Thune and Nelson Press Department of Transportation for Takata Recall Update

U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), who serve respectively as the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, requested that Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao provide information on the status of efforts to recall and repair 46 million faulty Takata air bags in U.S. vehicles. Defective Takata air bag inflators have been linked to 11 deaths and approximately 180 injuries nationwide.

Consumer Protection Subcommittee to Hold Hearing on Pool Safety

This hearing will examine the effectiveness of the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act that became law in 2007 and other ways to improve pool safety. The bill is named after Graeme Baker, who died in an accident in June 2002 when the suction from a hot tub drain trapped her under water. Graeme’s mother, Ms. Nancy Baker, will testify before the subcommittee.

Commerce Committee Leaders Seek Answers on Yahoo! Data Security Incidents

U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), chairman of the Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance, and Data Security Subcommittee, asked Yahoo! CEO Marissa Mayer to answer questions about multiple data security incidents Yahoo! disclosed over the past few months, including what steps Yahoo! has made to “identify and mitigate potential consumer harm.”

Moran Bill to Improve Consumer Access to Entertainment Events Passes

U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), chairman of the Senate Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance and Data Security Subcommittee, commended last night’s Senate passage of the Better Online Ticket Sales (BOTS) Act, S. 3183, bipartisan legislation he led to end duplicative practices of “ticket bots” that monopolize tickets for entertainment events.

Senate Sends Legislation Protecting Consumer Reviews to President

The U.S. Senate sent bicameral legislation to the White House for the President’s signature that will outlaw the use of “gag clauses” in non-negotiable form contracts. Some businesses have attracted national scrutiny for using gag clauses to punish or silence honest criticism of products and services.

Upton & Thune Request Pause on Controversial Regulations

House Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Fred Upton (R-Mich.) and Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Chairman John Thune (R-S.D.) today sent letters to both Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman Edith Ramirez and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Chairman Elliot Kaye requesting a pause on any controversial new regulations.

Moran to Hold Hearing on “Ticket Bots” Legislation

The hearing will examine the growth of “ticket bot” software that circumvents fair access to concert, theater, and sporting event tickets for consumers. These bots allow ticket scalpers to purchase mass quantities of tickets for resale through third-party brokers at a much higher price to consumers.

Self-Driving Cars Exhibit Outside Senate Dirksen Building

WASHINGTON —  On March 15, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will host an exhibit of self-driving vehicle technology from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at First St. and C St. NE outside the Senate Dirksen and Russell Office Buildings. Immediately following the exhibition, at 2:30 p.m., the committee will convene a […]