Oversight of the Federal Trade Commission 

 Chairman Cruz Announces First FTC Hearing in Nearly Six Years   WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will convene a full committee hearing to conduct oversight of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. ET.   The hearing will give senators the opportunity to engage with current FTC leadership, Chairman Andrew Ferguson and Commissioner Mark Meador, and assess the agency’s priorities, approach, and productivity. The last time FTC commissioners appeared […]

Sen. Cruz: The Development and Deployment of Technology Should Be Done the American Way

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee nominations hearing, Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) highlighted the qualifications of the nominees under consideration and stressed they will play vital roles in improving transportation safety, securing American leadership in emerging technologies, and promoting economic growth.

Commerce Committee Advances Nomination of Neil Jacobs to be NOAA Administrator

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation approved the nomination of Neil Jacobs to serve as the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere (NOAA Administrator). Mr. Jacobs was previously reported to the full Senate on a bipartisan basis by voice vote, but due to changes in Senate procedure around nominations, a roll call vote was necessary.

Sen. Cruz Sounds Alarm on NDAA Amendment That Undermines Spectrum Pipeline

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) delivered remarks at the Spectrum Policy Symposium hosted by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). During his speech, Sen. Cruz emphasized the national security and economic benefits from his spectrum pipeline legislation, which was included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). The law frees up 800 megahertz of spectrum for commercial use over the next decade, generating an estimated $85 billion for taxpayers, expanding access to cheaper and faster Internet for consumers, and driving productivity and economic growth.

Sen. Cruz: This Committee is Confirming People We Trust to Keep Our Country Safe

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee nominations hearing, Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) expressed his condolences to the victims, families, and communities affected by the severe flash flooding in central Texas. He also announced he hopes to soon reintroduce bipartisan legislation aiming to improve NOAA’s emergency weather radio system, which could be lifesaver for Texans and others who live in areas with spotty or no cell service.

Nominations Hearing for Department of Commerce Nominees

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, will convene a nominations hearing for nominees of the Department of Commerce at 10:00 AM EST on Wednesday, July 9, 2025.

Commerce Committee Advances Five Bills and Nomination of FAA Administrator

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation approved five bills and the nomination of Bryan Bedford to serve as Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration. The Committee also voted to promote four Coast Guardsmen. The approved legislation covers a wide sweep of the Committee’s jurisdiction, including kids’ data privacy, sports, space, and economic development.

Commerce Committee Advances Eight Bills, Four Nominations

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation approved eight bills and four nominations for nominees of the Federal Railroad Administration, Amtrak Board of Directors, and the Department of Commerce. The Committee also voted to promote more than 250 Coast Guardsmen. The approved legislation covers a wide sweep of the Committee’s jurisdiction, including scientific research, transportation, telecommunications, consumer protection, weather forecasting, and disaster preparedness.

Commerce Deputy Secretary Nominee Paul Dabbar Advances Out of Committee

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, chaired by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas), cleared President Trump’s nominee for U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce, Paul Dabbar, for consideration by the full Senate. Mr. Dabbar’s nomination passed the committee by a vote of 17 yeas and 11 nays.

Sen. Cruz: Nominees Will Champion Regulatory Clarity and Strategic Investment

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In his opening statement at today’s Senate Commerce Committee nominations hearing, Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) voiced his support for David Fink (Administrator of the Federal Railroad Administration), David Fogel (Assistant Secretary of Commerce and Director General of the U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service), Pierre Gentin (General Counsel of the Department of Commerce), and Robert Gleason (Amtrak Board of Directors). Sen. Cruz highlighted the nominees’ experience and priorities, which include attracting foreign direct investment, reducing trade barriers for U.S. exports, and improving the reliability, efficiency, and safety of the nation’s rail system.