Committee Announces Hearing to Examine the Skills Gap and How to Boost U.S. Competitiveness
This hearing will explore the technical skills gap in the U.S. manufacturing sector and other trades. It will also highlight steps taken by advocates and industry to address the growing issue and foster a competitive workforce.
Thune, Gardner Urge New Transportation and Commerce Secretaries to Prioritize Cybersecurity
U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), urged the Secretary of Transportation and Secretary of Commerce, in separate letters, to “commit to making the cybersecurity of the Department’s systems a top priority.”
Hearing Scheduled to Explore Intersection of Cybersecurity and Emerging Technologies
This hearing will explore the impact of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, the internet of things, blockchain, and quantum computing, on the future of cybersecurity.
Consumer Protection Subcommittee to Hold Hearing on Scams
The hearing will examine the cost of scams on American consumers and the economy, state and federal law enforcement efforts to combat consumer scams, and the implementation of consumer outreach and education programs.
Commerce Committee to Hold Hearing on Unmanned Aircraft Systems
The hearing will examine public policy issues related to the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems in the national airspace system. It will explore practical applications for this emerging technology, as well as developing economic, privacy, and safety implications.
Technology Subcommittee to Hold Its First Hearing of 115th Congress
The subcommittee will hold its first hearing of the 115th Congress to explore the future of spectrum policy and how wireless technology benefits consumers and the economy. It will also examine evolving market demand for licensed and unlicensed spectrum and the Federal Communications Commission’s recent spectrum auctions.
Thune and Peters Announce Joint Effort on Self-Driving Vehicles
Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), the chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) today announced a joint effort to explore legislation that clears hurdles and advances innovation in self-driving vehicle technology.
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.”
FCC Commissioners to Testify on March 8
“Under Chairman Pai’s leadership, the FCC has the opportunity to chart a path away from heavy-handed intervention in competitive markets and work collaboratively with Congress to create a modern regulatory agency that better meets the needs of consumers,” said Thune. “The FCC has already taken steps towards increased transparency under Chairman Pai and I would like to see that continue. At our hearing, committee members will have a forum to ask the commissioners about issues facing the FCC that impact Americans.”
Thune, Wicker, and Heller Applaud FCC Transparency Initiative
The new chairman of the FCC, Ajit Pai, held a press conference today to announce the major shift in precedent and process. Making agenda items public prior to Commission votes is a pro-transparency practice long advocated for by Sen. Heller in his FCC process reform bill passed by the Commerce Committee last year.