Press Releases 01/15/2025
Out of the Gate, Cantwell Presses Duffy for His Commitments to Bipartisan Transportation Infrastructure Investments, Aviation Safety, & Traveling Public
During her first round of questioning at today’s hearing to consider Trump nominee Sean Duffy to be Secretary of the Department of Transportation, Ranking Member Maria Cantwell pressed the nominee for his commitment to honoring the transportation infrastructure investments in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, continuing to strengthen aviation safety oversight, and putting the traveling public’s safety ahead of special interests.
Press Releases 01/15/2025
Sen. Cruz: Sean Duffy is a Dedicated Public Servant Who Will Create a More Efficient DOT
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee confirmation hearing for the Secretary of Transportation, Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) outlined his agenda for the next two years and affirmed his support for Congressman Sean Duffy. Sen. Cruz declared his intentions to regularly hold hearings and move bills through the committee. He reiterated his commitment to working with his colleagues on both sides of the aisle to address shared priorities.
Press Releases 01/15/2025
Senators Praise Sean Duffy As ‘Highly Qualified’ and ‘The Right Person for This Job’ in Confirmation Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C. – At today’s Senate Commerce Committee hearing, President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee to be U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Sean Duffy, earned praise from Senators on both sides of the dais, citing his qualifications and history of public service.
Press Releases 01/14/2025
Cantwell's Leadership Drives Historic Laws Transforming American Manufacturing, Infrastructure & Innovation
During her time as Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation these past four years, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell led an ambitious agenda focused on finding bipartisan solutions to many of the challenges facing our nation’s economy.
Press Releases 01/14/2025
Spokane Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Center Tech Hub Launches With $48 Million Federal Grant
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) announced $48 million for the American Aerospace Materials Manufacturing Center (AAMMC) in Spokane, Washington.
Press Releases 01/14/2025
America’s Transportation Community Supports Duffy to Lead Department of Transportation
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Ahead of the Senate Commerce Committee nomination hearing for Sean Duffy to be U.S. Secretary of Transportation, dozens of transportation trade associations, companies, and coalitions that depend on a safe and efficient transportation system have voiced their support for his nomination.
Press Releases 01/8/2025
Sens. Cruz, Cantwell, Curtis Reintroduce ‘Spy Fridge’ Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), and Sen. John Curtis (R-Utah) recently reintroduced the Informing Consumers About Smart Devices Act, bipartisan legislation that would require the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to create reasonable disclosure guidelines for products equipped with audio or visual recording components that are not obvious, such as refrigerators, washers, dryers, and dishwashers. Many consumers don’t realize a growing number of household devices and appliances come with cameras and/or microphones capable of recording them and their families. Some devices also include Wi-Fi capability to transmit data without their knowledge.
Press Releases 12/23/2024
Cruz Calls Out Microsoft for Bankrolling Indoctrination Tool NewsGuard in Schools
Press Releases 12/21/2024
Cantwell Applauds Senate Confirmation of Amtrak Board of Directors
The U.S. Senate unanimously confirmed David Capozzi, Elaine Clegg, Ronald Batory and Lanhee Chen to serve on the Amtrak Board of Directors.
Press Releases 12/19/2024
Cantwell, Cruz Lead Bipartisan NASA Reauthorization Legislation
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-Texas) introduced the NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2024, which would provide the agency $25.4 billion in funding for Fiscal Year 2025.
Press Releases 12/17/2024
Bipartisan, Bicameral Legislation to Prevent Supply Chain Disruptions, Protect American Producers & Pocketbooks, Set to Pass in End of Year Package
U.S. Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), and Reps. Larry Bucshon (R-Ind.) and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.), secured a package of provisions based on the bipartisan Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act in the must-pass Continuing Resolution.
Press Releases 12/12/2024
Chair Cantwell Touts Committee’s Progress on Aviation Safety
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, delivered the following remarks at today’s subcommittee hearing on the Federal Aviation Administration’s air traffic systems, facilities and technical air traffic workforce, in light of increasing air travel demand.
Press Releases 12/12/2024
Commerce Committee Approves Nominations, Sending Nominations to the Senate Floor
Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation approved nominations during an Executive Session.
Press Releases 12/11/2024
Cantwell, Cruz, Baldwin, Sullivan Introduce Bipartisan Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2024
U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-Texas), along with Oceans Subcommittee Chair Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.) and Ranking Member Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) introduced bipartisan legislation that would authorize the U.S. Coast Guard for Fiscal Years 2025 and 2026.
Press Releases 12/9/2024
Cantwell Pushes House Republican Leadership to End Blockage of Kids Privacy Legislation
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, called on House Republican Leadership to end their blockade of kids privacy legislation following a statement today by Speaker Mike Johnson.
Press Releases 12/7/2024
Cantwell Secures Key Investments in NDAA to Accelerate American Tech Innovation, Protect America’s Networks from Adversaries and Drive America’s Economic Strength
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Commerce Committee and key architect of the CHIPS and Science Law, secured up to $500 million in federal investments to preserve and expand the Regional Tech Hubs program.
Press Releases 12/4/2024
Bipartisan Senate Leaders Urge House GOP to Stand Up to Tech Companies, Protect Children From Social Media Harms & Pass Kids Online Privacy Legislation Before End of Year
U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chair Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Ranking Member Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and Sens. Edward Markey (D-Mass.), Bill Cassidy (R-La.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), authors of bipartisan bills to protect children online, wrote to House Republican Leaders urging them to pass the Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act (KOSPA) package before the end of the year.
Press Releases 12/3/2024
Cantwell, Young, Durbin, Daines Introduce National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act
To maintain and expand the United States’ leadership in the global race for quantum technology, U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.), member of the Committee, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) introduced the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act.
Press Releases 12/3/2024
Cantwell, Young, Durbin, Daines Introduce National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act
To maintain and expand the United States’ leadership in the global race for quantum technology, U.S. Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.), member of the Committee, Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Sen. Steve Daines (R-Mont.) introduced the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act.
Press Releases 11/15/2024
After Three Years, Historic Infrastructure Law Delivers Nearly $10B for WA Roads, Bridges, Ports & Airports
Nov. 15 marks the third anniversary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), a once-in-a-generation investment in America’s infrastructure. Since 2021, the investments included in the law have delivered $9.89 billion to transportation infrastructure projects across Washington state. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) authored many of the provisions in the law to meet the needs of the country. Additionally, much of the funding has gone out under grant programs authorized by the Commerce Committee.
Press Releases 11/15/2024
Commerce Democrats Highlight Historic Investments in Our Nation’s Infrastructure
On the third anniversary of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), Senate Commerce Committee Democrats are highlighting some of the impacts this once-in-a-generation investment in America’s infrastructure is having across the country. Since 2021, the law has channeled $568 billion across all 50 states for more than 66,000 projects and awards in critical infrastructure investments through many Commerce Committee-authorized grant programs, modernizing America's transportation networks and strengthening local economies.
Press Releases 10/15/2024
Cantwell, Murray, Smith, Larsen Send Letter to Boeing, Unions
U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell and Patty Murray joined U.S. Representatives Adam Smith and Rick Larsen in calling for Boeing and the machinists unions to reach a mutually beneficial resolution to the month long strike.
Press Releases 09/26/2024
Cantwell, Tester, Baldwin, Rosen, Luján Introduce Bill to Prevent Fentanyl Trafficking Through U.S. Transportation Networks
Commerce Committee Democrats U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Jon Tester (D-Mont.), Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), Jacky Rosen (D-Nev.) and Ben Ray Luján. (D-N.M.) introduced legislation to crack down on the trafficking of illicit synthetic drugs, like fentanyl, using the U.S. transportation network. The bill would create first-ever inspection strategies to stop drug smuggling by commercial aircraft, railroads, vehicles and ships. The legislation would boost state, local and tribal local law enforcement resources, deploy next generation non-intrusive detection technologies and increase inspections at ports of entry.
Press Releases 09/25/2024
Cantwell, Brown, Vance, Casey, Fetterman Lead Senate Resolution Declaring Rail Safety Week
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and Ohio and Pennsylvania Sens. Sherrod Brown, J.D. Vance, Bob Casey and John Fetterman, introduced a resolution designating September 23-29 as “Rail Safety Week.” The resolution outlines the need to reduce accidents and injuries at highway-rail crossings, prevent derailments and rail worker fatalities, and improve the safe transportation of hazardous materials.
Press Releases 09/25/2024
Sen. Cantwell Delivers Opening Statement at Hearing for Biden Transportation Noms
U.S. Senator Cantwell, Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, delivered the following opening statement at a nominations hearing today to consider Carl Bentzel for the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), Thomas Chapman for the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Lanhee Chen for the Amtrak Board of Directors.
Press Releases 09/20/2024
FTC Sues Pharmacy Benefit Managers for Inflating Insulin Prices
Today, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that the organization filed legal action against the country’s three largest prescription drug benefit managers (PBMs)—Caremark Rx, Express Scripts and OptumRx—for engaging in anti-competitive and unfair practices that inflated the price of insulin drugs, blocked patients’ access to more affordable products and shifted the cost of high insulin list prices to vulnerable patients. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, applauded the FTC’s action:
Press Releases 09/19/2024
Commerce Committee Democrats Set Focus on Cybersecurity Threats to Nation’s Aviation System, Impact on Consumers
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and Committee Democrats focused during yesterday’s hearing on the need to invest in resilient and redundant information technology systems at airports and airlines to better protect against cybersecurity threats, safeguard passengers’ and employees’ personal data—including credit card and frequent flyer accounts—and ensure consumers have the tools they need to recover when they are harmed.
Press Releases 09/18/2024
Cantwell Opening Remarks at Hearing on Aviation Cybersecurity Threats
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, delivered the following opening remarks at today’s hearing on cybersecurity threats faced by airports and airlines, including impacts to passengers.
Press Releases 09/18/2024
Cantwell Joins Ceremony Honoring Women of 'Hidden Figures'
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, joined House Speaker Mike Johnson, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and NASA Administrator Bill Nelson at a Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony recognizing the women who contributed to the space race, including the NASA mathematicians who were the subject of the book and movie Hidden Figures.
Press Releases 09/17/2024
Cantwell Lays Out Reasons Why Urgency for US National Privacy Standard Will Continue to Grow
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and author of the bipartisan American Privacy Rights Act, delivered keynote remarks at Forum Global’s 6th Annual Data Privacy Conference, where she laid out reasons why the need for a federal comprehensive privacy law will continue to grow.
Press Releases 09/11/2024
Cantwell Leads Amtrak Board Nomination Hearing, Discusses Rail Safety, On-Time Performance, Western Service Expansion
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, delivered the following opening remarks at today’s hearing for President Biden’s nominees, David Capozzi, Samuel Lathem, Ronald Batory and Elaine Clegg, to serve as members on the Amtrak Board of Directors.
Press Releases 08/24/2024
Cantwell Statement on NASA Decision to Return Astronauts on SpaceX Spacecraft
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, released this statement regarding NASA's decision to return astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams on SpaceX's Dragon spacecraft:
Press Releases 08/21/2024
During Natl Aviation Week, Cantwell Champions Sustainable Aviation Projects to Make Flying Greener and Cleaner
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, announced on Friday the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) Fueling Aviation’s Sustainable Transition via Sustainable Aviation Fuel (FAST-SAF) and Low-Emission Aviation Technology (FAST-Tech) program awarded $291 million across 36 projects, including $36 million for projects in the State of Washington, to invest in building sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) supply chains and low-emission aviation technologies.
Press Releases 08/9/2024
Cantwell Celebrates Second Anniversary of CHIPS & Science Act
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and chief architect of the CHIPS & Science Act, today celebrated the two-year anniversary of the law designed to invest in vital, cutting-edge research, bolster the nation's tech leadership and spur American innovation everywhere from big cities to small towns.
Press Releases 08/2/2024
Cantwell, Duckworth Introduce Legislation to Review and Strengthen Safety Management Systems at FAA
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, and Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Chair of the Aviation Safety Subcommittee, yesterday introduced the FAA SMS Compliance Review Act of 2024 to improve the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) safety oversight by ensuring the agency’s Safety Management System (SMS) is comprehensive, robust and effective to identify and address aviation safety issues.
Press Releases 08/1/2024
Cantwell, Democrats Secure $7 Billion for Affordable Connectivity Program Over GOP Opposition
Democratic members overcame Republican opposition to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), passing an amendment to secure $7 billion to continue the program, which had provided access to affordable internet for more than 23 million American households.
Press Releases 07/31/2024
Commerce Committee Passes Bipartisan Cantwell-Moran Bills to Boost AI Education, Help Small Businesses Leverage AI Tools
Today, the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee passed the bipartisan National Science Foundation AI Education Act, to expand AI educational opportunities across all levels, and the bipartisan Small Business Artificial Intelligence Training Act, to help small businesses leverage AI in their operations. Both bills were introduced by U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee, and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), a senior member of the Committee.
Press Releases 07/31/2024
Commerce Committee Passes Bipartisan Bill to Ensure U.S. Leads Global AI Innovation
Today, the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee passed the bipartisan Future of AI Innovation Act to maintain United States leadership in the global race to develop artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging technologies. Led by Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee, Todd Young (R-Ind.), John Hickenlooper (D-Colo.), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Kyrsten Sinema (I-Ariz.), the bill promotes strong partnerships between government, business, civil society and academia to advance AI research. It authorizes the U.S. Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute (AISI) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and creates testbeds with national labs to accelerate groundbreaking AI innovation that will spur future economic growth and protect national security.
Press Releases 07/30/2024
Cantwell Calls for “Root Cause” Analysis of FAA Lapses in Oversight of Boeing, Aviation Manufacturers
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, sent a letter to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Michael Whitaker on Saturday requesting the FAA conduct a root cause analysis to determine any deficiencies in its own oversight of aviation manufacturers.
Press Releases 07/30/2024
Senate Overwhelmingly Passes Children’s Online Privacy Legislation
Today, the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passed the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0) and the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) to better protect children and teens online. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, twice led the passage of the bills through the Committee, and worked tirelessly with bill sponsors, stakeholders and parents whose children were harmed, to build consensus and support necessary to secure Senate approval.
Press Releases 07/29/2024
Tech Leaders, AI Innovators Underscore Importance of AI Safety Institute Ahead of Committee Consideration of Cantwell-Young Future of AI Innovation Act
Leading tech organizations, companies and safety policy advocates from across the artificial intelligence (AI) community wrote Commerce Committee leaders today urging passage of the Cantwell-Young Future of AI Innovation Act that would codify the U.S. Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute (AISI) at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).
Press Releases 07/25/2024
Cantwell Probes Union Pacific Railroad Following Interference With Federal Audit of Company’s Safety Culture
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, sent a letter yesterday to the President of Union Pacific Railroad, Beth Whited, regarding its efforts to manipulate the results of a recent Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) safety culture audit by “coaching” employees across the company to provide certain responses to safety surveys and to report all interactions with FRA safety inspectors to company leaders.
Press Releases 07/25/2024
Kids Online Privacy Protections – Finally – Set to Pass Senate
Today, the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly voted to advance the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA 2.0) and the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), clearing the way for final passage next week.
Press Releases 07/24/2024
Cantwell Statement on FTC Action Into Concerning Surveillance Pricing, Calls for Comprehensive Privacy Law
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, released the following statement yesterday after the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued orders to eight companies requesting information about their products and services that use personal data to set individual prices for consumers. The orders seek information about the potential impact these practices have on privacy and consumer protection:
Press Releases 07/24/2024
Cantwell Joins GMA3 to Talk About Delta’s Network Meltdown
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, appeared on GMA3 to talk about Delta Air Lines’ technological and customer communications problems in the wake of last Friday’s CrowdStrike IT outage.
Press Releases 07/24/2024
Paris 2024 Olympics Mark First Games Where Team USA Women Athletes Are Guaranteed Equal Pay Thanks to Cantwell-Capito Law
When the opening ceremonies of the 2024 Paris Olympics begin this week, the games will mark the first in which women and men athletes competing on Team USA are guaranteed equal pay and benefits in their sport, under the Equal Pay for Team USA law authored by U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.).
Press Releases 07/23/2024
Amid Delta’s Network Meltdown That Still Has Passengers Stranded, Cantwell Reminds Airline To Comply With Law
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, sent a letter to Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian regarding the airline’s operational and customer communications problems in the wake of Friday’s CrowdStrike IT outage.
Press Releases 07/11/2024
Cantwell Applauds House Introduction of Rail Safety Legislation
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, applauded today’s House introduction of the Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2024, led by House Transportation and Infrastructure Railroad Subcommittee leaders Rep. Troy Nehls (R-Texas) and Rep Seth Moulton (D-Mass.).
Press Releases 07/11/2024
Cantwell Opening Remarks at Hearing on AI’s Acceleration and the Need to Protect Americans’ Privacy
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, delivered the following opening remarks at today’s hearing on how AI is accelerating the need to protect Americans’ privacy.
Press Releases 07/11/2024
Experts Warn Senators AI is Upping the Urgency for Federal Privacy Law
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, convened a hearing this morning with legal, policy and private sector privacy and artificial intelligence (AI) experts to explore how the rapid advancement of AI is accelerating the urgency to pass a federal privacy law.
Press Releases 07/11/2024
Cantwell, Blackburn, Heinrich Introduce Legislation to Increase Transparency, Combat AI Deepfakes & Put Journalists, Artists & Songwriters Back in Control of Their Content
Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), member of the Commerce Committee, and Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.), member of the Senate AI Working Group, introduced the Content Origin Protection and Integrity from Edited and Deepfaked Media Act (COPIED ACT), to combat the rise of harmful deepfakes.
Press Releases 07/9/2024
Cantwell Urges Congress to Act on PBMs, As New FTC Report Reveals Prescription Drug Middlemen are Inflating Drug Costs
Today, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released an interim report showing that prescription drug middlemen are profiting at the expense of patients, inflating drug costs and squeezing local pharmacies. After reviewing the report, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, urged her colleagues to pass her bipartisan Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act that would hold these middlemen accountable.
Press Releases 07/9/2024
FCC Report Shows Urgency to Pass Spectrum and National Security Act
Today, U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel called on Congress to provide support to small and rural broadband providers struggling to remove and replace unsecure Chinese network equipment after a new FCC report found 40% of Rip and Replace program participants lack funding to complete the work.
Press Releases 06/25/2024
Following NTSB East Palestine Meeting, Cantwell Renews Calls for Congress to Pass Bipartisan Rail Legislation
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, renewed her calls for Congress to pass the bipartisan Railway Safety Act following today’s National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) public hearing in East Palestine, Ohio, on its investigation into the cause of last year’s disastrous train derailment.
Press Releases 06/21/2024
Ahead of Summer Olympic Games, Senate Commerce Presses World Anti-Doping Agency on Chinese Swimmers’ Doping Scandal
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, which oversees sports, and Ranking Member Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) sent a letter today to World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) President Witold Ba?ka regarding a report that the agency allowed Chinese swimmers who tested positive for banned performance-enhancing drugs to compete at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
Press Releases 06/20/2024
On Senate Floor, Cantwell Calls on Colleagues to Regulate Prescription Drug Middlemen
Yesterday, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, called on her colleagues to pass her bipartisan legislation with Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), the Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act, which would hold middlemen in the prescription drug market accountable for deceptive and unfair practices that drive up drug costs for consumers and force pharmacies out of business.
Press Releases 06/18/2024
On the Senate Floor, Cantwell Calls for Bipartisanship on Widely Supported Spectrum Legislation, Continuation of Affordable Connectivity Program
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, took to the Senate floor today to call for the end of efforts by some Republicans to block Committee progress on the Spectrum and National Security Act, including $7 billion to continue funding the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which helps provide affordable internet for more than 23 million American households.
Press Releases 06/13/2024
Cantwell Presses FAA on Plans to Strengthen Aviation Manufacturing Oversight
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, during today’s hearing pressed Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Michael Whitaker on how he plans to strengthen the agency’s safety oversight at Boeing and other aviation manufacturers, after a series of accidents and failed audits.
Press Releases 06/13/2024
Cantwell Opening Remarks at Hearing With FAA Administrator on Oversight of Aviation Manufacturing at Boeing
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, delivered the following opening remarks at today’s hearing to examine the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) oversight of Boeing’s aircraft manufacturing processes and production quality, including the FAA’s assessment of the recently submitted 90-day comprehensive plan by Boeing.
Press Releases 06/11/2024
Cantwell, Moran Introduce Bill to Help Small Business Leverage AI Tools
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), a senior member of the Committee, today introduced the bipartisan Small Business Artificial Intelligence Training and Toolkit Act of 2024 that would authorize the U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) to work with the Small Business Administration (SBA) to create and distribute artificial intelligence (AI) training resources and tools to help small businesses leverage AI in their operations.
Press Releases 05/31/2024
Cantwell Celebrates First-Of-Their-Kind Airline Consumer Protections Secured in New FAA Law
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, visited the Rainier Beach Community Center in Seattle alongside Coach Mike Bethea of the Rainier Beach High School Varsity Boys Basketball team to celebrate new consumer protections for fliers enacted in the Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2024.
Press Releases 05/23/2024
Cantwell, Moran Introduce Bill to Boost AI Education
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), a senior member of the Commerce Committee, today introduced the bipartisan NSF AI Education Act of 2024 to expand scholarship and professional development opportunities to study artificial intelligence and quantum with support from the National Science Foundation (NSF).
Press Releases 05/21/2024
Cantwell, Blackburn Introduce Bill to Prevent Supply Chain Disruptions Before They Happen, Protect American Producers & Pocketbooks
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, and U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), a senior member of the Committee, introduced the bipartisan Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act that would create a government-wide approach to monitoring, tracking and strengthening American supply chains. The bill would help anticipate and address future supply chain disruptions before they happen, identify opportunities to grow manufacturing capacity and jobs here at home and reduce costs for American consumers.
Press Releases 05/16/2024
President Biden Signs Cantwell’s Bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Act Into Law
Tonight, President Biden signed the bipartisan Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024 into law. The legislation prioritizes investments that will strengthen aviation safety, boost consumer protections, grow the aviation safety workforce, advance technology and innovation, and modernize our national airspace system into the future. As chief architect and lead negotiator of the landmark legislation, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, released the following statement:
Press Releases 05/15/2024
Cantwell-led Landmark Bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Act Heads to President’s Desk
Today, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed the bipartisan Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024 by a vote of 387-26. As chief architect and lead negotiator of the landmark legislation, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Commerce Committee, applauded today’s final passage after championing the bill through the Senate last week. The bill now goes to President Biden’s desk to be signed into law.
Press Releases 05/14/2024
Senate Confirms Jennifer Homendy for Another Term as NTSB Chair
Tonight, the U.S. Senate unanimously voted to confirm Jennifer Homendy to serve another five-year term on the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and for another three-year term as Chair of the Board. U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, applauded the Senate’s unanimous vote:
Press Releases 05/9/2024
Senate Overwhelmingly Approves FAA Reauthorization Act
Today, the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly approved the bipartisan Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act to reauthorize the FAA and the NTSB for five years. Sponsored by Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Aviation Subcommittee Chair Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Ranking Member Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), the legislation prioritizes investments that will strengthen aviation safety, boost consumer protections, grow the aviation safety workforce, advance technology and innovation, and modernize our national airspace system into the future. The legislation is expected to pass the U.S. House of Representatives next week before moving to the President’s desk.
Press Releases 05/8/2024
Labor-Backed FAA Bill is Victory for Workers Across Aviation Industry
America’s aviation workers have overwhelmingly voiced their support for legislation to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which includes huge labor and workforce priorities led by Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell (D-Wash).
Press Releases 05/2/2024
ICYMI: Natl Air Traffic Controllers Strongly Supports FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) announced today its strong support of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024.
Press Releases 05/1/2024
Cantwell Tells Senate America Needs a Strong FAA Reauthorization for Safety
Press Releases 05/1/2024
Support for FAA Reauthorization Bill Continues to Grow, Backed by Aviation Community, Labor
As the U.S. Senate begins consideration of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024, the aviation community, including pilots, flight attendants, air traffic controllers, aerospace workers, airports, manufacturers and more are voicing their support calling for the bipartisan legislation to pass the Senate.
Press Releases 04/29/2024
Senate and House Committee Leaders Reach Agreement on Bicameral FAA Reauthorization
Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee Chair Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair Sam Graves (R-Mo.) and Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-Wash.) released the following joint statement upon reaching agreement on a final bipartisan, bicameral bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA):
Press Releases 04/29/2024
Bipartisan, Bicameral FAA Reauthorization Act Heads to Senate Floor
Following months of negotiations between Senate Commerce Committee Chair Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Ranking Member Ted Cruz (R-Texas), and House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chair Sam Graves (R-Mo.) and Ranking Member Rick Larsen (D-Wash.) an agreement has been reached on a final bill to reauthorize the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the NTSB for five years. The legislation prioritizes investments to strengthen aviation safety standards, enhance consumer protections, advance technology and innovation, and build a modern, well-trained, safety-centric workforce.