Press Releases

Press Releases 07/28/2022
Wicker Comments on Federal Data Privacy Efforts at Committee’s Executive Session
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, yesterday delivered remarks during the committee’s Executive Session. Wicker noted the need for comprehensive data privacy protection legislation and urged the committee to consider his bipartisan, bicameral American Data Privacy Protection Act (ADPPA).
Press Releases 07/27/2022
Commerce Committee Approves 2 Bills and 4 Nominations, including Bipartisan Children’s Online Privacy Legislation and OSTP Nomination
Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation approved two bipartisan bills to protect children online, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director nominee, Dr. Arati Prabhakar, the Transportation Security Administration Administrator nominee, David Pekoske, the Assistant Secretary of Commerce nominee, Susie Feliz, and Donald R. Cravins, the nominee to be Undersecretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development.
Press Releases 07/22/2022
Cantwell Highlights Dr. Prabhakar’s Exceptional Experience, Leadership for OSTP Director as Senate Set to Approve Science & Tech
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, called Dr. Arati Prabhakar, President Biden’s nominee to serve as director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), the right person to lead the agency’s efforts to grow diversity in STEM and advance U.S. leadership in science and tech through the implementation of the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act (USICA).
Press Releases 07/20/2022
Senate Takes Decisive Action to Advance United States Leadership in Tech Innovation
On Tuesday evening, the Senate voted to advance legislation to provide urgently needed investments in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing and research and development of new innovations and technologies vital to the United States’ national security and global economic competitiveness.
Press Releases 07/20/2022
Wicker Remarks at Nomination Hearing for Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Nominee Dr. Arati Phrabhakar
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today delivered the following remarks during the nomination hearing for the Director of White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) Nominee Dr. Arati Phrabhakar.
Press Releases 07/15/2022
Wicker, Burr Call on President Biden to Prevent Rail Strike, Avoid Further Supply Chain Crisis
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Richard Burr, R-NC., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP), sent a letter to President Joe Biden urging him to appoint an impartial and qualified Presidential Emergency Board (PEB) to facilitate a fair resolution between the railroad carriers and unions, avoiding a potential strike as early as Monday, July 18, 2022.
Press Releases 07/13/2022
Wicker Remarks at Nomination Hearing of Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration Nominee Admiral David P. Pekoske
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today delivered the following remarks during the nomination hearing for Admiral David P. Pekoske, who was nominated for a new five-year term as Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA):
Press Releases 07/7/2022
Wicker Statement on White House Nominee for FAA Administrator
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today released the following statement regarding President Biden’s intent to nominate Phillip A. Washington for Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.
Press Releases 07/6/2022
Cantwell Statement on the Nomination of Phil Washington as FAA Administrator
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which oversees the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), released the following statement after President Biden’s announcement that he will nominate Phil Washington to be the next FAA Administrator:
Press Releases 06/27/2022
ICYMI // Wicker In Transport Topics: Opportunities to Help Ocean Freight
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, authored an opinion piece in Transport Topics following the enactment of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act.
Press Releases 06/22/2022
Wicker Statement on White House Nominee for OSTP Director
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today released the following statement regarding the White House’s announcement that President Biden would be nominating Dr. Arati Prabhakar to be Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy:
Press Releases 06/22/2022
Ahead of 50th Anniversary of Title IX, Cantwell, Capito, Klobuchar, Lummis Equal Pay Bill Moves One Step Closer to Law
On the eve of the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, approved the bipartisan S.2333 Equal Pay for Team USA Act of 2021, sending it to the full Senate.
Press Releases 06/22/2022
Commerce Committee Advances Cantwell, Grassley Bipartisan Bill to Combat Rising Prescription Drug Prices
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today advanced the bipartisan Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act to the full Senate.
Press Releases 06/22/2022
Commerce Committee Approves 5 Bills and 4 Nominations, Including the Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act and Equal Pay for Team USA Act
Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation approved several pieces of legislation, including the Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act to increase transparency in the drug pricing marketplace, the Equal Pay for Team USA Act of 2021 to ensure that athletes competing internationally for the U.S. receive equal pay and benefits, as well as important maritime legislation, Presidential nominations and a Coast Guard promotion.
Press Releases 06/21/2022
Cantwell’s Statement on President Biden’s Nomination of Prabhakar for White House OSTP Director
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which oversees the nation’s science policy, released the following statement regarding President Biden’s nomination of Dr. Arati Prabhakar to be Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP).
Press Releases 06/17/2022
Wicker Writes to NCAA Ahead of Title IX 50th Anniversary
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today sent a letter to Mark Emmert, President of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), requesting an update on the organization’s Title IX enforcement, including funding information, data collection methods, U.S. universities’ compliance evaluations, and enforcement procedures. The letter comes in advance of the 50th anniversary of Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, which will occur on July 23, 2022.
Press Releases 06/16/2022
President Biden Signs Cantwell-Championed Ocean Shipping Reform Act
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, today joined President Biden and several colleagues at the White House to celebrate the signing of the Ocean Shipping Reform Act into law.
Press Releases 06/15/2022
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING | American Data Privacy and Protection Act
Industry leaders and organizations are expressing their support for the recent progress in Congress on a federal data privacy bill. U.S. Senator Roger Wicker and U.S. Representatives Frank Pallone and Cathy McMorris Rodgers released a discussion draft on the American Data Privacy and Protection Act (ADPPA) two weeks ago. On Tuesday, the House Subcommittee on Consumer Protection held a legislative hearing that discussed the bill.
Press Releases 06/14/2022
Murray, Cantwell, Casey Call on FTC to Investigate Price Gouging of Infant Formula
Murray, Cantwell, Casey push FTC to investigate whether major retail chains have engaged in unfair trade practices by raising prices for specialized formulas during nationwide shortage
Press Releases 06/14/2022
Federal Funds Now Available to Help Remove Fish Passage Barriers and Open Salmon Habitat
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, encouraged eligible states, counties, municipalities and Tribes to apply for a total of $77 million in grant opportunities to fund fish barrier removal projects made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Press Releases 06/13/2022
Ocean Shipping Overhaul Bill Heads to President’s Desk
Cantwell-championed legislation will crack down on foreign-owned carriers’ unfair shipping price hikes, decrease port congestion and reduce costs for consumers
Press Releases 06/10/2022
Wicker Statement on Lifting of Pre-Departure COVID Testing Requirement
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today responded to news that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention would be lifting the pre-departure COVID-19 testing requirement for travelers entering the U.S.
Press Releases 06/10/2022
$2.36 Billion in Grant Opportunities to Repair, Replace Aging Bridges Opens to Applicants
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, encouraged Washington state, counties, municipalities and tribes to apply for the $2.36 billion Bridge Investment Program grants made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
Press Releases 06/9/2022
Wicker Statement at National Telecommunications and Information Administration Oversight Hearing
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today participated in a subcommittee hearing to provide oversight of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The hearing, which featured testimony from NTIA Administrator Alan Davidson, was the first time since 2018 that testimony from the NTIA has been provided to members of the Commerce committee.
Press Releases 06/8/2022
Cantwell, Wicker Introduce MARAD Reauthorization to Boost Investment in U.S. Maritime Industry
U.S. Sens. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Ranking Member Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today introduced the bipartisan U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) Reauthorization Act.
Press Releases 06/8/2022
Wicker Presses DOJ on Decision Not to Prosecute FBI Agents in USA Gymnastics Case
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today sent a letter to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland regarding the decision by the Department of Justice (DOJ) not to prosecute the FBI Special Agents involved in the Larry Nassar investigation. This follows the DOJ Office of Inspector General report that these agents were found to be derelict in their duty by failing to investigate the sexual abuse claims of the Olympic athletes.
Press Releases 06/3/2022
House and Senate Leaders Release Bipartisan Discussion Draft of Comprehensive Data Privacy Bill
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and U.S. Representatives Frank Pallone, Jr. D-N.J., and Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, today released a discussion draft of a comprehensive national data privacy and data security framework. The draft legislation is the first comprehensive privacy proposal to gain bipartisan, bicameral support.
Press Releases 06/1/2022
Admiral Linda Fagan Sworn In As Commandant of U.S. Coast Guard, Becomes First Woman Leader of Any Branch of U.S. Armed Forces
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, hailed today’s swearing in of Admiral Linda Fagan, who becomes the 27th Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard.
Press Releases 05/27/2022
Cantwell: “We have proof now .... that there is manipulation in oil markets.”
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, took to the Senate floor today to call for immediate action to pass the Transportation Fuel Market Transparency Act, which would greatly enhance federal oversight of petroleum markets that drive the prices consumers face at the pump.
Press Releases 05/26/2022
Cantwell Advances Her Bill Targeting Fuel Market Anomalies Hurting Consumers
Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation advanced Senator Maria Cantwell’s (D-WA) Transportation Fuel Market Transparency Act, which would significantly increase transportation fuel market transparency and direct the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to proactively monitor and prevent any fraud or manipulation that may be artificially inflating pump prices.
Press Releases 05/26/2022
Senate Confirms Cliff to Lead Highway Safety Traffic Administration as Traffic Fatalities Hit 16-Year High
The U.S. Senate confirmed Steven Cliff to be the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Press Releases 05/25/2022
Commerce Committee Approves Legislation to Strengthen Wildfire Response, Advance R&D, Combat Human Rights Abuses, Support Advanced Aviation
The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation advanced several bills today, including Senator Cantwell’s Transportation Fuel Market Transparency Act that would give the Federal Trade Commission authority to monitor and prevent any fraud or manipulation that may be artificially inflating gas pump prices. All are subject to approval by the full Senate.
Press Releases 05/25/2022
Wicker Advances Blockchain Bill, Calls out Political Posturing on High Gas Prices
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today praised committee passage of legislation he sponsored to boost research into blockchain technology, while also calling out national Democrats for their political posturing on soaring gas prices.
Press Releases 05/24/2022
Cantwell, Grassley Want New Enforcement Authority for FTC to Fight Unfair Drug Pricing Practices and Provide More Transparency
U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Senator Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee, introduced legislation today that would empower the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to increase drug pricing transparency and hold Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) accountable for unfair and deceptive practices that drive up the costs of prescription drugs at the expense of consumers.
Press Releases 05/19/2022
Cantwell, Sullivan Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Federal Weather Service Firefighting Tools
U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell, (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) introduced bipartisan legislation to codify and strengthen the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) authority and capacity to help prevent, forecast and fight wildfires.
Press Releases 05/13/2022
Conference Committee Meets to Kick Off Negotiations
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today chaired a public meeting to kick off the Senate and House Conference Committee on bipartisan innovation and competition legislation, H.R. 4521.
Press Releases 05/13/2022
Spiking West Coast Gas Prices Spur Cantwell, Feinstein, Wyden to Introduce Bill Targeting Fuel Market Anomalies Hurting Consumers
With Americans facing record level gas and diesel price increases, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, introduced legislation that would significantly increase transportation fuel market transparency and directs the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to proactively monitor and prevent any fraud or manipulation that may be artificially inflating pump prices.
Press Releases 05/12/2022
Wicker, McMorris Rodgers Raise Concern Over Secretary Raimondo’s Statement on BEAD Program
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and U.S. Representative Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., ranking member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, today sent a letter to Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo regarding her disconcerting statement that areas already committed to receive federal broadband funding could be eligible for additional funds during yesterday’s Senate Appropriations Committee hearing.
Press Releases 05/11/2022
Commerce Committee Approves Consumer Protection, Supply Chain Legislation
The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation approved several consumer protection, supply chain and environmental bills today, as well as voting unanimously in favor of Admiral Linda Fagan’s nomination to serve as Commandant of the United States Coast Guard.
Press Releases 05/11/2022
Cantwell Applauds Senate Confirmation of Final FTC Member, Unlocking New Opportunities to Protect Consumers
Today, the U.S. Senate confirmed Alvaro Bedoya’s as a Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
Press Releases 05/11/2022
Cantwell-Led Bill to Restore FTC Authority to Return Money to Victims of Scams, Fraud, Deception Moves Forward
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, announced that today Democrats advanced the Consumer Protection Remedies Act of 2022 out of the Commerce Committee and to the Senate Floor.
Press Releases 05/6/2022
Cantwell Calls for Shining a Light on “Black Box” in Prescription Drug Pricing Market
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, called for action to increase transparency and shine a light on the little-known drug pricing practices of pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) as consumers struggle with higher costs of medication and independent pharmacies are driven out of business.
Press Releases 05/5/2022
Cantwell-Led Bill Would Restore FTC Authority to Return Billions to Consumers Ripped off by Scams, Fraud, Deception
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Chair of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Rev. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) introduced legislation to restore the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) decades-long authority to return money to consumers victimized by illegal scams, fraud and other unfair or deceptive practices.
Press Releases 05/4/2022
Cantwell Presses Sec. Buttigieg on Strengthening Protections for Airline Travelers, Increasing Efficiency of Consumer Refunds
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, pressed Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Pete Buttigieg on the need for DOT to strengthen consumer protections for airline travelers, increase the transparency of the ticket refund process, and ensure airlines issue refunds to consumers for canceled or changed flights promptly.
Press Releases 05/2/2022
Commerce Committee Report Underscores Need for Congress to Restore FTC Authority to Return Billions to Consumers Ripped off by Scams, Fraud, Deception
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, released a new Committee report which validates the urgency for Congress to restore the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) decades-long authority to return money to consumers victimized by illegal scams, fraud and other unfair or deceptive practices.
Press Releases 05/2/2022
Wicker Calls on Biden Administration to Fill Leadership Gap at OSTP
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today sent a letter to President Biden urging him to nominate immediately a qualified professional with proven leadership abilities to be the next Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP). After multiple public reports regarding a harmful workplace environment at the OSTP and an internal White House Investigation that verified many of the accusations, the letter addresses the urgent need for a new director to manage the concerns of misconduct and retaliation by the former Director and others at the senior management level.
Press Releases 05/2/2022
Wicker, Lummis Introduce National R&D Strategy for Distributed Ledger Technology Act
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and Cynthia Lummis, R-Wyo., ranking member of the Subcommittee on Space and Science, today introduced the National R&D Strategy for Distributed Ledger Technology Act that would require the federal government to coordinate research and development efforts on distributed ledger technologies (DLT) and their applications. DLT, which includes the more commonly known blockchain technology, builds on decades of research in cryptography and distributed systems to enable information systems with improved access, interoperability, and guarantees of data integrity. It is also one of the key technology focus areas named in the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act (USICA), on which the U.S. Senate agreed to go to conference with the House of Representatives last week.
Press Releases 04/28/2022
Admiral Linda Fagan, First Woman Nominee to Lead U.S. Coast Guard, Appears Before Commerce Committee
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, led the nomination hearing of Admiral Linda Fagan, President Biden’s nominee to serve as Commandant of the United States Coast Guard.
Press Releases 04/28/2022
Senate Vote Marks Official Start to Conference on Competition and Innovation Legislation
With a vote of 67 to 27, the U.S. Senate today agreed to go to conference on the United States Innovation and Competition Act (USICA), H.R.4521 and negotiate an agreement with the House of Representatives on a final bill.
Press Releases 04/27/2022
Wicker Statement at Department of Commerce Budget Priorities Hearing
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today participated in a hearing to consider the Department of Commerce budget for Fiscal Year 2023, which featured testimony from Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.
Press Releases 04/27/2022
Cantwell, Raimondo Stress National Urgency to Pass USICA, Address U.S. Chip Crisis
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Department of Commerce (DOC) Secretary Gina Raimondo stressed the national urgency for Congress to send innovation and competition legislation to the President's desk and unleash investment in U.S. semiconductor manufacturing as other nations continue to invest heavily to expand chip production.
Press Releases 04/26/2022
Senate and House Committee Leaders Share Broadband Program Priorities with NTIA
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and John Thune, R-S.D., ranking member of the Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband, along with U.S. Representatives Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., ranking member of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce, and Robert Latta, R-Ohio, ranking member of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, today sent a letter to Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information Alan Davidson naming their priorities for implementation of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s (NTIA’s) Infrastructure and Jobs Act (IIJA) broadband programs.
Press Releases 04/20/2022
Wicker Inquires on DOT Data Sharing Initiative for Freight Transportation
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today sent a letter to Secretary Pete Buttigieg seeking information about the Freight Logistics Optimization Works (FLOW) initiative recently announced by the Department of Transportation (DOT). Wicker urged DOT to incorporate feedback from a broad array of stakeholders in the development of the program, which seeks to enhance information sharing to increase efficiency in the freight transportation system.
Press Releases 04/8/2022
Senate and House Committee Leaders Renew Their Call to End Federal Mask Mandates
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, along with Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, ranking member of the Senate Aviation Safety, Operations, and Innovation Subcommittee, U.S. Representative Sam Graves, R-Mo., ranking member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, and U.S. Representative Garret Graves, R-La., ranking member of the House Aviation Subcommittee, today sent a letter urging the Biden administration to end its baseless federal mask mandate for transportation operators, employees, and users.
Press Releases 04/8/2022
Senate Passes Legislation to Rename National Air Grant Fellowship Program After Ethiopian Air 302 Crash Victim Samya Rose Stumo & Honor 347 Lives Lost in 737 MAX-8 Crashes
U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, respectively, applauded Senate passage of legislation to rename the National Air Grant Fellowship Program and to commemorate the 347 lives lost due to the Ethiopian Airlines and Lion Air Boeing 737 MAX-8 crashes.
Press Releases 04/7/2022
Senate Passes Legislation Renaming Department of Transportation Headquarters for Secretaries Coleman and Mineta
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., ranking member and chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Senators Tom Carper, D-Del., and Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.V., chair and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, as well as nine other Senators, led in the passage of the William T. Coleman, Jr., and Norman Y. Mineta Department of Transportation (DOT) Headquarters Act.
Press Releases 04/5/2022
Cantwell Praises Nomination of Admiral Fagan to Serve as 27th U.S. Coast Guard Commandant
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, praised today’s nomination by President Biden of Admiral Linda Fagan to lead the United States Coast Guard as its 27th Commandant.
Press Releases 04/5/2022
Cantwell: “This hearing is about this mysterious middle of the supply chain"
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing on examining steps Congress can take to protect consumers from excessive gas prices, including increasing transparency and ensuring the Federal Trade Commission has the tools and authority necessary to monitor wholesale markets and investigate suspicious trading practices.
Press Releases 04/5/2022
Cantwell Calls for Shining a Light on Oil and Gas Market Practices that May Be Driving Up Gas Prices
Today, Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, led a hearing that underscored the need for action to ensure transparency and greater oversight of petroleum markets in order to protect consumers from possible price manipulation.
Press Releases 04/1/2022
Senate Passes Wicker’s FREIGHT Act
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today released the following statement regarding the Senate’s unanimous passage of Senators Klobuchar and Thune’s Ocean Shipping Reform Act, which includes Ranking Member Wicker’s Facilitating Relief for Efficient Intermodal Gateways to Handle Transportation (FREIGHT) Act.
Press Releases 03/31/2022
Cantwell Applauds Unanimous Senate Passage of Ocean Shipping Reform Act
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation applauded Senate unanimous passage of the bipartisan Ocean Shipping Reform Act that will crack down on skyrocketing shipping costs and boost farmers’ and exporters’ ability to get their goods to the global marketplace.
Press Releases 03/30/2022
Cantwell: Without a Full FTC, We Can’t Protect Consumers from Fraud, Bring Nominee to a Senate Vote
Today, the U.S. Senate voted to discharge Alvaro Bedoya’s nomination to be a Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) out of the Senate Commerce Committee, allowing a confirmation vote to be scheduled.
Press Releases 03/30/2022
ICYMI: Wicker Opposes Alvaro M. Bedoya for Federal Trade Commission
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, yesterday delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor ahead of a Senate vote on a motion to discharge the nomination of Alvaro M. Bedoya for Federal Trade Commissioner (FTC).
Press Releases 03/29/2022
Cantwell Underscores Urgency for Senate to Confirm Biden FTC Commissioner
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation spoke on the Senate floor tonight, urging her colleagues to support Leader Schumer’s motion to bring Alvaro Bedoya’s nomination to be a Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) out of the Senate Commerce Committee and onto the Senate calendar, allowing a confirmation vote to be scheduled.
Press Releases 03/29/2022
Wicker Opposes Confirmation of FTC Nominee Alvaro M. Bedoya
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today released the following statement on the nomination of Alvaro M. Bedoya for Federal Trade Commissioner ahead of a Senate vote on a motion to discharge consideration of his nomination from committee and proceed to a floor vote:
Press Releases 03/28/2022
Wicker Questions NCAA on NIL Policy Establishment and Enforcement
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today sent a letter to Dr. Mark Emmert, President of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), seeking information on the status of the association’s effort to establish and enforce a permanent name, image, and likeness (NIL) policy that provides oversight for college athletes’ rights to monetize and profit from their personal brand.
Press Releases 03/28/2022
Senate Overwhelmingly Approves Innovation and Competition Legislation, Setting Stage for Conference Committee
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation spoke on the Senate floor immediately before the Senate passed its version of bipartisan innovation legislation, the United States Innovation and Competition Act (USICA), setting the stage for a conference where Senate and House negotiators will work to find agreement on a final bill.
Press Releases 03/24/2022
Cantwell Continues Drumbeat Calling for Action on Innovation and Competition Legislation
Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, again took to the Senate floor to implore colleagues to allow the Senate to begin bipartisan discussions with the House on critical innovation and competition legislation.
Press Releases 03/23/2022
Cantwell Opening Statement at Semiconductor Hearing
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, delivered the following opening statement at today’s hearing on the need to bolster U.S. semiconductor manufacturing, with the CEOs of Intel, Micron, Lam, and PACCAR.
Press Releases 03/23/2022
Cantwell at Semiconductor Hearing: “If we do nothing, these shortages are just a sample of what is to come.”
During a hearing today with tech industry CEOs, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, underscored the urgency for Congress to pass bipartisan innovation and competition legislation to help solve the lack of American semiconductor manufacturing threatening our economic and national security.
Press Releases 03/22/2022
Commerce Committee Approves Critical Legislation Including Ocean Shipping Reform Bill
The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation approved 11 bills, including ocean shipping reform legislation. All are subject to approval by the full Senate.
Press Releases 03/21/2022
Cantwell Speaks about Urgency for Congress to Move Forward with Bipartisan Innovation and Competition Legislation
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, spoke on the Senate floor tonight on the urgency for Congress to move bipartisan innovation competitiveness legislation forward.
Press Releases 03/21/2022
Wicker Urges President Biden to Increase U.S. Coast Guard Funding
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today sent a letter to President Biden advocating for the Coast Guard’s funding priorities ahead of the release of President Biden’s Fiscal Year 2023 Federal Budget.
Press Releases 03/18/2022
Cantwell to Chair Commerce Committee Hearing on Impact of Surging Gas Prices on U.S. Consumers and Commerce
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today announced that, in the coming weeks, the Committee will hold a hearing to examine the impact of the surge in petroleum prices on commerce and consumers, and has invited leading oil industry executives to testify.
Press Releases 03/17/2022
Wicker Calls on Federal Trade Commission to Produce Evidence for Claims of Market Manipulation in Gas and Oil Markets
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today sent a letter to Lina Khan, Chair of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), calling on the agency to provide evidence to support suggestions from the White House and Democrats in Congress that market manipulation, collusion, or other improper or illegal behavior in the gasoline and crude oil markets is responsible for the surges in gas prices in the U.S.
Press Releases 03/17/2022
Senators Urge Leadership to Maintain EPSCoR Provisions in Conference Bill
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today led a letter with U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto, D-Nev., and Jack Reed, D-R.I., to congressional leadership in support of maintaining provisions found in the United States Innovation and Competition Act (USICA) to strengthen the Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR).
Press Releases 03/15/2022
Senators Introduce Bill to Improve Tornado Forecasting Following Devastating Outbreak
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, along with U.S. Senators Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., John Thune, R-S.D., and Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, today introduced the Tornado Observation Research Notification and Deployment to Operations (TORNADO) Act to improve the forecasting and understanding of tornadoes and other hazardous weather. The TORNADO Act would require the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA) to update its methods for communicating alerts to residents in the surrounding areas.
Press Releases 03/10/2022
Cantwell, Wicker Introduce Legislation to Rename National Air Grant Fellowship Program After Ethiopian Air 302 Crash Victim Samya Rose Stumo & to Honor 347 Lives Lost in 737 MAX-8 Crashes
Today, U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Chair and Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, respectively, introduced legislation to rename the National Air Grant Fellowship Program and to commemorate the 347 lives lost due to the Ethiopian Airlines and Lion Air Boeing 737 MAX-8 crashes.
Press Releases 03/9/2022
ICYMI: Cantwell, POTUS Agree “We Can’t Wait” on Passing USICA Legislation
Earlier today, President Biden and Commerce Secretary Raimondo met with executives of several companies to discuss the importance of legislation to boost semiconductor production, calling on Congress to pass bipartisan innovation and competitiveness legislation “as soon as you can.”
Press Releases 03/3/2022
Commerce Committee Advances 10 Biden Nominations
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation advanced ten Biden Administration nominations. All are subject to approval by the full Senate.
Press Releases 03/1/2022
Sen. Cantwell, Commerce Committee to Pursue Ocean Shipping Reforms
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will hold a full committee hearing on Thursday, March 3, 2022, to examine S. 3580, the Ocean Shipping Reform Act, and ways to strengthen oversight of international ocean carriers.
Press Releases 02/23/2022
U.S. Ports Can Compete for $450M to Improve Port Efficiency & Supply Chain Resiliency, Thanks to Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, announced that the U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) has opened the application process for $450 million in grant opportunities under the Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP).
Press Releases 02/15/2022
Cantwell Says Rising Sea Level Projections Underscore Need for Action on Coastal Resiliency
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation reacted to a NOAA-led report released today which predicts sea levels along the U.S. coastline will rise an additional 10-12 inches by 2050 – as much as we have experienced over the last 100 years. According to the report, sea levels along the Washington state coastline are expected to rise an average of four to six inches, underscoring the need to ensure coastal communities have the resources to build resiliency and adapt to climate change.
Press Releases 02/10/2022
Cantwell to NASA: The Buck Stops with NASA
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, told leaders for NASA’s human exploration, space technology, and science programs that the oversight and responsibility for NASA missions, including those supporting the Artemis Program, reside squarely with NASA
Press Releases 02/10/2022
With Cantwell’s Support, Washington State Labor Leader Max Vekich Confirmed by Senate for Federal Maritime Commission
Today, Max Vekich, President Biden’s nominee for Commissioner of the Federal Maritime Commission, and Aberdeen, Washington Native, was confirmed by the Senate with a vote of 51-43. Prior to the vote, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Chair of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, spoke on the floor of the Senate in support of his nomination.
Press Releases 02/4/2022
Cantwell Delivers Remarks on Legislation to Boost America’s Competitiveness
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation delivered the following remarks on the Senate floor Wednesday, February 2, about the importance of passing legislation to increase America’s investment in R&D, semiconductors, manufacturing, and our workforce to grow the economy and boost America’s competitiveness across the globe.
Press Releases 02/2/2022
Commerce Committee Approves Ten Biden Nominations
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation approved ten Biden Administration Nominations and fifteen Coast Guard Officer Promotions during today’s Executive Session. All are subject to approval by the full Senate.
Press Releases 02/2/2022
TRANSCRIPT: Cantwell Opening Statement at Executive Session on Nominations
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, delivered the following opening statement during today’s Executive Session to consider ten presidential nominations. All nominations were reported favorably by the Committee.
Press Releases 01/13/2022
Cantwell Reacts to Alarming NOAA, NASA Climate Reports
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, underscored the need for the critical investments in mitigating and adapting to climate change that are included in the Build Back Better bill following release of separate analyses by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The analyses found that Earth’s global average surface temperature in 2021 was the sixth warmest on record (NASA analysis found 2021 tied for sixth with 2018) and collectively, the past eight years were the eight warmest since modern record keeping began in 1880.
Press Releases 01/12/2022
Cantwell Applauds Senate Confirmation of Federal Railroad Administrator to Lead $66B Infrastructure Investments for Nation, Washington State
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today underscored the importance of having a strong leader at the helm of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to effectively and efficiently deploy the infrastructure investments and programs set forth in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Today, the Senate approved the nomination of Amit Bose to head the FRA by a vote of 68-29.
Press Releases 01/11/2022
Sen. Cantwell Applauds Long-Overdue CPSC Action on Defective, Dangerous Residential Elevators
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today applauded long-overdue action by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to recall tens of thousands of residential elevators that pose a deadly hazard to children. During their confirmation hearing last summer, Cantwell secured the commitments of President Biden’s nominees to the commission, including its Chair, to prioritize addressing the safety defect that has already led to the injuries and deaths of several young children.
Press Releases 01/11/2022
Cantwell Applauds Senate Confirmation of Davidson to Lead Broadband Infrastructure Deployment
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today underscored the importance of having a strong leader at the helm of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (“NTIA”) in order to effectively coordinate and implement $48.2 billion of the $65 billion investment Congress authorized for broadband infrastructure programs in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs law. Sen. Cantwell spoke in support of Alan Davidson’s confirmation as Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information immediately before he was approved by the full Senate by a vote of 60-31.
Press Releases 12/15/2021
Committee Approves Four Bills and Three Nominations
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation approved four bills and three Biden Administration nominations. All are subject to approval by the full Senate.
Press Releases 12/13/2021
Commerce Committee Releases Aviation Safety Whistleblower Report
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today called on Steve Dickson, Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), to review and act upon concerns raised by whistleblowers in a newly released Committee report, which illustrate a troubling erosion of safety oversight in the aviation manufacturing process.
Press Releases 12/9/2021
Cantwell Calls on FTC to Investigate Allegations Facebook Misled Advertising Customers, Public on Platform Safety, Ad Reach
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, wrote Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan to urge the FTC to investigate allegations Meta/Facebook misled its advertising customers and the public in its claims about ensuring brand safety and the reach of its advertisements, in violation of federal law prohibiting unfair or deceptive acts or practices in trade or commerce.
Press Releases 12/7/2021
Senate Confirms Jessica Rosenworcel as First Woman to Lead Federal Communications Commission
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which oversees the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), spoke on the Senate floor in support of Jessica Rosenworcel ahead of her confirmation by the full Senate to serve a new term as a Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Rosenworcel will be the first woman to lead the FCC and was confirmed by the Senate with a vote of 68-31.
Press Releases 12/1/2021
Commerce Committee Advances Four Biden Nominations
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation advanced four Biden Administration nominations and (487) Coast Guard Officer Promotions. All are subject to approval by the full Senate.
Press Releases 12/1/2021
Senator Cantwell Delivers Opening Statements at Commerce Committee Executive Session and Nominations Hearing
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation delivered the following opening statements during today’s Executive Session and Nominations Hearing.
Press Releases 11/30/2021
Chair Cantwell Calls on CPSC to Improve its Hazardous Toy Recall System as Holiday Shopping Heats Up
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today called on the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) to take steps necessary to improve its ineffective product recall system, which leaves potentially dangerous toys and defective consumer products in circulation. The CPSC has reported that, on average, consumers participate in recall actions at a rate of only roughly 6 percent for all product types.
Press Releases 11/30/2021
Following Russian Anti-Satellite Test, Commerce Committee Urges Administration Action on Protecting Space Environment
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Ranking Member Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS), Space and Science Subcommittee Chair Senator John Hickenlooper (D-CO) and Ranking Member Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY), today sent letters to Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo and to Vice President Kamala Harris urging action to protect the space environment. The letters follow the destruction of an orbiting satellite by a Russian anti-satellite weapon that created more than 1,500 pieces of space debris, risking damage to U.S. civil, commercial, and national security satellites and threatened personnel on the International Space Station (ISS).
Press Releases 11/17/2021
Commerce Committee Approves Three Bills and Three Nominations
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation approved three bills, three Biden Administration nominations, and three Coast Guard officer promotions during today’s Executive Session. All are subject to approval by the full Senate.
Press Releases 11/6/2021
Historic Investments to Rebuild America’s Transportation Infrastructure, Spur Economic Growth are On the Way as IIJA Heads to President’s Desk
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, applauded house passage of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), which provides record investments in the nation's infrastructure, including provisions in the Cantwell-led bipartisan Surface Transportation and Infrastructure Act (STIA).
Press Releases 11/3/2021
Committee Chair Cantwell to FAA Administrator: “I'm a firm believer that engineers on the ground know their job. What's not clear to me is whether people are listening to them, and whether the FAA has their back”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation delivered the following opening statement at today’s oversight hearing with Federal Aviation Administrator Steve Dickson:
Press Releases 10/26/2021
Sen. Cantwell Statement on FCC, NTIA Nominations
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation released the following statement regarding President Biden’s intention to nominate Jessica Rosenworcel to be Commissioner and Chair of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC); Gigi Sohn to be Commissioner of the FCC; and Alan Davidson to be Assistant Secretary for Communications and Information at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA):
Press Releases 10/22/2021
Cantwell Underscores Urgency to Pass NASA Authorization Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. – During a hearing in the Commerce Subcommittee on Space and Science yesterday, Sen. Maria Cantwell underscored the urgent need for Congress to pass long-lasting, bipartisan NASA authorization legislation. NASA was last authorized by Congress in 2017. The Senate passed an updated authorization as part of the United States Innovation and Competition Act (USICA) in June 2021.
Press Releases 10/20/2021
Commerce Committee Approves Biden Transportation Nominations
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today approved five Biden Administration nominations and 70 Coast Guard officer promotions during today’s Executive Session. All are subject to approval by the full Senate.
Press Releases 10/13/2021
Cantwell Demands Accountability From USMMA, Coast Guard, DOT Leaders Following Sexual Assault Allegations
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation which oversees federal maritime agencies sent a letter to Acting Administrator of the Maritime Administration (MARAD) Lucinda Lessley demanding answers regarding allegations of rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment made by midshipmen at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) as well as the response from leaders at MARAD. Senator Cantwell sent a copy of the letter to the Coast Guard, which has primary jurisdiction for investigating these incidents on the high seas.
Press Releases 10/12/2021
Following Two Weeks of Hearings, Sen. Cantwell Calls on Facebook to Preserve Data, Documents Related to Testimony the Company Misled Public, Put Profits over Safety of Users
SEATTLE, WA – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Chair of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation called on Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg to preserve all documents, data, and electronic information related to testimony that the company misled the public about the harmful impact of its platforms on teenagers and children, and in spreading hate and divisive content.
Press Releases 10/6/2021
Cantwell Says Action Needed to Stem Tide of ID Theft, Ransomware, and Security Breaches
WASHINGTON, D.C. – In the second in a series of hearings on the urgent need to protect consumer privacy and data security, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, reiterated her call to create a data security and privacy enforcement bureau at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). She has also called on Congress to ensure it is equipped with the resources, first time civil penalty authority, and clear digital security standards needed to stem the tide of data breaches, identity theft and ransomware assaults that are harming millions of Americans.
Press Releases 09/30/2021
TODAY: At Hearing With Facebook Safety Head, Cantwell Says Children Need Stronger Protection from Digital Abuse, Harm
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Cantwell, Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today underscored the urgent need to strengthen federal digital protections for children during a subcommittee hearing in response to revelations that Facebook and Instagram were aware of the harmful impact its products have on children and teenagers. Today’s comments follow a hearing Sen. Cantwell chaired yesterday regarding her push to create a privacy and data security enforcement bureau at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and invest significant federal resources to ensure it is equipped with the authorities and resources to fight digital harms and hold bad actors accountable for privacy violations, deception, data breaches, internet scams, ransomware assaults and other data abuses.
Press Releases 09/23/2021
Committee Approves Biden Nominations for CPSC, DOC
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation approved the following three nominations, all of whom are now subject to approval by the full Senate.
Press Releases 09/21/2021
Cantwell, Durbin Call on DOJ, FAA to Toughen Actions Against Dangerous Airline Passengers
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and Richard Durbin, Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee today sent separate letters to Attorney General Merrick Garland and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Steve Dickson regarding increased incidents involving dangerous airline passengers. The senators called on the agencies to coordinate efforts to ensure that those airline passengers who commit criminal acts are prosecuted.
Press Releases 08/4/2021
Committee Approves Six Bills and Three Nominations
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today approved six bills and three nominations, which are now all subject to approval by the full Senate.
Press Releases 07/28/2021
Chair Cantwell Demands Swift Action on Residential Elevator Hazards at Confirmation Hearing for Consumer Product Safety Commission Nominees
WASHINGTON, D.C.— During today’s hearing to consider the nominations of commissioners to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, called on the nominees to take long-needed action to fix the safety hazards of residential elevators. In 2019, Sen. Cantwell issued a report highlighting the CPSC’s inaction following the deaths and serious injuries suffered by children in residential elevators.
Press Releases 07/28/2021
Cantwell, Wicker To Commerce Secretary Raimondo: Strengthen American Cybersecurity Defenses
WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) today wrote to Department of Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo urging her to robustly confront growing threats to American cybersecurity and privacy. The letter follows a hearing that Chair Cantwell and Ranking Member Wicker convened on cybersecurity threats to America’s critical energy infrastructure.
Press Releases 07/27/2021
Chair Cantwell On Cyber Threats to Energy Infrastructure: Colonial Pipeline Attack “The Tip of the Iceberg”
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today convened a hearing to further review the federal response to the cyberattack on Colonial Pipeline Company and examine what additional actions must be taken to strengthen America’s cybersecurity defenses and better protect our nation’s critical infrastructure. The Committee heard testimony from Transportation Security Administrator David Pekoske, Department of Transportation (DOT) Deputy Secretary Polly Trottenberg, and Acting Director of Homeland Security and Justice at the Government Accountability Office, Leslie Gordon.
Press Releases 07/22/2021
Sen. Cantwell Discusses Space Traffic Management During Subcommittee Hearing
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell, Chair of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today questioned Dr. Marcus Holzinger, Associate Professor of the Aerospace Engineering Sciences Department at the University of Colorado, Boulder regarding the role of universities in researching and developing systems to improve space situational awareness and effectively manage increasing space traffic and orbital debris.
Press Releases 07/21/2021
Senators Lummis (R-WY) and Klobuchar (D-MN) Join Bipartisan Equal Pay for Team USA Act As Cosponsors
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, which has jurisdiction over the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), and Senator Shelley Moore-Capito (R-WV) announced that Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Senator Cynthia Lummis (R-WY) have joined their Equal Pay for Team USA Act of 2021 as cosponsors.
Press Releases 07/16/2021
As Workforce Shortages Force Flight Cancellations, Delays, and Passenger Frustrations, Chair Cantwell Calls on Airlines for Answers
WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee today wrote the CEOs of American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, Republic Airways, and Allegiant Airlines seeking information related to recent reports of workforce shortages, flight cancellations, and delays, creating havoc and frustrating consumers as more Americans resume travel. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the airline industry received billions in federal payroll support funding to retain their workforces and ensure carriers were better prepared to ramp up when travel returned.
Press Releases 07/15/2021
At Hearing, Chair Cantwell Stresses Importance of Supporting American Supply Chains
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee today held a hearing examining American supply chains, highlighting critical supply chains such as in the aerospace and semiconductor sectors. The hearing will inform Committee oversight as the Department of Commerce (DOC) executes new responsibilities for supply chain resiliency.
Press Releases 07/13/2021
Cantwell, Capito Introduce Bipartisan Legislation for Equal Pay for All Athletes Competing Under the American Flag
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Chair of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, which has jurisdiction over the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC), and Senator Shelley Moore-Capito (R-WV) today reintroduced their bipartisan plan to ensure equal pay for Americans who represent our country in global athletic competitions, like the Olympics, regardless of gender. Today, men and women can be paid differently for representing Team USA in the same sport.
Press Releases 07/2/2021
Chair Cantwell Statement on President Biden’s Consumer Product Safety Commission Nominations
U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today released the following statement on President Biden’s announcement that he intends to nominate Alex Hoehn-Saric to serve as Chairman of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Mary Boyle as a Commissioner.
Press Releases 06/30/2021
Chair Cantwell Statement on NCAA Move To Allow Student Athletes to Control Their Name, Image, and Likeness Rights
WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today released the following statement after the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) moved to allow student athletes to profit off of their own Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL).
Press Releases 06/24/2021
Cantwell Opens Hearing for Four Biden Admin Nominees Stressing Urgent Need for Robust Transportation Infrastructure Investments
WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), the Chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, held a hearing today to consider four Biden Administration transportation nominees, some of whom will have roles in the implementation of the infrastructure package Congress is currently considering. Today’s nominees included the Honorable Jennifer L. Homendy, of Virginia, to be Chair of the National Transportation Safety Board; Ms. Karen J. Hedlund, of Colorado, to be a Member of the Surface Transportation Board; Dr. Robert C. Hampshire, of Michigan, to be Assistant Secretary for Research and Technology at the Department of Transportation; and Ms. Carol A. Petsonk, of the District of Columbia, to be Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs at the Department of Transportation.
Press Releases 06/21/2021
Chair Cantwell Statement on Supreme Court Decision on College Athletics
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Chair Maria Cantwell (D-WA) released the following statement following the Supreme Court’s decision in National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) vs. Alston.
Press Releases 06/17/2021
Chair Cantwell: “Congress Cannot Pass an NIL Law That Just Ignores the Rights of Students.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Chair Maria Cantwell (D-WA) convened a hearing to hear the voices of student-athletes as Congress debates legislation giving athletes more rights including control over their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL).
Press Releases 06/16/2021
Committee Approves Six Bills and Four Nominations
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today approved six bills and four nominations, which are now all subject to approval by the full Senate.
Press Releases 06/15/2021
Chair Cantwell Applauds Lina Khan’s Confirmation to FTC
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Chair Maria Cantwell (D-WA) today applauded the Senate confirmation of President Biden’s nominee, Lina Khan, to serve on the Federal Trade Commission. On May 12, Khan’s nomination was approved by the Committee with a strong bipartisan vote.
Press Releases 06/10/2021
Cantwell, Wicker Introduce Bipartisan Surface Reauthorization
Press Releases 06/9/2021
Cantwell, Wicker Introduce Sport Fish Restoration and Recreational Boating Safety Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Chair Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Ranking Member Roger Wicker (R-MS) today introduced the Sport Fish Restoration and Recreational Boating Safety Act of 2021. The legislation would reauthorize the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, which supports about $650 million annually in fishery restoration and conservation programs, boating access and infrastructure, as well as fish stocking programs important to recreational anglers. The legislation would also authorize studies on the impacts of non-motorized vessel use on vessel waterway access as well as the impact of abandoned vessels.
Press Releases 06/9/2021
Chair Cantwell at College Athletics Hearing: “This is the Time to Make Progress”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Chair Maria Cantwell (D-WA) called for action to provide more rights and protections for student-athletes at today’s hearing about college athletics.
Press Releases 06/8/2021
Chair Cantwell Statement on Senate Passage of the U.S. Innovation and Competition Act and NASA Authorization
Press Releases 05/27/2021
Chair Cantwell’s Resolution Honoring Amtrak’s 50 Years of Service Passes Senate
Press Releases 05/20/2021
Committee Approves Office of Science and Technology Policy Nomination
Press Releases 05/18/2021
Cantwell to DHS Chief Mayorkas: “Urgent Need” to Harden Critical Energy Infrastructure Against Cyberattacks
Press Releases 05/13/2021
Chair Cantwell Statement on Commerce Committee Passage of The Endless Frontier Act, NASA Reauthorization
Press Releases 05/12/2021
Committee Approves Nine Bills, Including Endless Frontier Act, and Two Nominations
Press Releases 04/30/2021
Chair Cantwell Leads Congressional Resolution In Honor of Amtrak’s 50th Anniversary
Press Releases 04/29/2021
Cantwell, Blunt Introduce Bill to Address Dangerous and Costly At-Grade Crossing Delays
Press Releases 04/28/2021
Committee Approves Ten Bills, Two Nominations
Press Releases 04/22/2021
Cantwell Praises Transportation Department’s Rollback of Trump Rule Limiting States’ Rights to Enact Own Vehicle Standards
Press Releases 04/22/2021
Cantwell Statement on Supreme Court Ruling Regarding Section 13 (b) of the Federal Trade Commission Act
Press Releases 04/21/2021
Cantwell Secures Commitments from NASA, FTC, and Commerce Nominees to Uphold Scientific Integrity, Protect Local News, and Promote Diversity in STEM
Press Releases 04/20/2021
At FTC Oversight Hearing, Cantwell Pushes For Enhanced Consumer Protections
Press Releases 04/15/2021
Cantwell Declares Local News Is Critical Infrastructure—Urges Congressional Support
Press Releases 04/14/2021
Cantwell Calls For Increased Research and Development Funding To Keep America Competitive
Press Releases 04/2/2021
Chair Cantwell Appoints Members of the Commission on the State of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee
Press Releases 03/31/2021
Chair Cantwell Statement on President Biden’s Infrastructure Plan
Press Releases 03/24/2021
Cantwell Identifies Top Transportation Infrastructure Priorities; Calls For Robust Investment at Commerce Hearing
Press Releases 03/24/2021
Committee Approves Deputy Secretary of Transportation Nomination
Press Releases 03/24/2021
Chair Cantwell Releases Report on Safety and Congestion Challenges Facing At-Grade Railroad Crossings
Press Releases 03/19/2021
Cantwell Statement on Nomination of Former Senator Bill Nelson to be NASA Administrator
Press Releases 03/17/2021
At Broadband Hearing, Chair Cantwell Calls for Smart Investment To Close The Digital Divide In Communities Across America
Press Releases 03/11/2021
Chair Cantwell Questions Department of Commerce Nominee on Census Delays and Fisheries Disaster Relief
Press Releases 03/10/2021
Chair Cantwell Statement on Second Anniversary of Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 Crash
Press Releases 03/10/2021
Chair Cantwell Questions Deputy DOC Nominee on Safely Rebuilding the Tourism Economy, Depoliticizing the Census
Press Releases 03/3/2021
Cantwell Calls for Increased Investment in Transportation Infrastructure at Hearing with DOT Nominee
Press Releases 02/19/2021
Chair Cantwell Announces Subcommittee Leadership for the 117th Congress
Press Releases 02/11/2021
Cantwell Takes Over as Chair of Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation—First Woman to Chair the Committee
Press Releases 02/5/2021
Committee Announces Executive Session on February 11
Press Releases 02/3/2021
Commerce Committee Approves Raimondo Nomination – Cantwell Praises Experience, Knowledge
Press Releases 01/27/2021
Cantwell, Committee Approve Buttigieg Nomination
Press Releases 01/26/2021
Cantwell to Commerce Secretary Nominee: “Science Needs to Prevail”
Press Releases 01/21/2021
Cantwell Secures Key Commitments from Buttigieg to Invest in Transportation Infrastructure, Improve Safety Culture at the Department
Press Releases 12/22/2020
Comprehensive Aircraft Certification Reform Legislation Advances to President’s Desk
U.S. Sens. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Reps. Sam Graves, R-Mo., and Peter DeFazio, D-Ore., ranking member and chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, today released the following statements upon the congressional approval of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which includes the historic and comprehensive Aircraft Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act.
Press Releases 12/22/2020
Cantwell-Schakowsky Legislation Cracking Down On COVID-19 Scams Passes Senate and House
Press Releases 12/22/2020
Committee Leaders Commend Passage of Pipeline Safety Legislation
Press Releases 12/22/2020
Cantwell, Congressional Aviation Leaders Applaud Comprehensive Bipartisan, Bicameral Aircraft Safety & Certification Reforms Passed As Part of Omnibus Funding Bill
Press Releases 12/21/2020
COVID Relief Bill Includes $1 Billion for Tribal Broadband and $250 Million for FCC Telehealth Program in Provisions Sought By Cantwell
Press Releases 12/18/2020
Cantwell-Sponsored Bipartisan NASA Authorization Bill Unanimously Passes Senate
Press Releases 12/18/2020
Bipartisan NASA Authorization Bill Clears Senate
WASHINGTON – U.S. Sens. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, along with Sens. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., chairman and ranking member of the Subcommittee on Aviation and Space, today released the following statements after the NASA Authorization Act of 2020 passed the Senate. The bill provides the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) the clear direction needed to advance our nation’s space initiatives and investments and assert American global leadership in the final frontier.
Press Releases 12/17/2020
Cantwell, Wicker, Schatz Introduce National Ocean Exploration Act
Press Releases 12/15/2020
Hearing Highlights COVID Impacts on Live Entertainment – Cantwell Continues Push for COVID Relief: “We Need to Act Now”
Press Releases 12/10/2020
Ranking Member Cantwell Discusses Vaccine Distribution Challenges, Stresses Importance of Equitable Delivery to Hard-to-Serve Populations
Press Releases 12/9/2020
Cantwell Stresses Importance of Digital Trade Economy, Calls for Bipartisan Privacy Legislation to Protect Consumers
Press Releases 12/8/2020
Cantwell Votes Against FCC Nomination of Nathan Simington, Urged Colleagues to Reject Nomination
Press Releases 12/2/2020
Ranking Member Cantwell, Commerce Democrats Unanimously Oppose Controversial Lame Duck FCC Nominee
Press Releases 11/18/2020
Commerce Committee Advances Bipartisan Cantwell-Wicker Aircraft Safety Reform Bill
Press Releases 10/28/2020
At Hearing with Big Tech CEOs, Cantwell Defends Local Journalism, Presses Platforms on Unfair Practices
Press Releases 10/28/2020
Cantwell Condemns Election Interference and Misinformation Online, Calls for Increased Efforts to Protect Democracy & Public Health
Press Releases 10/27/2020
Senate Commerce Committee Minority Report Calls Unfair Practices By Tech Companies A Threat To Local News
Press Releases 10/21/2020
Cantwell: Rail System In Urgent Need of Relief, Workers Will “Pay the Price” If We Don’t See Aid
Press Releases 10/1/2020
Cantwell Statement on Vote to Authorize Subpoenas for Facebook, Twitter, Google CEOs
Press Releases 09/23/2020
Ranking Member Cantwell Warns of Privacy Implications of New SCOTUS Justice, Urges Passage of Privacy Bill With Strong Consumer Protections
Press Releases 09/18/2020
Senators Cantwell, Scott Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Charge TSA With Implementing Temperature Check Technology Nationwide
Press Releases 08/6/2020
Despite Temporary Route Reductions, Cantwell Gets Commitment from Amtrak Board of Director Nominees to Maintain Long-Distance Service
Press Releases 08/5/2020
At FTC Oversight Hearing, Ranking Member Cantwell Previews Legislation to Crack Down on COVID-19 Price Gouging and Fake Goods
Press Releases 07/29/2020
Cantwell Slams Trump Administration for Rushing to Approve Pebble Mine Despite Grave Risk
Press Releases 07/22/2020
Ranking Member Cantwell, Commerce Democrats, Unanimously Oppose Michael Walsh Nomination
Press Releases 07/22/2020
Cantwell Bill Promoting Development and Understanding of Artificial Intelligence Passes Commerce Committee
Press Releases 07/10/2020
Ranking Member Cantwell Statement on Michael Walsh Nomination
Press Releases 07/9/2020
Ranking Member Cantwell Statement on Release of “Sharpiegate” Inspector General Report
Press Releases 07/7/2020
Ranking Member Cantwell, House Natural Resources Committee Chair Grijalva, Urge Trump Administration to Stop Obstructing Release of “Sharpiegate” Report
Press Releases 07/2/2020
Cantwell to Secretary Ross: “Release the Report Now”
Press Releases 07/1/2020
Cantwell Demands Full Release of Inspector General Report on Mismanagement of Information During Hurricane Dorian
Press Releases 06/24/2020
Cantwell Urges Expanded Broadband Connectivity, Criticizes The FCC’s Ligado Decision
Press Releases 06/17/2020
Ranking Member Cantwell to Administrator Dickson: “We Need an Independent FAA”
Press Releases 06/17/2020
Cantwell, Moran, Klobuchar, and Capito Introduce Legislation to Enhance Aviation Safety Through FAA and Global Aviation Partnerships
Press Releases 06/10/2020
Committee Announces Third Aviation Safety Hearing
U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will convene a hearing titled, “Examining the Federal Aviation Administration’s Oversight of Aircraft Certification,” at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, June 17, 2020. The hearing will provide an opportunity to review issues associated with the design, development, certification, and operation of the Boeing 737 MAX following two international accidents in the past two years. The hearing will also consider potential opportunities to reform the certification process for transport-category aircraft.
Press Releases 06/1/2020
Cantwell, Cassidy, and Klobuchar Introduce Bipartisan Legislation to Protect Consumer Privacy, Promote Public Health for COVID-19 Exposure Notification Apps