Press Releases

Press Releases 04/3/2019
Committee Approves 13 Bills, 8 Nominations
The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today approved 13 bills, eight nominees, and five Coast Guard promotions, all subject to approval by the full Senate.
Press Releases 04/3/2019
Subcommittee to Hold Hearing on Pipeline Safety and Oversight
U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., chairman of the Subcommittee on Transportation and Safety, will convene a hearing titled, “Pipeline Safety: Federal Oversight and Stakeholder Perspectives,” at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 10, 2019. The hearing will examine federal pipeline safety and federal oversight as the Commerce Committee considers reauthorization of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration’s pipeline safety program.
Press Releases 04/3/2019
Committee Announces Hearing on Broadband Mapping
U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will convene a hearing titled, “Broadband Mapping: Challenges and Solutions,” at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 10, 2019. The hearing will examine the current state of the nation’s broadband maps, and evaluate the ongoing efforts within the federal government and private sector to collect more accurate broadband coverage data. The hearing also will examine ways to increase coordination among federal agencies that administer broadband deployment programs to ensure resources are targeted to unserved areas.
Press Releases 04/2/2019
Committee Launches Investigation of FAA Aviation Safety Inspectors
U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today launched an investigation of any potential connection between inadequate training and certification of Aviation Safety Inspectors who may have participated in the evaluation of the Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft. The investigation comes in light of recent 737 crashes and information obtained from whistleblowers.
Press Releases 03/28/2019
Subcommittee to Hold Hearing on Federal Maritime Agencies
U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, chairman of the Subcommittee on Security, will convene a hearing titled, “Federal Maritime Agencies: Ensuring a Safe, Secure, and Competitive Future,” at 10:15 a.m. on Thursday, April 4, 2019. This hearing will examine the President’s fiscal year 2020 budget request for the U.S. Coast Guard, the Maritime Administration, and the Federal Maritime Commission and the current operational successes and challenges before the agencies.
Press Releases 03/27/2019
Wicker Convenes Hearing on Blue Economy
U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today convened the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for a hearing titled, “Our Blue Economy: Successes and Opportunities.” The hearing examined stakeholder perspectives on marine economic development and the need for federal investments in ocean technologies and fisheries.
Press Releases 03/27/2019
Wicker Opening Statement During Airline Safety Hearing
U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today delivered the following statement during the Aviation and Space Subcommittee hearing titled, “The State of Airline Safety: Federal Oversight of Commercial Aviation.” The hearing examined challenges to the state of commercial aviation safety, including the specific concerns highlighted by recent accidents. The subcommittee heard from a panel of government witnesses on ways to improve the safety of the commercial air transportation system.
Press Releases 03/27/2019
Committee Announces Markup on April 3
U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will convene an executive session on Wednesday, April 3, 2019 at 9:30 a.m. in Dirksen Senate Office Building G50 to consider the following legislative measures and nominations.
Press Releases 03/20/2019
Committee Announces Hearing on Blue Economy
U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will convene a hearing titled, “Our Blue Economy: Successes and Opportunities,” at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 27, 2019. The hearing will examine stakeholder perspectives on marine economic development and the need for federal investments in ocean technologies and fisheries.
Press Releases 03/20/2019
Subcommittee to Hold Hearing on Airline Safety
U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, chairman of the Subcommittee on Aviation and Space, will convene a hearing titled, “The State of Airline Safety: Federal Oversight of Commercial Aviation,” at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 27, 2019. In light of the recent tragedy in Ethiopia and the subsequent grounding of the Boeing 737 Max aircraft, this hearing will examine challenges to the state of commercial aviation safety, including any specific concerns highlighted by recent accidents.
Press Releases 03/19/2019
Wicker Adds Chief of Investigations to Commerce Committee
U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today announced the committee’s chief of investigations.
Press Releases 03/19/2019
Subcommittee Announces Hearing on Impact of Data Privacy Challenges on Small Businesses
U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran, R-Kan., chairman of the Subcommittee on Manufacturing, Trade, and Consumer Protection, will convene a hearing titled, “Small Business Perspectives on a Federal Data Privacy Framework,” at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, 2019. The hearing will focus on the data privacy issues that impact small businesses and the unique challenges they face with laws designed for larger companies.
Press Releases 03/13/2019
Wicker Convenes Hearing on U.S. Leadership in Space
U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today convened the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for a hearing titled, “The New Space Race: Ensuring U.S. Global Leadership on the Final Frontier.” The hearing discussion focused on the U.S. government’s strategy for maintaining leadership in space, ensuring space industry competitiveness, and addressing challenges to America’s spacefaring preeminence.
Press Releases 03/12/2019
Wicker and Sinema Announce Net Neutrality Working Group
Press Releases 03/12/2019
Wicker Announces Hearing on Aviation Safety
U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss. chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today issued the following statements about the plane crash that took place in Ethiopia, and announced a hearing on aviation safety.
Press Releases 03/6/2019
Committee Announces Hearing on U.S. Leadership in Space
U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will convene a hearing titled, “The New Space Race: Ensuring U.S. Global Leadership on the Final Frontier,” at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 13, 2019. The hearing will discuss the U.S. government’s strategy for maintaining leadership in space, ensuring space industry competitiveness, and addressing challenges to spacefaring preeminence.
Press Releases 03/6/2019
Wicker Convenes Hearing on American Maritime Industry
U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today convened the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for a hearing titled, “The State of the American Maritime Industry.” The hearing focused on the current state of the domestic maritime industry in anticipation of the fiscal year 2020 budget request and discussed priorities for the Coast Guard and Maritime Administration reauthorization bills.
Press Releases 03/5/2019
Subcommittee Announces Hearing on Broadband in Rural America
U.S. Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, will convene a hearing titled, “The Impact of Broadband Investments in Rural America,” at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 12, 2019. The hearing will focus on the Federal Communications Commission’s order to improve the quality and expand availability of rural broadband. The subcommittee will also discuss opportunities and investments to support carriers in rural America, efforts to prevent overbuilding among federal broadband programs, and the next steps to close the digital divide.
Press Releases 02/28/2019
Subcommittee Announces Hearing on China Challenges for U.S. Commerce
U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, chairman of the Subcommittee on Security, will convene a hearing titled, “China: Challenges for U.S. Commerce,” at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 7, 2019. The subcommittee hearing will examine the security implications of China's harmful practices in the marketplace, including issues of manufacturing competitiveness, intellectual property challenges, data localization requirements, standards-setting, and cybersecurity threats.
Press Releases 02/27/2019
Wicker Convenes Hearing to Examine Consumer Data Privacy Issues
Press Releases 02/27/2019
Committee Announces Hearing on American Maritime Industry
U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will convene a hearing titled, “The State of the American Maritime Industry,” at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 6, 2019. The hearing will focus on the current state of the domestic maritime industry in anticipation of the FY20 budget request and discuss priorities for the Coast Guard and MARAD reauthorization bills.
Press Releases 02/25/2019
Commerce Leaders Seek Answers on Google Nest Undisclosed Microphones
Press Releases 02/20/2019
Subcommittee Announces Hearing on Surface Transportation Networks
Press Releases 02/13/2019
Wicker Convenes Hearing on America’s Infrastructure Needs
U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today convened the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for its hearing titled, “America’s Infrastructure Needs: Keeping Pace with a Growing Economy.” The hearing focused on the current state of infrastructure and opportunities for improvement, including public and private funding, support for multimodal connectivity, and rural development.
Press Releases 02/13/2019
Committee Approves Presidential Nominations and Coast Guard Reserve Promotion
Press Releases 02/11/2019
Wicker Statement on President Trump's Artificial Intelligence Executive Order
U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, released the following statement after President Trump signed an Executive Order launching the American Artificial Intelligence (AI) Initiative.
Press Releases 02/8/2019
Wicker to Hold Hearing Examining Consumer Data Privacy Issues
Press Releases 02/6/2019
Committee Announces Hearing on America’s Infrastructure Needs
Press Releases 02/6/2019
Wicker Convenes Hearing on the Race to 5G
U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today convened the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for its first hearing of the 116th Congress. This hearing focused on key steps to maintain U.S. global leadership in next-generation communications technology, spectrum needs to accelerate deployment, and new applications and services consumers can expect with 5G deployments. The hearing also examined current efforts to modernize infrastructure siting policies and the security of 5G networks.
Press Releases 02/6/2019
Committee Announces Markup on February 13
Press Releases 01/30/2019
Committee Announces Markup and First Hearing of the 116th Congress
U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will convene an executive session at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 6, 2019, in Dirksen G50 to consider the committee budget resolution and subcommittee membership.
Press Releases 01/28/2019
Wicker Statement on Huawei Indictments
U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today issued the following statement on the U.S. Department of Justice indictments of Huawei officials in the U.S. and China:
Press Releases 01/25/2019
Wicker Announces Commerce Committee Senior Staff
Press Releases 01/24/2019
Wicker and Cantwell Release Subcommittee Assignments
U.S. Sens. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., chairman and ranking member of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today announced member assignments for each subcommittee.
Press Releases 01/11/2019
Wicker Announces Subcommittees and Chairmen
U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today announced the committee’s six subcommittees and the respective chairmen.
Press Releases 01/10/2019
Committee Announces Organizational Meeting
Press Releases 01/9/2019
Wicker Named Chairman of the Commerce Committee
U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today issued a statement after being named chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Press Releases 01/9/2019
Thune Congratulates Wicker on Being Named Chairman of the Commerce Commitee
U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), who has served as chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation for the past four years, issued the following statement on thedecision made by the committee’s majority members to elect Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) as the next chairman.
Press Releases 01/2/2019
Thune Statement on Confirmation of White House OSTP Director
Press Releases 01/2/2019
Thune Statement on FCC Confirmations
Press Releases 01/2/2019
Thune Statement on Confirmation of Patrick Fuchs to the Surface Transportation Board
Press Releases 12/14/2018
Thune and Nelson Applaud Senate Passage of the National Quantum Initiative Act
Press Releases 12/12/2018
Thune and Markey Applaud FCC Reassigned Number Database
Press Releases 12/12/2018
Thune Applauds FCC Action on Rural Broadband Deployment
Press Releases 12/4/2018
Commerce Committee Leaders Seek Answers on Marriott Data Breach
U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), and Transportation, Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), sent a letter to the president and CEO of Marriott International following news that the company had identified a cybersecurity incident impacting an estimated 500 million consumers.
Press Releases 11/30/2018
Subcommittee Announces Hearing to Examine Arctic Transportation Issues
Press Releases 11/28/2018
Thune Statement on Senate Confirmation of Karen Dunn Kelley to be Deputy Secretary of Commerce
Press Releases 11/27/2018
Commerce Leaders Applaud House Passage of Bipartisan Coast Guard Authorization
Press Releases 11/26/2018
Thune Names New Committee Deputy Staff Director
U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today announced the promotion of Crystal Tully, who previously served as policy director and counsel for communications and technology, to deputy staff director of the full Commerce Committee.
Press Releases 11/21/2018
Thune and Markey Applaud FCC Action on Reassigned Number Database
Press Releases 11/20/2018
Subcommittee Announces Federal Trade Commission Oversight Hearing
Press Releases 11/16/2018
Bipartisan TRACED Act Cracks Down on Illegal Robocall Scams
Press Releases 11/14/2018
Thune, Carper, and Portman Applaud Senate Passage of Bipartisan Coast Guard Authorization
Press Releases 11/14/2018
Committee Announces Massachusetts Field Hearing to Review Response to Pipeline Incident in the Merrimack Valley
Press Releases 11/12/2018
Thune and Carper Announce Coast Guard Authorization Agreement
U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, which exercises jurisdiction over the U.S. Coast Guard, and Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.), ranking member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, which exercises jurisdiction over the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), announced an agreement for reauthorizing the Coast Guard and establishing a framework for the service to enforce an EPA-led standard setting initiative for national ballast water discharge rules.
Press Releases 10/16/2018
Sullivan Announces Field Hearing to Review Salmon Fisheries in Alaska
Press Releases 10/11/2018
Commerce Committee Leaders Seek Google+ Memo on Vulnerability
Three Commerce Committee leaders requested a copy of an internal Google memo and answers about a security vulnerability that placed private user information at risk.
Press Releases 10/9/2018
Committee Announces Field Hearing to Examine 5G in Sioux Falls
Press Releases 10/5/2018
President Signs Five-Year FAA Reauthorization Bill into Law
Press Releases 10/5/2018
Subcommittee Announces Hearing on Coast Guard and NOAA Ship Recapitalization
Press Releases 10/4/2018
Committee Announces Second Data Privacy Hearing
Press Releases 10/3/2018
Thune and Nelson Praise Senate Passage of Five-Year Federal Aviation Legislation with Transportation Security Reforms
U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), who respectively serve as the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today issued the following statements on the passage of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018.
Press Releases 09/28/2018
Committee Announces Hearing on the Progress of Rural Broadband Development
Press Releases 09/27/2018
Subcommittee Continues Hearing Series on Olympic Abuse
Press Releases 09/27/2018
Committee to Hold Hearing on Positive Train Control
Press Releases 09/25/2018
Thune Statement on Senate Confirmation of Peter Feldman to the Consumer Product Safety Commission
Press Releases 09/22/2018
House and Senate Committee Leaders Announce Agreement on Long-term FAA and Disaster Program Reform Legislation
“This five-year authorization improves our aviation system for travelers, manufacturers, and innovators,” said Chairman Thune. “It also strengthens the overall safety and security of our transportation system. I expect the House and Senate will now move quickly to send the president a bill he can sign.”
Press Releases 09/20/2018
Subcommittee Continues Hearing Series with NASA Administrator Bridenstine
Press Releases 09/17/2018
Senate Approves Opioid Crisis Response Act with Key Commerce Committee Provisions
U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement on Senate passage of the Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018 (H.R. 6), which includes provisions addressing a national drug and health crisis.
Press Releases 09/12/2018
Committee to Hold Hearing Examining Consumer Privacy Protections
U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will convene a hearing titled “Examining Safeguards for Consumer Data Privacy,”at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 26, 2018.
Press Releases 09/11/2018
Subcommittee to Hold Hearing Examining Fishery Related Crimes
Press Releases 09/6/2018
Committee to Hold Hearing on the Future of Transportation in America
Press Releases 09/5/2018
Committee Approves Four Bills, Nominations
Press Releases 08/30/2018
Commerce Announces Markup on September 5
Press Releases 08/30/2018
Committee to Hold TSA Oversight Hearing
Press Releases 08/23/2018
Commerce Announces Markup on August 29
Press Releases 08/22/2018
Subcommittee to Examine the Impacts of Harmful Algal Blooms
Press Releases 08/21/2018
Thune Statement on Proposed Rule Updates for Truck Drivers
U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement on today’s announcement by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) on proposed changes to hours of service (HOS) requirements for truckers.
Press Releases 08/16/2018
Committee Announces Hearing for Presidential Nominees
Press Releases 08/13/2018
Peters to Hold Commerce Committee Field Hearing on Pipeline Safety in the Great Lakes
Press Releases 08/2/2018
Thune Statement on Administration’s Vehicle Fuel Economy Standards Announcement
“Manufacturers must continue efforts to make vehicles more fuel efficient and reduce our dependence on foreign oil, but federal regulations shouldn’t compromise safety or force consumers to drive vehicles they don’t want to or can’t afford to buy. The SAFE Vehicles proposal offers the public an important opportunity to consider new information about the safety realities of smaller and lighter vehicles in collisions as part of a more informed conversation about achievable fuel economy standards.”
Press Releases 08/1/2018
Committee Approves Seven Bills, Surface Transportation Board Nomination
The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today, approved seven bills, and one nominee to the Surface Transportation Board, subject to Senate confirmation.
Press Releases 07/30/2018
Committee to Hold Hearing Examining the Federal Communications Commission
Press Releases 07/26/2018
Subcommittee Continues NASA Hearing Series with Hearing Focused on NASA Science Missions
Press Releases 07/26/2018
Commerce Announces Markup on August 1
Press Releases 07/26/2018
Sens. Cruz, Nelson, Markey Introduce Space Frontier Act
Press Releases 07/24/2018
Subcommittee to Review International Internet Policies
Press Releases 07/20/2018
Committee Announces Hearing for Presidential Nominees
Press Releases 07/19/2018
Thune and Markey Outline Opportunity for FCC Action on Reassigned Numbers Database to Combat Unwanted Robocalls and Robotexts
Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Sen. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) shared their vision for how an upcoming rulemaking can better protect consumers who receive unwanted robocalls and robotexts to a phone number that was reassigned after the previous holder gave consent to be contacted.
Press Releases 07/19/2018
Subcommittee Begins NASA Hearing Series with Mars Exploration Hearing
Press Releases 07/18/2018
Full Committee to Explore Spectrum Needs to Ensure American Leadership in Global 5G Race
Press Releases 07/17/2018
Committee Hearing to Examine NOAA’s Blue Economy Initiative
Press Releases 07/17/2018
U.S. Olympic Committee, USA Gymnastics & Michigan State University to Testify at Subcommittee Hearing Regarding the Future of Amateur Athlete Safety
U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) will convene a hearing titled “Strengthening and Empowering U.S. Amateur Athletes: Moving Forward with Solutions” at 2:30 pm on Tuesday, July 24, 2018. The hearing will focus on changes made by the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), USA Gymnastics (USAG), and Michigan State University (MSU) to protect Olympic and amateur athletes from abuse.
Press Releases 07/17/2018
House and Senate Leaders Request Follow Up on Spectre and Meltdown Vulnerabilities
Press Releases 07/11/2018
Hearing: SHARKS!
The committee will convene a hearing entitled, “SHARKS!” at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday July 18, 2018. The hearing will examine innovations in shark research techniques and technology.
Press Releases 07/10/2018
Committee Leaders Seek Information on Google’s Data Privacy Policies
U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) chairman of the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance, and Data Security today, in a letter to Alphabet Inc. CEO Larry Page, requested information about the privacy policy and practices associated with popular Gmail email service offered through subsidiary company Google.
Press Releases 07/6/2018
Committee to Hold Hearing to Examine Spectre and Meltdown Cybersecurity Lessons
Press Releases 06/28/2018
Thune and Schatz Introduce the STREAMLINE Small Cell Deployment Act
U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Transportation, and Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) announce the introduction of S. 3157, the Streamlining The Rapid Evolution And Modernization of Leading-edge Infrastructure Necessary to Enhance Small Cell Deployment Act or STREAMLINE Small Cell Deployment Act.
Press Releases 06/27/2018
Committee Approves Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Administrator, Other Agenda Items
Press Releases 06/26/2018
Congressional Science Committee Leaders Introduce Bills to Advance Quantum Science
U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), along with U.S. Reps. Lamar Smith (R-Texas) and Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-Texas), today announced the introduction of legislation would accelerate and coordinate public and private quantum science research, standards, and workforce development to give the United States a competitive advantage as China and Europe vie to achieve technological breakthroughs in this field.
Press Releases 06/21/2018
Commerce Announces Markup on June 27
Press Releases 06/13/2018
Committee Announces Hearing for Presidential Nominees to the FCC and CPSC
Press Releases 06/13/2018
Subcommittee to Hold Hearing Examining Social Media Data Use and Privacy Concerns
Press Releases 06/6/2018
Committee to Hold Hearing Examining the National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Press Releases 06/5/2018
Thune and Nelson Demand Answers from Facebook Amid New Reports of Privacy Concerns
U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) pressed Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg today for answers following a report that Facebook offered numerous mobile device manufacturers special access to private user information.
Press Releases 06/4/2018
Statement on Nomination of Peter Feldman to the Consumer Product Safety Commission
“Peter has been part of the Commerce Committee team and an invaluable resource during my entire tenure as ranking member and chairman. While I will miss his steady hand in our committee’s bipartisan efforts to fight for consumer safety and fairness, the Consumer Product Safety Commission will benefit from his expertise and leadership."
Press Releases 05/30/2018
Subcommittee to Hold Hearing Examining the Digital Coast Partnership
Press Releases 05/30/2018
Subcommittee to Hold Second Hearing Examining the International Space Station
The second in a series of hearings to examine the role of the International Space Station (ISS), this hearing will provide ISS stakeholders the opportunity to discuss the value of the ISS to our national space program and the future of human space exploration.
Press Releases 05/29/2018
Subcommittee to Hold Hearing Examining Past Safety Practices for Olympians and Amateur Athletes
Press Releases 05/23/2018
Thune Statement on Apple iPhone 6 Battery Replacement Credit
Press Releases 05/22/2018
Committee Approves Five Bills, Two Nominees, and Coast Guard Promotions
Press Releases 05/16/2018
Commerce Announces Markup on May 22
Press Releases 05/16/2018
Thune Statement on Senate Democrats’ Objection to Bipartisan Net Neutrality Legislation, Vote on Markey CRA Resolution
Press Releases 05/9/2018
VIDEO: Thune on the Importance of Bipartisan Net Neutrality Legislation
Press Releases 05/9/2018
Subcommittee Hearing to Examine the Future of the International Space Station
Press Releases 05/9/2018
Committee Announces Hearing for Presidential Nominees
Press Releases 05/8/2018
Subcommittee Hearing to Examine the App Economy
Press Releases 05/1/2018
Committee Announces Hearing To Examine Unmanned Aircraft System Integration
Press Releases 04/26/2018
Thune on Confirmation of Federal Trade Commissioners
U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement on the confirmation of five presidential nominees to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Press Releases 04/25/2018
Committee Approves Four Bills, Eight Nominees
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today, approved four bills and eight nominees subject to Senate confirmation.
Press Releases 04/19/2018
Commerce Announces Markup on April 25
Press Releases 04/19/2018
Senate Confirms NASA Administrator
Press Releases 04/18/2018
Thune Leads Commerce Committee Hearing Examining the Problem of Abusive Robocalls
Press Releases 04/18/2018
Subcommittee Announces Hearing to Examine the Marine Mammal Protection Act
Press Releases 04/17/2018
Committee Announces Hearing to Examine the State of the Nation’s Maritime Transportation System
Press Releases 04/12/2018
Commerce Committee Announces Hearing to Examine the Problem of Abusive Robocalls
“Abusive robocalls are persistently annoying and at worst they are a means for significant fraud and theft,” said Thune. “Our hearing will examine where such robocalls come from, how they work, and what steps can be taken to identify and deter them from happening.”
Press Releases 04/12/2018
Subcommittee Hearing To Discuss Role of NGBs in Protecting Our Athletes
This hearing will provide a forum for survivors of abuse to discuss specific concerns and challenges in preventing abuse within their respective sports.
Press Releases 04/10/2018
Committee Announces Hearing for Coast Guard Commandant Nominee
Press Releases 04/6/2018
Committee Announces to Examine Status of Preparation for 2018 Hurricane Season
Press Releases 04/4/2018
Senate Judiciary and Commerce Committees Announce Joint Hearing with Facebook CEO
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chairman John Thune (R-S.D.) and Senate Committee on the Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) will convene a hearing titled “Facebook, Social Media Privacy, and the Use and Abuse of Data,” at 2:15 p.m. on April 10, 2018, in the U.S. Capitol Visitors Center.
Press Releases 04/4/2018
Committee Announces Hearing for Presidential Nominees
Press Releases 03/23/2018
President Signs MOBILE NOW Act, Other Key Technology Bills into Law
Press Releases 03/23/2018
Thune and Nelson Call on Facebook CEO to Testify
U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), the chairman and ranking member of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, released the following joint statement calling on Facebook, Inc. co-founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg to testify before the committee. The senators’ request comes in the wake of reports that SCL Group-owned Cambridge Analytica obtained data on up to 50 million Facebook users.
Press Releases 03/22/2018
Senators Markey and Thune Applaud FCC for Initiating Rulemaking to Explore Solutions to Unwanted Robocalls and Robotexts
Press Releases 03/21/2018
Thune and Nelson Statements on Passage of the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act
U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), the chairman and ranking member of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, released the following statements on today’s Senate vote of 97–2 to send legislation cracking down on the use of websites for illegal sex trafficking to the White House for the president’s signature.
Press Releases 03/19/2018
Senate Commerce Queries Facebook, SCL Group on User Data
The Senate Commerce Committee requested information and briefings related to user privacy and the use and sharing of data.
Press Releases 03/16/2018
Subcommittee Announces Hearing to Examine the Marine Mammal Protection Act
Press Releases 03/16/2018
Hawaii Field Hearing to Examine January Missile System Alert Failure
Press Releases 03/14/2018
Committee Announces Hearing to Examine the Takata Air Bag Recalls
Press Releases 03/9/2018
Five Cabinet Secretaries to Testify at Infrastructure Hearing on March 14
The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation,today announced an expanded witness list for the full committee hearing, adding Department of Energy Secretary Rick Perry, Department of Labor Secretary Alexander Acosta, and Department of Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue to the witness list that also includes Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and Department of Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross.
Press Releases 03/8/2018
Thune Statement on Nomination of Vice Admiral Karl Schultz for Coast Guard Commandant
U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which exercises jurisdiction over the U.S. Coast Guard, issued the following statement on the nomination of Vice Admiral Karl Schultz to be the 26th commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Press Releases 03/7/2018
Committee Announces Three Hearings to Examine Infrastructure in America
The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will convene three hearings on March 13-14, 2018 on the infrastructure proposal released by the White House.
Press Releases 03/2/2018
Thune and Nelson on Senate Contributions to Bicameral FCC Reauthorization and Spectrum Legislation (RAY BAUM’S Act)
U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) issued the following statement praising the contributions of Commerce Committee members and other senators to a bipartisan agreement on the House’s RAY BAUM’S Act (H.R. 4986).
Press Releases 03/2/2018
Walden, Pallone, Thune and Nelson Announce FCC Reauthorization and Spectrum Agreement
Press Releases 03/2/2018
Statement on Nomination of Patrick Fuchs to the Surface Transportation Board
Press Releases 03/1/2018
Thune Statement on Equifax Data Breach Announcement
U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which summoned the current and previous CEOs of Equifax to testify at a hearing on the company’s 2017 data breach affecting an estimated 145 million individuals, issued the following statement that Equifax has identified an additional 2.4 million U.S. victims.
Press Releases 02/28/2018
Committee Approves Federal Trade Commission Nominations, Sen. Wicker's Modernizing Recreational Fisheries Management Act
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today approved the Modernizing Recreational Fisheries Management Act of 2017 and four presidential nominations to the Federal Trade Commission, subject to Senate confirmation.
Press Releases 02/22/2018
Committee Announces Hearing to Examine Positive Train Control
Press Releases 02/21/2018
Commerce Announces Markup on February 28
Press Releases 02/13/2018
Thune on Confirmation of Federal Railroad Administrator Ronald Batory, other DOT Nominations
U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement on the confirmation of key Department of Transportation nominees:
Press Releases 02/12/2018
Thune and Nelson Statements on White House Infrastructure Proposal
U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), the chairman and ranking member of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which exercises jurisdiction over aviation, railroad, broadband, and other key infrastructure, issued the following statements on the national infrastructure proposal unveiled by the White House today.
Press Releases 02/7/2018
Committee Announces Hearing for FTC Nominees
Press Releases 01/30/2018
Thune and Nelson Statements on Passage of Safe Sport Authorization
U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), the chairman and ranking member of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which exercises jurisdiction over sports policy and federally-chartered organizations like the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC), issued the following statement on the passage of S. 534, The Protecting Young Victims from Sexual Abuse and Safe Sport Authorization Act.
Press Releases 01/30/2018
Committee Announces Hearing to Examine Data Security and Bug Bounty Programs
Press Releases 01/25/2018
Committee Announces Hearing to Examine the American Innovation and Competitiveness Act
Press Releases 01/25/2018
Sens. Moran, Blumenthal Demand Answers from USA Gymnastics, US Olympic Committee & Michigan State University Regarding Systemic Failures to Protect Athletes from Sexual Abuse
Press Releases 01/23/2018
Committee Announces Hearing to Examine Aquaculture
Press Releases 01/19/2018
Committee Announces Hearing to Examine Emergency Alert Systems
Press Releases 01/18/2018
Senate Commerce Approves Presidential Nominations
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today, approved presidential nominations subject to Senate confirmation.
Press Releases 01/16/2018
Committee Announces Hearing to Examine Surface Transportation Security
Press Releases 01/12/2018
Commerce Announces Markup on January 18
Press Releases 01/11/2018
Committee Announces Witnesses for 2018 Field Hearing on Automotive Innovation
Press Releases 01/10/2018
VIDEO: Thune Discusses Committee’s Letter to Apple CEO
Press Releases 01/9/2018
Committee Announces Hearing To Examine Extremist Propaganda on Social Media Platforms
The hearing will examine the steps social media platforms are taking to combat the spread of extremist propaganda over the Internet.
Press Releases 01/8/2018
Two Senate Commerce Bills to Combat Human Trafficking Signed Into Law
U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement after the president signed into law two bipartisan Commerce Committee bills to combat the use of commercial vehicles in human trafficking.
Press Releases 12/21/2017
House Sends Three Bipartisan Trucking Bills to President
U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, applauded the House of Representatives for today’s passage of three bipartisan trucking bills. Previously, the bills passed the senate by unanimous consent and today’s final passage in the House clears the way for President Trump to sign them into law.
Press Releases 12/14/2017
Thune: Now that FCC has acted, Congress Should Too
Press Releases 12/13/2017
Senate Commerce Approves NTSB Reauthorization, Other Agenda Items
Press Releases 12/11/2017
Thune Statement on President Trump’s Space Policy Directive
Press Releases 12/7/2017
Commerce Announces Markup on December 13
The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold an executive session on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. in Hart 216 to consider the following legislative measures and nominations.
Press Releases 12/7/2017
Bipartisan NTSB Reauthorization Aims to Modernize and Enhance Transparency
U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) introduced S. 2202, the National Transportation Safety Board Reauthorization Act. The legislation reauthorizes the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) at an average level of $113.4 million through fiscal year 2023 and offers several key reforms to modernize and improve transparency in the safety agency’s investigations, recommendations, and board member discussions.
Press Releases 12/6/2017
Committee Announces Hearing To Examine National Ocean Policy
Press Releases 12/5/2017
Committee Announces Hearing to Examine the Benefits of Artificial Intelligence
Press Releases 12/4/2017
Thune Statement on Repeal of Flawed Train Brake Rule
"I applaud the department’s new leadership for reacting appropriately to the findings of independent experts and fixing a mistake.”
Press Releases 11/27/2017
Senate Commerce, Finance Committees Seek Answers on Uber Data Breach
U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), Orrin Hatch (R-Utah), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), and Bill Cassidy (R-La.) today, in a letter to Uber Technologies Inc. CEO DaraKhosrowshahi, requested information related to recent reports of a data breach, which Uber failed to disclose promptly, involving the personal information of 57 million customers including names, email addresses, and mobile phone numbers.
Press Releases 11/22/2017
Committee Announces Hearing for NOAA Administrator Nominee
Press Releases 11/14/2017
Senate Passes Bill Requiring U.S. Amateur Athletic Organizations, Members to Report Sexual Abuse
The U.S. Senate today passed legislation led by Senators Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), John Thune (R-S.D.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Joe Donnelly (D-Ind.) and Todd Young (R-Ind.) to require amateur athletics governing bodies to report sex-abuse allegations immediately to local or federal law enforcement, or a child-welfare agency designated by the Justice Department.
Press Releases 11/9/2017
Committee Announces Hearing to Examine Coast Guard Readiness
U.S. Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), chairman of the Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard, will convene a hearing titled “Coast Guard Readiness: How Far Can We Stretch Our Nation’s Only Multi-Mission, Military Force?” at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, November 16, 2017. The hearing will examine the Coast Guard’s role in preparation and response to recent natural disasters that have impacted the U.S. mainland and territories, as well as other strains on the Coast Guard, including drug enforcement, icebreaking, safety of navigation, oil spill response, and non-maritime emergency response.
Press Releases 11/8/2017
Senate Commerce Approves the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act, Nominations
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today, by voice vote, approved S. 1693, Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act of 2017, with a Thune/Nelson/Blumenthal substitute amendment. The amendment addresses issues raised at the Commerce Committee’s September 19 legislative hearing. The committee also approved bipartisan legislation renaming a waterway in New York and eight nominees subject to Senate confirmation, including current Rep. Jim Bridenstine (R-Okla.) to lead NASA as its administrator.
Press Releases 11/7/2017
Committee Announces Hearing To Examine Technology in Agriculture
Press Releases 11/3/2017
Commerce Leaders, Sponsors of the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act Announce Agreement
U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), the chairman and ranking member of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, along with Sens. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) and Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and other core sponsors of the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act (S. 1693) today announced an agreement on several technical and clarifying changes to the bill.
Press Releases 11/1/2017
Commerce Announces Markup on November 8
Press Releases 11/1/2017
Committee Announces Hearing To Examine Data Breaches
Press Releases 11/1/2017
Committee Announces Hearing to Examine Benefits of the Internet of Things
U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet, will convene a hearing to examine the use and benefits of the Internet of Things (IoT) in rural communities, and the infrastructure needs necessary to advance the IoT market to ensure rural America has access to products and devices that are driving the digital economy.
Press Releases 10/31/2017
Thune Talks Transportation, Cyber, and Border Security Challenges with Department of Homeland Security Nominee Kirstjen Nielsen
Press Releases 10/25/2017
Committee Announces Two Nomination Hearings for Oct. 31 and Nov. 1
U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will convene two nominations hearings, the first on October 31 and the second on November 1, to consider eight presidential nominations to departments and independent agencies under the committee’s jurisdiction.
Press Releases 10/25/2017
Statement on Presidential Directive Expanding Commercial Drone Use Opportunities
"This new policy directive provides sensible direction that promotes drone safety, innovation, and local input," said Thune. "Federal management of air operations has underpinned a long history of steady safety improvements in our skies. This presidential memorandum is another step in the right direction. I applaud the leadership behind this new effort, which will influence the policy discussions underway in Congress and among regulators."
Press Releases 10/24/2017
Committee Announces Hearing on Native American Subsistence Rights
Press Releases 10/20/2017
Committee Announces 2018 Field Hearing on Automotive Innovation
Press Releases 10/18/2017
Committee Announces Hearing on Commercial Satellites
Press Releases 10/17/2017
Subcommittee to Continue Hearing Series on Magnuson-Stevens Act
Press Releases 10/12/2017
Thune on Kirstjen Nielsen for Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security
“I applaud President Trump for moving to send the Senate a nominee to lead critical federal efforts protecting our infrastructure, borders, and cyberspace. Kirstjen Nielson’s experience in cybersecurity, at the Transportation Security Administration, and at the White House will be invaluable as she leads the department, once confirmed."
Press Releases 10/11/2017
Commerce Committee Sends Inquiry to Alleged Mastermind of 100 Million Robocalls
Commerce Committee leaders have requested information from the alleged perpetrator of one of the largest illegal robocall campaigns ever investigated by the Federal Communications Commission.
Press Releases 10/6/2017
South Dakota Roundtable: Rising to Meet the Challenges of Cybersecurity
U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will host a roundtable with cybersecurity experts on Friday, October 13, 2017, at 12:30 p.m. EDT/11:30 a.m. CDT in the Beacom Institute of Technology’s Collaboration Hall at Dakota State University (DSU) in Madison, S.D.
Press Releases 10/5/2017
Senate Confirms Commerce Committee Presidential Nominees
Press Releases 10/4/2017
Senate Commerce Approves AV START Act, Other bills and nominations
“Today’s vote underscores the bipartisan desire to move ahead with self-driving vehicle technology,” said Chairman Thune. “Sen. Peters and the members of the Commerce Committee deserve credit for working together to move this bill forward toward Senate floor consideration and collaboration with our colleagues in the House of Representatives. The safety and economic benefits of self-driving vehicles are too critical to delay.”
Press Releases 10/3/2017
Field Hearing to Examine Broadband Deployment in New Hampshire
Press Releases 10/3/2017
Thune Statement on Yahoo! Breach Announcement; Committee to Hold Hearing
Statement on the announcement that the number of affected accounts in Yahoo!’s initial December 2016 data breach was substantially larger than previously announced.
Press Releases 10/3/2017
Sens. Thune and Markey Encourage FCC Action On Robocalling
Press Releases 10/3/2017
Advocates Support Senate Self-Driving Legislation Provisions for Disabled Americans
The Commerce Committee released letters from organizational advocates for disabled, blind, and senior Americans, who will gain greater future mobility thanks to self-driving vehicle technology and The AV START Act.