[Senate Report 119-29]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
119th Congress } { Report
SENATE
1st Session } { 119-29
_______________________________________________________________________
LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES REPORT
OF THE
COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND
TRANSPORTATION
OF THE
UNITED STATES SENATE
during the
ONE HUNDRED EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS
Pursuant to
Rule XXVI of the Standing Rules of the
United States Senate
[GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT]
June 10, 2025.--Ordered to be printed
------
U.S. GOVERNMENT PUBLISHING OFFICE
59-010 WASHINGTON : 2025
COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION
One Hundred Nineteenth Congress
first session
TED CRUZ, Texas, Chairman
JOHN THUNE, South Dakota MARIA CANTWELL, Washington
ROGER F. WICKER, Mississippi AMY KLOBUCHAR, Minnesota
DEB FISCHER, Nebraska BRIAN SCHATZ, Hawaii
JERRY MORAN, Kansas EDWARD J. MARKEY, Massachusetts
DAN SULLIVAN, Alaska GARY C. PETERS, Michigan
MARSHA BLACKBURN, Tennessee TAMMY BALDWIN, Wisconsin
TODD YOUNG, Indiana TAMMY DUCKWORTH, Illinois
TED BUDD, North Carolina JACKY ROSEN, Nevada
ERIC SCHMITT, Missouri BEN RAY LUJAN, New Mexico
JOHN CURTIS, Utah JOHN W. HICKENLOOPER, Colorado
BERNIE MORENO, Ohio JOHN FETTERMAN, Pennsylvania
TIM SHEEHY, Montana ANDY KIM, New Jersey
SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO, West Virginia LISA BLUNT ROCHESTER, Delaware
CYNTHIA M. LUMMIS, Wyoming
Brad Grantz, Majority Staff Director
Lila Harper Helms, Democratic Staff Director
COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION
One Hundred Eighteenth Congress
first session
MARIA CANTWELL, Washington, Chair
AMY KLOBUCHAR, Minnesota TED CRUZ, Texas
BRIAN SCHATZ, Hawaii JOHN THUNE, South Dakota
EDWARD J. MARKEY, Massachusetts ROGER WICKER, Mississippi
GARY C. PETERS, Michigan DEB FISCHER, Nebraska
TAMMY BALDWIN, Wisconsin JERRY MORAN, Kansas
TAMMY DUCKWORTH, Illinois DAN SULLIVAN, Alaska
JON TESTER, Montana MARSHA BLACKBURN, Tennessee
KYRSTEN SINEMA, Arizona TODD C. YOUNG, Indiana
JACKY ROSEN, Nevada TED BUDD, North Carolina
BEN RAY LUJAN, New Mexico ERIC SCHMITT, Missouri
JOHN HICKENLOOPER, Colorado SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO, West Virginia
RAPHAEL WARNOCK, Georgia CYNTHIA LUMMIS, Wyoming
PETER WELCH, Vermont J.D. VANCE, Ohio
Lila Harper Helms, Staff Director
Brad Grantz, Minority Staff Director
__________
second session
MARIA CANTWELL, Washington, Chair
AMY KLOBUCHAR, Minnesota TED CRUZ, Texas
BRIAN SCHATZ, Hawaii JOHN THUNE, South Dakota
EDWARD J. MARKEY, Massachusetts ROGER WICKER, Mississippi
GARY C. PETERS, Michigan DEB FISCHER, Nebraska
TAMMY BALDWIN, Wisconsin JERRY MORAN, Kansas
TAMMY DUCKWORTH, Illinois DAN SULLIVAN, Alaska
JON TESTER, Montana MARSHA BLACKBURN, Tennessee
KYRSTEN SINEMA, Arizona TODD C. YOUNG, Indiana
JACKY ROSEN, Nevada TED BUDD, North Carolina
BEN RAY LUJAN, New Mexico ERIC SCHMITT, Missouri
JOHN HICKENLOOPER, Colorado J.D. VANCE, Ohio
RAPHAEL WARNOCK, Georgia SHELLEY MOORE CAPITO, West Virginia
PETER WELCH, Vermont CYNTHIA LUMMIS, Wyoming
Lila Harper Helms, Staff Director
Brad Grantz, Minority Staff Director
C O N T E N T S
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Page
Introduction:
Summary...................................................... 1
Jurisdiction................................................. 1
A. Legislation
Bills Referred to Committee.................................. 3
Resolutions Referred to Committee............................ 14
B. Nominations
Nominations by the Numbers................................... 17
Hearings..................................................... 18
C. Full Committee
Executive Sessions........................................... 21
Hearings..................................................... 27
D. Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations, and Innovation
Members...................................................... 29
Activities................................................... 29
Hearings..................................................... 33
Legislation.................................................. 33
E. Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband
Members...................................................... 36
Activities................................................... 36
Hearings..................................................... 39
Legislation.................................................. 40
F. Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Data
Security
Members...................................................... 41
Activities................................................... 41
Hearings..................................................... 43
Legislation.................................................. 43
G. Subcommittee on Oceans, Fisheries, Climate Change, and
Manufacturing
Members...................................................... 44
Activities................................................... 44
Hearings..................................................... 49
Legislation.................................................. 49
H. Subcommittee on Space and Science
Members...................................................... 51
Activities................................................... 51
Hearings..................................................... 51
Legislation.................................................. 51
I. Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Maritime, Freight, and
Ports
Members...................................................... 54
Activities................................................... 54
Hearings..................................................... 58
Legislation.................................................. 58
J. Subcommittee on Tourism, Trade, and Export Promotion
Members...................................................... 60
Activities................................................... 60
Hearings..................................................... 60
Legislation.................................................. 61
K. Oversight and Investigations
Activities................................................... 62
119th Congress } { Report
SENATE
1st Session } { 119-29
=======================================================================
LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE
ON COMMERCE, SCIENCE, AND TRANSPORTATION OF
THE UNITED STATES SENATE DURING THE 118TH CON-
GRESS
--------------
June 10, 2025.--Ordered to be printed
--------------
Mr. Cruz, from the Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation, submitted the following:
REPORT ON LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITIES
Summary
The Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
conducted a legislative and oversight program during the 118th
Congress.\1\ A total of 501 bills, 40 resolutions, 1,699
nominations, including promotions, and 2,477 executive
communications were referred to the Committee for
consideration.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\1\Senator Maria Cantwell served as Chair of the Committee during
the 118th Congress. Chair Cantwell began her tenure on February 11,
2021.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Committee and its subcommittees held a total of 51
public hearings, including 11 nominations hearings, during the
118th Congress. The Committee also held 11 Executive Sessions
and filed 6 committee reports.
Action was completed on a broad range of oversight,
legislative, and executive matters. A total of 60 bills and 7
resolutions were reported or discharged by the Committee.
Notably, 7 of the reported or discharged bills were enacted as
stand-alone measures; 3 of the reported or discharged bills
were enacted, in whole or in part, as part of other
legislation; 0 reported/discharged bills were vetoed; and 60 of
the bills referred to the Committee were considered and
enacted, in whole or in part, as part of other legislation. In
addition, 7 of the reported or discharged resolutions were
agreed to in the Senate.
Members and staff made individual trips domestically and
abroad and participated in conferences, further exercising the
legislative oversight responsibilities of the Committee.
Jurisdiction
Pursuant to Rule XXV(1)(f)(1) of the Standing Rules of the
United States Senate, all proposed legislation, messages,
petitions, memorials, and other matters relating to the
following subjects are
referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation:
1. Coast Guard.
2. Coastal zone management.
3. Communications.
4. Highway safety.
5. Inland waterways, except construction.
6. Interstate commerce.
7. Marine and ocean navigation, safety, and
transportation, including navigational aspects of
deepwater ports.
8. Marine fisheries.
9. Merchant marine and navigation.
10. Nonmilitary aeronautical and space sciences.
11. Oceans, weather, and atmospheric activities.
12. Panama Canal and interoceanic canals generally,
except as provided in subparagraph (c) of Rule XXV(1).
13. Regulation of consumer products and services,
including testing related to toxic substances, other
than pesticides, and except for credit, financial
services, and housing.
14. Regulation of interstate common carriers, including
railroads, buses, trucks, vessels, pipelines, and civil
aviation.
15. Science, engineering, and technology research and
development and policy.
16. Sports.
17. Standards and measurement.
18. Transportation.
19. Transportation and commerce aspects of Outer
Continental Shelf lands.
A. Legislation
BILLS REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bills:
Referred to Committee......................................... 501
Original measures from Committee.............................. 0
______
Total..................................................... 501
=================================================================
________________________________________________
Reported/discharged (*)....................................... 48
Reported/discharged and enacted as stand-alone measure ( ).... 7
Reported/discharged and enacted, in whole or in part, as part
of other legislation ().................................... 3
Enacted, in whole or in part, as part of other legislation
(**)........................................................ 57
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number Title
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
H.R. 290 Commercial Remote Sensing Amendment Act of 2023
H.R. 346 NOTAM Improvement Act of 2023 (Pub. L. 118-4)
H.R. 538 Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act
H.R. 676 Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act of 2023
H.R. 682 Launch Communications Act
H.R. 813 Global Investment in American Jobs Act of 2023
H.R. 897 Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act
H.R. 1123 Understanding Cybersecurity of Mobile Networks Act
H.R. 1339 Precision Agriculture Satellite Connectivity Act
H.R. 1343 ITS Codification Act
H.R. 1345 NTIA Policy and Cybersecurity Coordination Act
H.R. 1353 Advanced, Local Emergency Response Telecommunications Parity Act
H.R. 1377 Promoting United States Wireless Leadership Act of 2023
H.R. 1513 FUTURE Networks Act
H.R. 1715 Advanced Weather Model Computing Development Act
H.R. 1792 South Pacific Tuna Treaty Act of 2023
H.R. 1797 Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act
H.R. 1836 Ocean Shipping Reform Implementation Act of 2023
H.R. 2864 Countering CCP Drones Act
H.R. 2964 WIPPES Act
H.R. 2980 DOE and NSF Interagency Research Act
H.R. 2988 DOE and NASA Interagency Research Coordination Act
H.R. 3293 Expediting Federal Broadband Deployment Reviews Act
H.R. 3343 Federal Broadband Deployment Tracking Act
H.R. 3385 To direct the Secretary of Commerce to submit to Congress a report
containing an assessment of the value, cost, and feasibility of a trans-
Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable connecting the contiguous United
States, the United States Virgin Islands, Ghana, and Nigeria.
H.R. 3395 U.S. Supply Chain Security Review Act of 2023
H.R. 3950 TICKET Act
H.R. 4051 Supporting the Health of Aquatic systems through Research Knowledge and
Enhanced Dialogue Act
H.R. 4143 National Construction Safety Team Enhancement Act of 2024
H.R. 4310 Youth Poisoning Protection Act
H.R. 4510 NTIA Reauthorization Act of 2024
H.R. 4755 Privacy Enhancing Technology Research Act
H.R. 4814 Consumer Safety Technology Act
H.R. 4866 Fire Weather Development Act of 2024
H.R. 5103 FISHES Act (Pub. L. 118-229)
H.R. 5390 Critical Infrastructure Manufacturing Feasibility Act
H.R. 6093 Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2023
H.R. 6125 Online Dating Safety Act of 2023
H.R. 6132 Awning Safety Act of 2023
H.R. 6219 ASCEND Act
H.R. 6248** Think Differently Transportation Act
H.R. 6543 No Hidden FEES Act of 2023
H.R. 6571 Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act of 2023
H.R. 6572 Deploying American Blockchains Act of 2023
H.R. 7365 VETS Safe Travel Act (Pub. L. 118-238)
H.R. 7520** Protecting Americans' Data from Foreign Adversaries Act of 2024 (Pub L. 118-
50)
H.R. 7521** Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary Controlled Applications Act (Pub
L. 118-50)
H.R. 7589 ROUTERS Act
H.R. 7659 Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024
H.R. 7686 To amend the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act to
clarify the definition of foreign country for purposes of malign foreign
talent recruitment restriction, and for other purposes.
H.R. 8662 TSA Commuting Fairness Act
H.R. 8689 Amtrak Executive Bonus Disclosure Act
H.R. 8692 Amtrak Transparency and Accountability for Passengers and Taxpayers Act
H.R. 8958 NASA Reauthorization Act of 2024
S. 66 NOTAM Improvement Act of 2023 (Part of H.R. 346 (Pub. L. 118-4))
S. 67 Fair and Transparent Gas Prices Act of 2023
S. 90* Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act
S. 127* Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act of 2023
S. 147 See Something, Say Something Online Act of 2023
S. 154 PART Act
S. 178** Airline Passengers' Bill of Rights (Pub L. 118-63)
S. 209 FAIR Fees Act of 2023
S. 229* Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act of 2023
S. 238 Safer Heat Act of 2023
S. 240 Gas Stove Protection and Freedom Act
S. 252 Protecting Kids from Gun Marketing Act
S. 275* Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2024
S. 307 Increasing Competitiveness for American Drones Act of 2023
S. 318* Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act
S. 340 Protecting Community Television Act
S. 355 Federal Price Gouging Prevention Act
S. 368** Aviation WORKS Act (Pub L. 118-63)
S. 394 Digital Citizenship and Media Literacy Act
S. 395 Clean Slate for Kids Online Act of 2023
S. 400** Prioritizing Accountability and Accessibility for Aviation Consumers Act of
2023 (Pub L. 118-63)
S. 419 MATURE Act
S. 447* ORBITS Act of 2023
S. 466 Federal PFAS Research Evaluation Act
S. 467 CADETS Act (Pub. L. 118-7)
S. 483 Internet PACT Act
S. 484* Combating Human Rights Abuses Act of 2023
S. 513 Insure Cybersecurity Act of 2023
S. 525** Families Fly Together Act of 2023 (Pub L. 118-63)
S. 545** Air Carrier Access Amendments Act of 2023 (Pub L. 118-63)
S. 560 SAFE TECH Act
S. 561 Cash Refunds for Flight Cancellations Act of 2023
S. 564 Parental Data Rights Act
S. 576* Railway Safety Act of 2023
S. 582 Sunshine Protection Act of 2023
S. 590 COMETS Act
S. 599 Digital Equity Foundation Act of 2023
S. 615** Cabin Air Safety Act of 2023 (Pub L. 118-63)
S. 631 UPHOLD Privacy Act of 2023
S. 647 Hydrogen for Ports Act of 2023
S. 648 Hydrogen for Trucks Act of 2023
S. 650 A bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to extend the authority of
the Federal Communications Commission to grant a license or construction
permit through a system of competitive bidding.
S. 686 RESTRICT Act
S. 687 Safe Social Media Act
S. 688 DATA Act
S. 690* NET Act
S. 744 Data Care Act of 2023
S. 748** American Aviator Act (Pub L. 118-63)
S. 753** Good Jobs for Good Airports Act (Pub L. 118-63)
S. 787** Airline Operational Resiliency Act of 2023 (Pub L. 118-63)
S. 816** SOAR Act (Pub L. 118-63)
S. 828 Communications Security Act
S. 832 International Port Security Enforcement Act
S. 836 Sunshine in Product Safety Act
S. 844 Assistance for Local Heroes During Train Crises Act
S. 856 FAIR Contributions Act
S. 861 PATRIA Y VIDA Act of 2023
S. 875 No Funds for Enablers of Adversarial Propaganda Act
S. 882 State and Local General Sales Tax Protection Act
S. 888 Aviation Empowerment Act
S. 890 Screening Partnership Reform Act
S. 891** ATC SOAR Act (Pub L. 118-63)
S. 893 Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act
S. 896 SHIELD U Act
S. 899** Let Me Travel America Act (Pub L. 118-63)
S. 902 Supersonic and Hypersonic Aircraft Testing Corridor Act
S. 905 Drone Integration and Zoning Act
S. 911** Saracini Enhanced Aviation Safety Act of 2023 (Pub L. 118-63)
S. 916** Junk Fee Prevention Act (Pub L. 118-63)
S. 921 DISCOURSE Act
S. 941 Removing Section 230 Immunity for Official Accounts of Censoring Foreign
Adversaries Act
S. 969 Quantum in Practice Act
S. 975 Reforming Broadband Connectivity Act of 2023
S. 998 A bill to require the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and
Information to audit Federal spectrum.
S. 999 Government Spectrum Valuation Act
S. 1008* Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act
S. 1029 Protecting Military Servicemembers' Data Act of 2023
S. 1032** Air Tour and Sport Parachuting Safety Improvement Act of 2023 (Pub L. 118-
63)
S. 1033** Natural Hazard Resilience for Airports Act of 2023 (Pub L. 118-63)
S. 1044 Railway Accountability Act
S. 1046 Small Airport Regulation Relief Act of 2023
S. 1047 Cellphone Jamming Reform Act of 2023
S. 1055** Airport Infrastructure Resilience Act of 2023 (Pub L. 118-63)
S. 1058 Protection from Abusive Passengers Act
S. 1076 The Consumer Protection and Due Process Act
S. 1085 Hammers' Law
S. 1091 Consumer Online Payment Transparency and Integrity Act
S. 1093** Hawaii Air Tour Management Act of 2023 (Pub L. 118-63)
S. 1127 CALM Modernization Act of 2023
S. 1153* National Manufacturing Advisory Council for the 21st Century Act
S. 1154** Promoting Women in Aviation Act (Pub L. 118-63)
S. 1162 Accurate Map for Broadband Investment Act of 2023
S. 1163** Aviation Minority Workforce Development Act of 2023 (Pub L. 118-63)
S. 1167 Sound Insulation Treatment Repair and Replacement Program Act
S. 1197 Community Broadband Act of 2023
S. 1227 FISH Act of 2023
S. 1231 SAD Act
S. 1255** A bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to include a public airport in
use by an air reserve station as a primary airport. (Pub L. 118-63)
S. 1256** Global Aircraft Maintenance Safety Improvement Act (Pub L. 118-63)
S. 1259 Put the Brakes on Boondoggles Act
S. 1280 TRANQ Research Act of 2023 (Part of H.R. 1734 (Pub. L. 118-23))
S. 1284* TORNADO Act
S. 1291 Protecting Kids on Social Media Act
S. 1303* TICKET Act
S. 1350 WIPPES Act
S. 1356 ASSESS AI Act
S. 1388** UAS Integration Research Act of 2023 (Pub L. 118-63)
S. 1409* Kids Online Safety Act
S. 1414* National Weather Service Communications Improvement Act
S. 1416* NWR Modernization Act of 2023
S. 1418* Children and Teens' Online Privacy Protection Act
S. 1421* COOL Online Act
S. 1438** Small Community Air Service Enhancement Act (Pub L. 118-63)
S. 1439 Quantum Sandbox for Near-Term Applications Act of 2023
S. 1440 Transit to Trails Act
S. 1459 MOBILE Act
S. 1460 Firearm Safety Act of 2023
S. 1483 SPACE Act
S. 1506** FAA Advancements Act (Pub L. 118-63)
S. 1508 Rhode Island Fishermen's Fairness Act of 2023
S. 1525 COLLUDE Act
S. 1526 NTIA Policy and Cybersecurity Coordination Act
S. 1535** Wildfire Response Aviation Modernization and Safety Act (Part of S. 1939)
S. 1551** Improved Transportation Consumer Protection Act of 2023 (Part of S. 1939)
S. 1552 Coastal Fellowships Act
S. 1570* Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Enhancement Act
S. 1579 MORE DOT Grants Act
S. 1626 ASK Act
S. 1632 Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety and Oversight Improvements Act of 2023
S. 1648 Launch Communications Act (Pub. L. 118-85)
S. 1649 LICENSE Act of 2023
S. 1656 My Body, My Data Act of 2023
S. 1659** Sustain Regional Air Travel Act (Part of H.R. 3935 (Pub L. 118-63))
S. 1669* AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2023
S. 1671 Digital Platform Commission Act of 2023
S. 1683 Kids Fly Safe Act
S. 1732 Know Your App Act
S. 1737 Responsible Firearms Marketing Act
S. 1752** Fair and Open Skies Act (Part of H.R. 3935 (Pub L. 118-63))
S. 1765** Emergency Vacating of Aircraft Cabin Act (Pub L. 118-63)
S. 1796** Joint Center of Excellence for Advanced Materials and Safety Act (Part of S.
1939)
S. 1801 LISTOS Act
S. 1806 Ocean Regional Opportunity and Innovation Act of 2023
S. 1808 Coastal Communities Ocean Acidification Act of 2023
S. 1813 Disability Access to Transportation Act
S. 1817** Drone Infrastructure Inspection Grant Act (Part of H.R. 3935 (Pub L. 118-
63))
S. 1830** STOP Illicit Drones Act (Pub L. 118-63)
S. 1833 Protecting Whales, Human Safety, and the Economy Act of 2023
S. 1847** General Aviation Airport Access Act (Pub L. 118-63)
S. 1860 Youth Coastal Fishing Program Act of 2023
S. 1861 AQUAA Act
S. 1866 Safe Seats for All Act
S. 1873 Global Technology Leadership Act
S. 1876 Platform Accountability and Transparency Act
S. 1883** Aviation Workforce Development and Recruitment Act (Part of S. 1939)
S. 1888 Advanced Aviation Integration Act
S. 1899** Hydrogen Aviation Development Act (Pub L. 118-63)
S. 1902** Hydrogen Aviation Strategy Act (Pub L. 118-63)
S. 1911** Airline Safety Information and Entertainment Access Act (Pub L. 118-63)
S. 1914** Air Traffic Control Workforce Transparency Act (Part of S. 1939)
S. 1918 Don Young Veterans Advancing Conservation Act
S. 1927** UAS National Airspace Integration Act (Pub L. 118-63)
S. 1929** PFAS-Free Firefighting Foam Transition Reporting Act (Pub L. 118-63)
S. 1933** DCA Act (Pub L. 118-63)
S. 1935** AIRWAYS Act (Pub L. 118-63)
S. 1939 FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (Part of H.R. 3935 (Pub L. 118-63))
S. 1946 Dependable Classification of Airports Act
S. 1956* Invent Here, Make Here Act of 2024
S. 1958** Sustainable Aviation Fuels Accuracy Act of 2023 (Pub L. 118-63)
S. 1962 AAERO Act
S. 1965** AIR Security Act (Pub L. 118-63)
S. 1982 SPACEPORT Act
S. 1993 A bill to waive immunity under section 230 of the Communications Act of 1934
for claims and charges related to generative artificial intelligence.
S. 1996** Volunteer Pilot Support Act (Pub L. 118-63)
S. 2002 CREATE Act of 2023
S. 2071 Reliable Rail Service Act
S. 2086* Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act of 2023
S. 2095 FCC Legal Enforcement Act
S. 2114 Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency Act
S. 2116* Strengthening Support for American Manufacturing Act
S. 2121 DELETE Act
S. 2126 JETSET Costs Act of 2023
S. 2176 Therapeutic Fraud Prevention Act of 2023
S. 2193 Fly PETS Act
S. 2201* American Cybersecurity Literacy Act
S. 2225 TLDR Act
S. 2233* Youth Poisoning Protection Act
S. 2238* PLAN for Broadband Act
S. 2314 PRESERVE Online Speech Act of 2023
S. 2325 Algorithmic Justice and Online Platform Transparency Act
S. 2332 Experienced Pilots Save Lives Act of 2023
S. 2349 Jimmy Deal Trafficking Survivors Assistance Act of 2023
S. 2351 State and Local General Sales Tax Protection Act
S. 2368 Global Investment in American Jobs Act of 2023
S. 2393 Food and Agriculture Industry Cybersecurity Support Act
S. 2423 ADS for Mental Health Services Act
S. 2426 Motor Carrier Safety Selection Standard Act of 2023
S. 2450 A bill to improve coordination between the Department of Energy and the
National Science Foundation on activities carried out under the National
Quantum Initiative Program, and for other purposes.
S. 2494 Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act of 2023
S. 2495 Protecting Athletes, Schools, and Sports Act of 2023
S. 2498* Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2024
S. 2521 ACCESS Act of 2023
S. 2531 SOCIAL MEDIA Act
S. 2534 Chesapeake Bay Science, Education, and Ecosystem Enhancement Act of 2023
S. 2547 Pipeline Fairness, Transparency, and Responsible Development Act of 2023
S. 2548 Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund Act of 2023
S. 2554 College Athlete Economic Freedom Act
S. 2634 ASCEND Act
S. 2645* Preventing HEAT Illness and Deaths Act of 2024
S. 2671 DRIVE Act
S. 2675 Backcountry Aviation Protection Act
S. 2691 AI Labeling Act of 2023
S. 2708 DETOUR Act
S. 2712 A bill to provide funding for the deployment of Next Generation 9-1-1, and
for other purposes.
S. 2714* CREATE AI Act of 2024
S. 2744 Reduce Human Trafficking through Transportation Act
S. 2746 School Bus Safety Act of 2023
S. 2765 Advisory for AI-Generated Content Act
S. 2787** 5G SALE Act
S. 2807 Help Our Kelp Act
S. 2833 Banning Surveillance Advertising Act of 2023
S. 2839** Air Traffic Controllers Hiring Act of 2023 (Pub L. 118-63)
S. 2857 Go Pack Go Act of 2023
S. 2892 Algorithmic Accountability Act of 2023
S. 2930 Reinforcing American-Made Products Act
S. 2957 BOSS and SWIFT ACT of 2023
S. 2980 PIPE Act of 2023
S. 2986 WHALE Act
S. 3014 FTC REDO Act
S. 3024 Promoting Access to Broadband Act of 2023
S. 3038 American Offshore Worker Fairness Act
S. 3074 Eyes on the Board Act of 2023
S. 3092 Collision Avoidance Systems Act of 2023
S. 3119 Restoring Internet Freedom Act
S. 3161 PRICE Act
S. 3162* TEST AI Act of 2024
S. 3191 MAIN Event Ticketing Act
S. 3277* A bill to amend the Marine Debris Act to reauthorize the Marine Debris
Program of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
S. 3312* Artificial Intelligence Research, Innovation, and Accountability Act of 2024
S. 3314 SCREEN Act
S. 3321 Lowering Broadband Costs for Consumers Act of 2023
S. 3324 DO NOT Call Act
S. 3325 Promoting Digital Privacy Technologies Act
S. 3329 Internet Application I.D. Act
S. 3331 Alleviating Spaceport Traffic by Rewarding Operators Act of 2023
S. 3337 DATA Privacy Act
S. 3342 Space Commerce Advisory Committee Act
S. 3348* Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2024
S. 3361 Traveler Privacy Protection Act of 2023
S. 3375 Accelerating Small Business Growth Act
S. 3389 FISH Wellness Act of 2023
S. 3413 A bill to reinstate pilots fired or forced to resign because of a COVID-19
vaccine mandate.
S. 3432 Allied Partnership and Port Modernization Act
S. 3434 Incentivizing the Expansion of U.S. Ports Act
S. 3435 Port Modernization and Supply Chain Protection Act
S. 3440 Farewell to Foam Act of 2023
S. 3444 Local 9-8-8 Response Act of 2023
S. 3457 Fans First Act
S. 3473** Air Security Act of 2023 (Pub L. 118-63)
S. 3475 Strengthening the Commercial Driver's License Information System Act (Public
Law 118-156)
S. 3482 988 Lifeline Location Improvement Act of 2023
S. 3488 NASA Talent Exchange Program Act
S. 3511 Stopping Grinch Bots Act of 2023
S. 3556 Enhancing First Response Act
S. 3606* National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2024
S. 3619 GUARD Act
S. 3633 Flood Prevention Act of 2024
S. 3642 Advanced Weather Model Computing Development Act
S. 3658* SAFE Orbit Act
S. 3662 Open America's Waters Act
S. 3665 Protecting Access to American Products Act
S. 3667 Consumer Advocacy and Protection Act of 2024
S. 3672 SHIFT Act
S. 3690 Amateur Radio Emergency Preparedness Act
S. 3694 SWIMS Act of 2024
S. 3729 Protection of Women in Olympic and Amateur Sports Act
S. 3731 Cruising for Alaska's Workforce Act
S. 3732 Artificial Intelligence Environmental Impacts Act of 2024
S. 3739 NCAA Accountability Act of 2024
S. 3752 Fair Qualifications for Pilots Act
S. 3758 DETECT Act
S. 3776 Coast Guard Academy Safe-to-Report Act
S. 3780 END CELLS Act
S. 3781 ITS Codification Act
S. 3786 Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act
S. 3788* National Landslide Preparedness Act Reauthorization Act of 2024
S. 3792 Technology Workforce Framework Act of 2024
S. 3803 Price Gouging Prevention Act of 2024
S. 3808 No FAMS at the Border Act of 2024
S. 3819 Shrinkflation Prevention Act of 2024
S. 3849* Promoting United States Leadership in Standards Act of 2024
S. 3865 RENT Act of 2024
S. 3879* Illegal Red Snapper Enforcement Act
S. 3888 TAME Extreme Weather Act
S. 3889 Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act
S. 3898 End Aerial Invasion Act
S. 3909 Spectrum Pipeline Act of 2024
S. 3943* ANCHOR Act
S. 3959 Transportation Security Screening Modernization Act of 2024 (Pub. L. 118-
202)
S. 3966 LAUNCH Act
S. 3975 AI CONSENT Act
S. 3991 Protecting American Consumers from Robocalls Act
S. 3996 North Pacific Research Board Enhancement Act
S. 4004 PAST Act of 2024
S. 4010 SAT Streamlining Act
S. 4049 Supporting National Security with Spectrum Act
S. 4051 VALID Act
S. 4053 Used Car Safety Recall Repair Act
S. 4064 Commercial SPACE Leadership Act
S. 4083 Contact Lens Prescription Verification Modernization Act
S. 4103 Preventing Terrorist and Narcotic Air Events Act of 2024
S. 4107 Think Differently Transportation Act (Pub. L. 118-205)
S. 4113 State Boating Act
S. 4117 Climate Change Education Act
S. 4178* Future of Artificial Intelligence Innovation Act of 2024
S. 4186 Banning Toxics from Plastic Bottles Act of 2024
S. 4191 Regional Leadership in Wildland Fire Research Act of 2024
S. 4207** Spectrum and National Security Act of 2024 (Pub L. 118-159)
S. 4208 Promoting Affordable Connectivity Act of 2024
S. 4212* American Music Tourism Act of 2024
S. 4213 Kids Off Social Media Act
S. 4221 NASA SPREES Act
S. 4230 Secure A.I. Act of 2024
S. 4236 AI Grand Challenges Act of 2024
S. 4262 FISHES Act
S. 4269 Airport Gate Competition Act
S. 4277 BUILD GREEN Infrastructure and Jobs Act
S. 4291 Local News and Broadcast Media Preservation Act of 2024
S. 4298 Esther's Law
S. 4299 She DRIVES Act
S. 4300 United States Call Center Worker and Consumer Protection Act of 2024
S. 4314 DOT Victim and Survivor Advocate Act
S. 4315 Baby Changing on Board Act
S. 4317 Secure and Affordable Broadband Extension Act
S. 4318** A bill to provide for an unmanned aircraft system (UAS) integration
strategy.
S. 4319** A bill to provide for progress reports on the national transition plan
related to a fluorine-free firefighting foam.
S. 4320** A bill to provide for the establishment of the Bessie Coleman Women in
Aviation Advisory Committee.
S. 4334 Rights for the TSA Workforce Act of 2024
S. 4335** A bill to ensure funds are available under the aviation workforce
development grant program for technical assistance and to require
consideration for certain applicants.
S. 4343* Fire Ready Nation Act of 2024
S. 4375 Promoting Resilient Supply Chains Act of 2024
S. 4387 VALID Act
S. 4394* NSF AI Education Act of 2024
S. 4422 Fair Repair Act
S. 4428 Biotechnology Oversight Coordination Act of 2024
S. 4435 Families Over Fees Act of 2024
S. 4446 National Construction Safety Team Enhancement Act of 2024
S. 4452 Tristan's Law
S. 4478 SAFE Act
S. 4487* Small Business Artificial Intelligence Training Act of 2024
S. 4492 Amtrak Transparency Act
S. 4500 Water Research Optimization Act of 2024
S. 4530 Ensuring Coast Guard Readiness Act
S. 4535 Safe and Private Rides Act
S. 4538 Open America's Ports Act
S. 4540 Protecting Jobs in American Ports Act
S. 4544 Safeguarding American Tourism Act
S. 4568 CHIPS Improvement Act
S. 4569* TAKE IT DOWN Act
S. 4571 Interstate Obscenity Definition Act
S. 4572 ROUTERS Act
S. 4579* Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2024
S. 4594 Ending FCC Meddling in Our Elections Act
S. 4596* Artificial Intelligence Public Awareness and Education Campaign Act
S. 4598 Internet Application I.D. Act
S. 4609 A bill to direct the Comptroller General of the United States to submit a
report to Congress on vessel fires and responses, and for other purposes.
S. 4639 Expanding Partnerships for Innovation and Competitiveness Act
S. 4657 CHIPS Training in America Act of 2024
S. 4674 Content Origin Protection and Integrity from Edited and Deepfaked Media Act
of 2024
S. 4694 Baltimore Recovery Act
S. 4696 Restore the Port of Baltimore Act
S. 4769* VET Artificial Intelligence Act
S. 4792 Countering CCP Drones and Supporting Drones for Law Enforcement Act
S. 4800 Waterfront Community Revitalization and Resiliency Act of 2024
S. 4810 OCTOPUS Act of 2024
S. 4814 Transportation Assistance for Olympic and World Cup Cities Act of 2024
S. 4816 Alabama Underwater Forest National Marine Sanctuary and Protection Act
S. 4832 Lulu's Law
S. 4838 Consumers LEARN AI Act
S. 4839 Restoring Confidence in the World Anti-Doping Agency Act of 2024
S. 4884 Fighting Fibers Act of 2024
S. 4893 TERMS Act
S. 4896 AI Innovation and Development for Efficiency Act of 2024
S. 4901 Improving Flood and Agricultural Forecasts Act of 2024
S. 4904 National Fab Lab Network Act of 2024
S. 4906 FASTER Act
S. 4907 FORECASTS Tracking Act of 2024
S. 4930 Broadband Fairness Act
S. 4939 Safeguarding Infants from Dangerous Sleep Act
S. 4947 Cruise Passenger Protection Act of 2024
S. 4948 A bill to require the Secretary of Commerce to establish a grant program to
foster enhanced coexistence between ocean users and North Atlantic right
whales and other large cetacean species.
S. 4952 Dark and Quiet Skies Act of 2024
S. 4954 Rail Bridge Safety and Transparency Act
S. 4975 Smarter Weather Forecasting for Water Management, Farming, and Ranching Act
of 2024
S. 4976 Artificial Intelligence Acquisitions Act of 2024
S. 4977 Digital Integrity in Democracy Act
S. 4979 FAA SMS Compliance Review Act of 2024
S. 4983 Pipeline Accountability, Safety, and Environmental Standards Act of 2024
S. 5002 Chip EQUIP Act
S. 5045 Safe and Secure Transportation of American Energy Act
S. 5064 Protecting Investments in Our Ports Act
S. 5081 Arctic Research and Policy Amendments Act of 2024
S. 5090 USRC Funding Eligibility Act
S. 5150 Stop the Scroll Act
S. 5152 Artificial Intelligence Civil Rights Act of 2024
S. 5155 Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Reauthorization Act
S. 5170 Data Protection Act of 2024
S. 5238 Ending Passenger Rail Forced Arbitration Act
S. 5253 ARTIST Act
S. 5272 Protect Your Points Act of 2024
S. 5282 Car Privacy Rights Act of 2024
S. 5285 Stop Smuggling Illicit Synthetic Drugs on U.S. Transportation Networks Act
of 2024
S. 5295 Air Traffic Noise and Pollution Expert Consensus Act of 2024
S. 5300* Contaminated Wells Relocation Act
S. 5328 A bill to direct the Secretary of Commerce to submit to Congress a report
containing an assessment of the value, cost, and feasibility of a trans-
Atlantic submarine fiber optic cable connecting the contiguous United
States, the United States Virgin Islands, Ghana, and Nigeria.
S. 5331 Humanitarian Tech Corps Act
S. 5343 A bill to amend the Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation
Act to clarify the definition of foreign country for purposes of malign
foreign talent recruitment restriction, and for other purposes.
S. 5358 Knife Owners' Protection Act of 2024
S. 5359 A bill to amend the National Marine Sanctuary Act to prohibit requiring an
authorization for the installation, operation, maintenance, repair, or
recovery of undersea fiber optic cables in a national marine sanctuary if
such activities have previously been authorized by a Federal or State
agency.
S. 5361 Improving Atmospheric River Forecasts Act
S. 5364 App Store Accountability Act
S. 5391 National STEM Week Act
S. 5411 National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2024
S. 5427 No Propaganda Act
S. 5433 Genomic Data Protection Act
S. 5446 Electrifying Rural Transportation Act of 2024
S. 5462 Health and Location Data Protection Act of 2024
S. 5468 A bill to authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard, and for other
purposes.
S. 5470 End Airline Extortion Act
S. 5471 Protecting Investments in Our Ports Act
S. 5473 United States Leadership in Immersive Technology Act of 2024
S. 5476 DOE and NSF Interagency Research Act
S. 5487 VETS Safe Travel Act
S. 5490 Natural Disaster Education and Outreach Act of 2024
S. 5493 Accountable Capitalism Act
S. 5506 STOP Frontovers Act of 2024
S. 5509 State Climate Assessment Act of 2024
S. 5513 Interstate Transport Act of 2024
S. 5522 GREEN Communications Act
S. 5569 All Aboard Act of 2024
S. 5579 Auto Data Privacy and Autonomy Act
S. 5597 NO SPILLS Act of 2024
S. 5599 Fog Forecast Improvement Act
S. 5600 NASA Transition Authorization Act of 2024
S. 5601 Weather Act Reauthorization Act of 2024
S. 5616 Preserving American Dominance in Artificial Intelligence Act of 2024
S. 5629 ReSCUE Oceans Act
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Reported/discharged.
Reported/discharged and enacted as stand-alone measure.
Reported/discharged and enacted, in whole or in part, as part of other legislation.
**Enacted, in whole or in part, as part of other legislation.
RESOLUTIONS REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Resolutions:
Referred to Committee......................................... 39
Original measures from Committee.............................. 1
______
Total..................................................... 40
=================================================================
________________________________________________
Reported/discharged (*)....................................... 2
Reported/discharged and agreed to in the Senate ( )........... 6
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number Title as introduced
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
S. Con. Res. 5 A concurrent resolution supporting the Local Radio Freedom Act.
S. J. Res. 64 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8
of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Federal
Communications Commission relating to ``The Infrastructure Investment and
Jobs Act: Prevention and Elimination of Digital Discrimination''.
S. J. Res. 81 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8
of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National
Marine Fisheries Service relating to ``Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
and Plants; Regulations for Interagency Cooperation''.
S. J. Res. 85 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8
of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National
Marine Fisheries Service relating to ``Endangered and Threatened Wildlife
and Plants; Listing Endangered and Threatened Species and Designating
Critical Habitat''.
S. J. Res. 103 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8
of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Federal
Communications Commission relating to ``Safeguarding and Securing the Open
Internet; Restoring Internet Freedom''.
S. J. Res. 104 A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8
of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration relating to ``Corporate Average Fuel
Economy Standards for Passenger Cars and Light Trucks for Model Years 2027
and Beyond and Fuel Efficiency Standards for Heavy-Duty Pickup Trucks and
Vans for Model Years 2030 and Beyond''.
S. Res. 24 A resolution supporting the observation of ``National Girls & Women in
Sports Day'' on February 1, 2023, to raise awareness of and celebrate the
achievements of girls and women in sports.
S. Res. 51* An original resolution authorizing expenditures by the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
S. Res. 58 A resolution congratulating the Kansas City Chiefs on their victory in
Super Bowl LVII in the successful 103rd season of the National Football
League.
S. Res. 96 A resolution celebrating the extraordinary accomplishments and vital role
of women business owners in the United States.
S. Res. 166 A resolution honoring the efforts of the Coast Guard for excellence in
maritime border security.
S. Res. 171 A resolution congratulating the Louisiana State University Fighting Tigers
women's basketball team for winning the 2023 National Collegiate Athletic
Association Division I Women's Basketball Tournament Championship.
S. Res. 225 A resolution commemorating the 107th running of the Indianapolis 500 Mile
Race and recognizing the race as ``the greatest spectacle in racing''.
S. Res. 228 A resolution recognizing the 50th anniversary of the Indiana Pacers' 1972-
1973 American Basketball Association Championship and their third American
Basketball Association Championship in 5 seasons.
S. Res. 267 A resolution supporting the designation of the week of June 18 through June
24, 2023, as ``National Women's Sports Week'' to celebrate the anniversary
of the enactment of title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 and the
growth of women's sports.
S. Res. 274 A resolution expressing the sense of the Senate to reduce traffic
fatalities to zero by 2050.
S. Res. 281 A resolution expressing support for the designation of the week of June 18
through June 24, 2023, as ``National Firefighter Safety Week'' in the
United States and supporting the goals and ideals of National Firefighter
Safety Week to raise awareness of the fire risks associated with improper
disposal of lithium-ion batteries.
S. Res. 310 A resolution recognizing the Motorcycle Safety Foundation for 50 years of
safety education.
S. Res. 356 A resolution expressing support for the designation of the week of
September 18 through September 24, 2023, as ``Rail Safety Week'' in the
United States and supporting the goals and ideals of Rail Safety Week to
reduce highway-rail grade crossing and trespasser-related incidents,
fatalities, and injuries, reduce derailments, improve the safe
transportation of hazardous materials by rail, and prevent rail worker
fatalities.
S. Res. 423 A resolution recognizing the University of Iowa women's basketball team's
historic ``Crossover at Kinnick'' game and the importance of women's
sports.
S. Res. 498 A resolution congratulating Jayden Daniels for winning the 2023 Heisman
Memorial Trophy.
S. Res. 503 A resolution congratulating the Florida State University Seminoles for
winning the 2023 Atlantic Coast Conference Football Championship.
S. Res. 520 A resolution congratulating the University of Michigan Wolverines football
team for winning the 2024 National Collegiate Athletic Association College
Football National Championship.
S. Res. 524 A resolution congratulating the University of Missouri Tigers for winning
the 2023 Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic.
S. Res. 542 A resolution supporting the observation of ``National Girls & Women in
Sports Day'' on February 7, 2024, to raise awareness of and celebrate the
achievements of girls and women in sports.
S. Res. 572 A resolution congratulating Iowa native Caitlin Clark on becoming the
National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I basketball leading
scorer.
S. Res. 656 A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Safe Digging
Month.
S. Res. 660 A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Public Safety
Telecommunicators Week.
S. Res. 669 A resolution designating October, 10, 2024, as ``American Girls in Sports
Day''.
S. Res. 750 A resolution commending the Professional Women's Hockey League Minnesota
for winning the inaugural Professional Women's Hockey League title on May
29, 2024.
S. Res. 751 A resolution congratulating the Triune University Thunder women's softball
team for winning the 2023 National Collegiate Athletic Association
Division III Women's Softball National Championship.
S. Res. 827 A resolution designating the week of September 15 through September 21,
2024, as ``National Truck Driver Appreciation Week''.
S. Res. 864 A resolution expressing support for the designation of the week of
September 23 through September 29, 2024, as ``Rail Safety Week'' and
supporting the goals and ideals of Rail Safety Week to reduce highway-rail
grade crossing and trespasser-related incidents, fatalities, injuries, and
derailments, improve the safe transportation of hazardous materials by
rail, and prevent rail worker fatalities.
S. Res. 865 A resolution expressing the support of the Senate for the designation of
October 23, 2024, as ``Public Radio Music Day'' and deep appreciation for
the role of public radio music stations in serving listeners, musicians,
and hundreds of communities in the United States.
S. Res. 874 A resolution honoring the Southeast Region Little League baseball team from
Lake Mary, Florida, for winning the 2024 Little League Baseball World
Series.
S. Res. 894* A resolution designating December 1, 2024, as ``Drive Safer Sunday''.
S. Res. 922 A resolution expressing support for the designation of October 2024 as
``National Co-Op Month'' and commending the cooperative business model and
the member-owners, businesses, employees, farmers, ranchers, and
practitioners who use the cooperative business model to positively impact
the economy and society.
S. Res. 939 A resolution commending and congratulating the Hutchinson Community College
Blue Dragons football team for winning the 2024 National Junior College
Athletic Association Football National Championship.
S. Res. 941 A resolution congratulating the University of Vermont men's soccer team on
winning the 2024 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I men's
soccer national championship.
S. Res. 942 A resolution congratulating the Washington University in St. Louis Bears
women's soccer team for winning the 2024 NCAA Division III Women's Soccer
Championship.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Reported/discharged.
Reported/discharged and agreed to in the Senate.
B. Nominations
NOMINATIONS BY THE NUMBERS
There were 1,698 presidential nominations, including
promotions, referred to the Committee during the 118th
Congress.
Referred.......................................................... 1,698
Confirmed......................................................... 1,317
Renominations (returned to the President upon recess of Congress,
subsequently renominated)..................................... 83
Returned to the President upon adjournment of Congress............ 293
Withdrawn by the President........................................ 84
[Note: Included in the following totals are nominations
returned to the President upon recess of Congress and
subsequently renominated and referred to the Committee during
the second session of the 118th Congress.]
Amtrak [Board of Directors]:
Director...................................................... 10
______
Total..................................................... 10
=================================================================
________________________________________________
Consumer Product Safety Commission:
Commissioner.................................................. 1
______
Total..................................................... 1
=================================================================
________________________________________________
Corporation for Public Broadcasting [Board of Directors]:
Member........................................................ 5
______
Total..................................................... 5
=================================================================
________________________________________________
Department of Commerce:
Inspector General............................................. 1
______
Total..................................................... 1
=================================================================
________________________________________________
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration:
Rear Admiral (Director of NOAA Commissioned Officer Corps
and Office of Marine and Aviation Operations)............... 1
______
Total..................................................... 1
=================================================================
________________________________________________
Department of Homeland Security:
Coast Guard:..................................................
Admiral................................................... 1
Vice Admiral.............................................. 2
Rear Admiral.............................................. 18
Rear Admiral, upper half.................................. 0
Rear Admiral, lower half.................................. 14
Captain................................................... 255
Commander................................................. 433
Lieutenant Commander...................................... 931
Lieutenant................................................ 0
Permanent Commissioned Teaching Staff..................... 0
______
Total................................................. 1654
=================================================================
________________________________________________
Department of Transportation:
Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration.......... 2
Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration.............................................. 1
General Counsel............................................... 1
______
Total..................................................... 4
=================================================================
________________________________________________
Federal Communications Commission:
Member........................................................ 4
Inspector General............................................. 1
______
Total..................................................... 5
=================================================================
________________________________________________
Federal Maritime Commission:
Commissioner.................................................. 4
______
Total..................................................... 4
=================================================================
________________________________________________
Federal Trade Commission:
Commissioner.................................................. 4
______
Total..................................................... 4
=================================================================
________________________________________________
Marine Mammal Commission:
Member........................................................ 1
______
Total..................................................... 1
=================================================================
________________________________________________
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority [Board of Directors]:
Member........................................................ 2
______
Total..................................................... 2
=================================================================
________________________________________________
National Transportation Safety Board:
Chairman...................................................... 1
Member........................................................ 4
______
Total..................................................... 5
=================================================================
________________________________________________
Surface Transportation Board:
Member........................................................ 1
______
Total..................................................... 1
=================================================================
________________________________________________
HEARINGS
The Committee held 11 nominations hearings during the 118th
Congress.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date Title
------------------------------------------------------------------------
February 14, 2023* Nomination of Gigi B. Sohn, of the District of
Columbia, to be a Member of the Federal
Communications Commission (PN8)
March 1, 2023* Nomination of Phillip A. Washington, of Illinois,
to be Administrator of the Federal Aviation
Administration (PN9)
June 21, 2023* Nominations of:
Joel Matthew Szabat, of Maryland, to be a Director
of the Amtrak Board of Directors (PN13)
Anthony Rosario Coscia, of New Jersey, to be a
Director of the Amtrak Board of Directors (PN14)
Christopher Koos, of Illinois, to be a Director of
the Amtrak Board of Directors (PN15)
Alvin Brown, of Florida, to be a Member of the
National Transportation Safety Board (PN114)
June 22, 2023* Nominations of:
Fara Damelin, of Virginia, to be Inspector
General, Federal Communications Commission
(PN441)
Brendan Carr, of Virginia, to be a Member of the
Federal Communications Commission (PN672)
Anna M. Gomez, of Virginia, to be a Member of the
Federal Communications Commission (PN673)
Geoffrey Adam Starks, of Kansas, to be a Member of
the Federal Communications Commission (PN674)
September 20, 2023* Nominations of:
Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, of Maryland, to be a
Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission
(PN304)
Melissa Holyoak, of Utah, to be a Commissioner of
the Federal Trade Commission (PN801)
Andrew N. Ferguson, of Virginia, to be a
Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission
(PN799, PN800)
Douglas Dziak, of Virginia, to be a Commissioner
of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (PN482)
October 4, 2023 Nomination of Michael G. Whitaker, of Vermont, to
be Administrator of the Federal Aviation
Administration (PN980)
November 7, 2023* Nominations of:
J. Todd Inman, of Kentucky, to be a Member of the
National Transportation Safety Board (PN870)
Samuel H. Slater, of Massachusetts, to be a Member
of the Board of Directors of the Metropolitan
Washington Airports Authority (PN112/PN113)
February 28, 2024* Nominations of:
Rebecca F. Dye, of North Carolina, to be a Federal
Maritime Commissioner (PN17) (Reappointment)
Daniel B. Maffei, of New York, to be a Federal
Maritime Commissioner (PN16) (Reappointment)
April 10, 2024* Nominations of:
Jennifer L. Homendy, of Virginia, to be Chairman
and a Member of the National Transportation
Safety Board (PN1498/PN1499) (Reappointment)
Patrick John Fuchs, of Wisconsin, to be a Member
of the Surface Transportation Board (PN1372)
(Reappointment)
September 11, 2024* Nominations of:
David Michael Capozzi, of Maryland, to be a
Director of the Amtrak Board of Directors for a
term of 5 years (PN10)
Samuel E. Lathem, of Delaware, to be a Director of
the Amtrak Board of Directors for a term of 5
years (PN1394)
Ronald L. Batory, of New Mexico, to be a Director
of the Amtrak Board of Directors for a term of 5
years (PN1692)
Elaine Marie Clegg, of Idaho, to be a Director of
the Amtrak Board of Directors for a term of 5
years (PN1693)
September 25, 2024* Nominations of:
Carl W. Bentzel, of Maryland, to be a Federal
Maritime Commissioner (PN1949) (Reappointment)
Thomas B. Chapman, of Maryland, to be a Member of
the National Transportation Safety Board (PN2009)
(Reappointment)
Lanhee J. Chen, of California, to be a Director of
the Amtrak Board of Directors (PN2032)
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Full Committee hearing.
C. Full Committee
EXECUTIVE SESSIONS
The Committee held 11 Executive Sessions during the 118th
Congress. Dates and agendas are below.
February 9, 2023--Consider and approve the following:
Rules Governing the Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation
Original Budget Resolution for the Senate
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
Subcommittee Assignments for the Senate Committee
on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
March 22, 2023--Consider and approve the following:
S. 66, NOTAM Improvement Act of 2023, to establish
a task force on improvements for notices to air
missions
S. 90, Informing Consumers About Smart Devices
Act, to require the disclosure of a camera or
recording capability in certain internet-connected
devices
S. 127, Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act
of 2023, to prevent unfair and deceptive acts or
practices and the dissemination of false
information related to pharmacy benefit management
services for prescription drugs
S. 318, Save our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act, to amend
the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act to improve the
administration of the Marine Debris Foundation, to
amend to Marine Debris Act to improve the
administration of the Marine Debris Program of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
S. 467, CADETS Act, to modify the age requirement
for the Student Incentive Payment Program of the
State maritime academies
May 10, 2023--Consider and approve the following:
S. 229, Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act
of 2023, to require SelectUSA to coordinate with
State-level economic development organizations to
increase foreign direct investment in
semiconductor-related manufacturing and production
S. 576, Railway Safety Act of 2023, to enhance
safety requirements for trains transporting
hazardous materials
S. 1280, TRANQ Research Act of 2023, to require
coordinated National Institute of Standards and
Technology science and research activities
regarding illicit drugs containing xylazine, novel
synthetic opioids, and other substances of concern
S. 1284, TORNADO Act, to improve forecasting and
understanding of tornadoes and other hazardous
weather
S. 1414, National Weather Service Communications
Improvement Act, to improve the instant messaging
service used by the National Weather Service
S. 1416, NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act of
2023, to provide guidance for and investment in the
upgrade and modernization of the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio All
Hazards Network, and promotions in the Coast Guard
Coast Guard Promotions (PN440)
July 12, 2023--Consider and approve the following:
Nomination of Anna M. Gomez, of Virginia, to be a
Member of the Federal Communications Commission
(PN673)
Nomination of Geoffrey Adam Starks, of Kansas, to
be a Member of the Federal Communications
Commission (PN674)
Nomination of Brendan Carr, of Virginia, to be a
Member of the Federal Communications Commission
(PN672)
Nomination of Fara Damelin, of Virginia, to be
Inspector General of the Federal Communications
Commission (PN441)
Nomination of Alvin Brown, of Florida, to be a
Member of the National Transportation Safety Board
(PN114)
Coast Guard Promotions (PN667)
July 27, 2023--Consider and approve the following:
S. 447, ORBITS Act of 2023, to establish a
demonstration program for the active remediation of
orbital debris and to require the development of
uniform orbital debris standard practices in order
to support a safe and sustainable orbital
environment
S. 484, Combating Human Rights Abuses Act of 2023,
to require the Secretary of Commerce to provide
training and guidance relating to human rights
abuses, including such abuses perpetrated against
the Uyghur population by the Government of the
People's Republic of China
S. 1153, National Manufacturing Advisory Council
for the 21st Century Act, to require the Secretary
of Commerce to establish the National Manufacturing
Advisory Council within the Department of Commerce
S. 1303, TICKET Act, to require sellers of event
tickets to disclose comprehensive information to
consumers about ticket prices and related fees
S. 1409, Kids Online Safety Act, to protect the
safety of children on the internet
S. 1418, Children and Teens' Online Privacy
Protection Act, to amend the Children's Online
Privacy Protection Act of 1998 to strengthen
protections relating to the online collection, use,
and disclosure of personal information of children
and teens
S. 1421, Country Of Origin Labeling Online Act, to
require origin and location disclosure for new
products of foreign origin offered for sale on the
internet
S. 1648, Launch Communications Act, to facilitate
access to the electromagnetic spectrum for
commercial space launches and commercial space
reentries
S. 1669, AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2023,
to require the Secretary of Transportation to issue
a rule requiring access to AM broadcast stations in
motor vehicles
S. 2116, Strengthening Support for American
Manufacturing Act, to require the Secretary of
Commerce to produce a report that provides
recommendations to improve the effectiveness,
efficiency, and impact of Department of Commerce
programs related to supply chain resilience and
manufacturing and industrial innovation
S. 2201, American Cybersecurity Literacy Act, to
increase knowledge and awareness of best practices
to reduce cybersecurity risks in the United States
October 18, 2023--Consider and approve the following:
Nomination of Michael G. Whitaker, of Vermont, to
be Administrator of the Federal Aviation
Administration, Department of Transportation
(PN980)
Nomination of Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, of
Maryland, to be a Federal Trade Commissioner
(PN304)
Nomination of Melissa Holyoak, of Utah, to be a
Federal Trade Commissioner (PN801)
Nomination of Andrew N. Ferguson, of Virginia, to
be a Federal Trade Commissioner (PN799, PN800)
Nomination of Anthony Rosario Coscia, of New
Jersey, to be a Director of the Amtrak Board of
Directors (PN14)
Nomination of Christopher Koos, of Illinois, to be
a Director of the Amtrak Board of Directors (PN15)
Nomination of Joel Matthew Szabat, of Maryland, to
be a Director of the Amtrak Board of Directors
(PN13)
Nomination of Douglas Dziak, of Virginia, to be a
Commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety
Commission (PN482)
Coast Guard Promotions (PN978)
December 7, 2023--Consider and approve the following:
Nomination of J. Todd Inman, of Kentucky, to be a
Member of the National Transportation Safety Board
(PN870)
Coast Guard Promotions (PN948, PN1108, PN1111)
February 8, 2024--Consider and approve the following:
S. 1939, FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, to amend
title 49, United States Code, to authorize
appropriations for the Federal Aviation
Administration for fiscal years 2024 through 2028
May 1, 2024--Consider and approve the following:
Nomination of Daniel B. Maffei, of New York, to be
a Federal Maritime Commissioner (PN16)
(reappointment)
Nomination of Rebecca F. Dye, of North Carolina,
to be a Federal Maritime Commissioner (PN17)
(reappointment)
Nomination of Jennifer L. Homendy, of Virginia, to
be Chair and a Member of the National
Transportation Safety Board (PN1498, PN1499)
(reappointment)
Nomination of Patrick John Fuchs, of Wisconsin, to
be a Member of the Surface Transportation Board
(PN1372) (reappointment)
Coast Guard Promotions (PN1116, PN1288, PN1289,
PN1394, PN1395, PN1534, PN1148, PN1074, PN1301,
PN1302, PN1507, PN1532, PN1533, PN1457, PN1117/
PN1415, PN1497)
July 31, 2024--Consider and approve the following:
S. 275, Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2024, to
require the Federal Communications Commission to
establish a vetting process for prospective
applicants for high-cost universal service program
funding
S. 690, NET Act, to direct the Federal
Communications Commission to evaluate and consider
the impact of the telecommunications network
equipment supply chain on the deployment of
universal service
S. 1008, Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-
Ion Batteries Act, to require the Consumer Product
Safety Commission to promulgate a consumer product
safety standard with respect to rechargeable
lithium-ion batteries used in micromobility devices
S. 1570, Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment
Screening Enhancement Act, to amend the Bottles and
Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Act to require
hygienic handling of breast milk and baby formula
by security screening personnel of the
Transportation Security Administration and
personnel of private security companies providing
security screening
S. 1956, Invent Here, Make Here Act of 2024, to
improve the commercialization of Federal research
by domestic manufacturers
S. 2086, Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance Act of 2023,
to require the Secretary of Commerce to establish
the Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance Grant Program
S. 2233, Youth Poisoning Protection Act, to ban
the sale of products with a high concentration of
sodium nitrite to individuals
S. 2238, PLAN for Broadband Act, to direct the
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications
and Information to develop a National Strategy to
Close the Digital Divide
S. 2498, Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2024, to
prohibit unfair and deceptive advertising of prices
for hotel rooms and other places of short-term
lodging
S. 2645, Preventing Heat Illnesses and Deaths Act
of 2024, to reduce the health risks of heat by
establishing the National Integrated Heat Health
Information System within the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration and the National
Integrated Heat Health Information System
Interagency Committee to improve extreme heat
preparedness, planning, and response, requiring a
study, and establishing financial assistance
programs to address heat effects
S. 2714, CREATE AI Act of 2024, to establish the
National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource
S. 3162, TEST AI Act of 2024, to improve the
requirement for the Director of the National
Institute of Standards and Technology to establish
testbeds to support the development and testing of
trustworthy artificial intelligence systems and to
improve interagency coordination in development of
such testbeds
S. 3277, to amend the Marine Debris Act to
reauthorize the Marine Debris Program of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
S. 3312, Artificial Intelligence Research,
Innovation, and Accountability Act of 2024, to
provide a framework for artificial intelligence
innovation and accountability
S. 3348, Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research
and Control Amendments Act of 2024, to amend the
Harmful Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research and
Control Act of 1998 to address harmful algal blooms
S. 3475, Strengthening the Commercial Driver's
License Information System Act, to amend title 49,
United States Code, to allow the Secretary of
Transportation to designate an authorized operator
of the commercial driver's license information
system
S. 3606, National Earthquake Hazards Reduction
Program Reauthorization Act of 2024, to reauthorize
the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977
S. 3781, ITS Codification Act, to amend the
National Telecommunications and Information
Administration Organization Act to codify the
Institute for Telecommunication Sciences, to direct
the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for
Communications and Information to establish an
initiative to support the development of emergency
communication and tracking technologies
S. 3788, National Landslide Preparedness Act
Reauthorization Act of 2024, to reauthorize the
National Landslide Preparedness Act
S. 3849, Promoting United States Leadership in
Standards Act of 2024, to promote United States
leadership in technical standards by directing the
National Institute of Standards and Technology and
the Department of State to take certain actions to
encourage and enable United States participation in
developing standards and specifications for
artificial intelligence and other critical and
emerging technologies
S. 3879, Illegal Red Snapper Enforcement Act, to
require the Under Secretary of Commerce for
Standards and Technology and the Administrator of
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to
develop a standard methodology for identifying the
country of origin of red snapper imported into the
United States
S. 3943, ANCHOR Act, to require a plan to improve
the cybersecurity and telecommunications of the
U.S. Academic Research Fleet
S. 3959, Transportation Security Screening
Modernization Act of 2024, to require the
Transportation Security Administration to
streamline the enrollment processes for individuals
applying for a Transportation Security
Administration security threat assessment for
certain programs, including the Transportation
Worker Identification Credential and Hazardous
Materials Endorsement Threat Assessment programs of
the Administration
S. 4107, Think Differently Transportation Act, to
require Amtrak to report to Congress information on
Amtrak compliance with the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990 with respect to trains and
stations
S. 4178, Future of Artificial Intelligence
Innovation Act of 2024, to establish artificial
intelligence standards, metrics, and evaluation
tools, to support artificial intelligence research,
development, and capacity building activities, to
promote innovation in the artificial intelligence
industry by ensuring companies of all sizes can
succeed and thrive
S. 4212, American Music Tourism Act of 2024, to
amend the Visit America Act to promote music
tourism
S. 4343, Fire Ready Nation Act of 2024, to
establish and maintain a coordinated program within
the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
that improves wildfire, fire weather, fire risk,
and smoke related forecasting, detection, modeling,
observations, and service delivery, and to address
growing needs in the wildland-urban interface, and
for other purposes
S. 4394, NSF AI Education Act of 2024, to support
National Science Foundation education and
professional development relating to artificial
intelligence
S. 4487, Small Business Artificial Intelligence
Training Act of 2024, to require the Secretary of
Commerce to develop artificial intelligence
training resources and toolkits for United States
small businesses, and for other purposes
S. 4569, TAKE IT DOWN Act, to require covered
platforms to remove nonconsensual intimate visual
depictions, and for other purposes
S. 4579, Northwest Straits Marine Conservation
Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2024, to
reauthorize the Northwest Straits Marine
Conservation Initiative Act to promote the
protection of the resources of the Northwest
Straits, and for other purposes
S. 4596, Artificial Intelligence Public Awareness
and Education Campaign Act, to require the
Secretary of Commerce to conduct a public awareness
and education campaign to provide information
regarding the benefits of, risks relating to, and
the prevalence of artificial intelligence in the
daily lives of individuals in the United States,
and for other purposes
S. 4769, Validation and Evaluation for Trustworthy
(VET) Artificial Intelligence Act, to require the
Director of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology to develop voluntary guidelines and
specifications for internal and external assurances
of artificial intelligence systems, and for other
purposes
Nomination of Chad M. Cary, of Alaska, to be
Director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA) (PN1580)
Coast Guard Promotions (PN440-2, PN1803, PN1804,
PN1116-2, PN1900, PN1901)
December 12, 2024--Consider and approve the following:
Nomination of David Michael Capozzi, of Maryland,
to be a Director of the Amtrak Board of Directors
(PN10)
Nomination of Ronald L. Batory, of New Mexico, to
be a Director of the Amtrak Board of Directors
(PN1692)
Nomination of Elaine Marie Clegg, of Idaho, to be
a Director of the Amtrak Board of Directors
(PN1693)
Nomination of Lanhee J. Chen, of California, to be
a Director of the Amtrak Board of Directors
(PN2032)
Nomination of Lisa T. Ballance, of Oregon, to be a
Member of the Marine Mammal Commission (PN1979)
Nomination of Felix R. Sanchez, of the District of
Columbia, to be a Member of the Board of Directors
of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (PN1568)
Nomination of Adam Jeffrey White, of Virginia, to
be a Member of the Board of Directors of the
Corporation for Public Broadcasting (PN1949)
Nomination of L. E. Sola, of Florida, to be a
Federal Maritime Commissioner (PN2241)
Coast Guard Promotions (PN2130, PN2131, PN2132,
PN1534-2, PN2228, PN2229, PN2230, PN2231)
HEARINGS
The Committee held 51 full Committee hearings, including 11
nominations hearings, and 4 field hearings, during the 118th
Congress.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date Title
------------------------------------------------------------------------
February 9, 2023 Strengthening Airline Operations and Consumer
Protections
February 15, 2023 The Federal Aviation Administration's NOTAM System
Failure and Its Impacts on a Resilient National
Airspace
February 16, 2023 Bringing Transparency and Accountability to
Pharmacy Benefit Managers
March 8, 2023 Implementation and Oversight of the Aircraft
Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act
March 16, 2023 Strengthening the Aviation Workforce
March 22, 2023 Improving Rail Safety in Response to the East
Palestine Derailment
March 23, 2023 Enhancing Consumer Protections and Connectivity in
Air Transportation
March 29, 2023 Advancing Next Generation Aviation Technologies
May 11, 2023 The State of Universal Service
May 16, 2023 Examining NASA's FY24 Budget and Priorities
June 8, 2023 Protecting Consumers from Junk Fees
June 13, 2023 Oversight and Implementation of Travel and Tourism
Legislation
July 13, 2023 Budget Oversight of the United States Coast Guard
July 20, 2023 Budget Oversight of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration
August 25, 2023* Economic Impacts of the U.S. Sports and
Entertainment Economy, Las Vegas Edition
September 12, 2023 The Need for Transparency in Artificial
Intelligence
October 4, 2023 CHIPS and Science Implementation and Oversight
October 18, 2023 Promoting Safety, Innovation, and Competitiveness
in U.S. Commercial Human Space Activities
October 24, 2023 Protecting Americans from Robocalls
November 7, 2023 Sustainable Tourism for a Thriving Economy
November 9, 2023 Addressing Close Calls to Improve Aviation Safety
December 13, 2023 Government Promotion of Safety and Innovation in
the New Space Economy
March 1, 2024* The Importance of Great Lakes Icebreaking to the
Regional Economy
March 6, 2024 National Transportation Safety Board
Investigations Report
March 20, 2024 Promoting a Safe Environment in U.S. Athletics
March 21, 2024 Spectrum and National Security
April 17, 2024 FAA Organization Designation Authorization (ODA)
Expert Panel Report
May 2, 2024 The Future of Broadband Affordability
May 8, 2024 Strengthening Data Security to Protect Consumers
May 21, 2024 Examining the Roadway Safety Crisis and
Highlighting Community Solutions
June 13, 2024 FAA Oversight of Aviation Manufacturing
June 26, 2024* Take It Down: Ending Big Tech's Complicity In
Revenge Porn
July 11, 2024 The Need to Protect Americans' Privacy and the AI
Accelerant
July 23, 2024* Examining the Impact of the Bipartisan
Infrastructure Law on Transportation
Infrastructure
July 30, 2024 Enabling Rural Businesses to Grow at Home While
Competing Abroad
September 18, 2024 Aviation Cybersecurity Threats
September 19, 2024 Coast Guard Drug Interdiction and Enforcement in
the Maritime Environment
November 19, 2024 Protecting Consumers from Artificial Intelligence
Enabled Frauds and Scams
December 11, 2024 Communications Networks Safety and Security
December 12, 2024 U.S. Air Traffic Control Systems, Personnel and
Safety
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Field hearing.
D. Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations, and Innovation
The Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations, and
Innovation has jurisdiction over civil aviation, including:
safety; security; technology; engineering; manufacturing;
infrastructure; consumer protection; research and development;
airspace and international aviation matters. The subcommittee
conducts oversight of the Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA), the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB),
Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and the civil
aviation policy functions of the Department of Transportation
(DOT) with respect to the economic regulation of air carriers
and passenger air carrier service.
MEMBERS DURING THE 118TH CONGRESS\2\ \3\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\2\In addition to the members listed for each individual
subcommittee, the Chair and Ranking Member of the full Committee served
as ex officio members of all subcommittees.
\3\In the 118th Congress, Senator Sinema's party affiliation was
Independent, but she caucused with the Democrats.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Democrats: Republicans:
Senator Duckworth (Chair) Senator Moran (Ranking)
Senator Sinema Senator Thune
Senator Tester Senator Wicker
Senator Rosen Senator Sullivan
Senator Hickenlooper Senator Young
Senator Warnock
ACTIVITIES
The Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations, and
Innovation dedicated its work during the 118th Congress to
strengthening the safety, resilience, and economic growth of
the United States' aviation ecosystem. The subcommittee secured
a historic legislative accomplishment in the enactment of the
bipartisan FAA Reauthorization Law of 2024 while also
performing vigorous oversight of FAA and aviation manufacturers
in light of the door plug blowout on Alaska Airlines flight
1282. The subcommittee also advanced the nomination of Michael
Whitaker, who was later confirmed as FAA Administrator. In
addition, the subcommittee conducted oversight of the
implementation of congressional reforms including, but not
limited to, strengthening aerospace production and
manufacturing. In the 118th Congress, the Committee and
subcommittee held a total of 12 aviation policy hearings, and
many of these policy hearings laid the groundwork for the FAA
Reauthorization Law of 2024. The Committee also held a total of
five hearings for nominees to FAA, NTSB, and Metropolitan
Washington Airports Authority.
The Committee began the 118th Congress with high profile
hearings examining two aviation system breakdowns that affected
the flying public. In February 2023, the Committee held a
hearing with Southwest Airlines' chief operating officer and
others to review the causes and impacts of the carrier's
operational failures during Winter Storm Elliott that left
millions of people stranded in Denver and elsewhere for the
2022 holiday season. The Committee then held a hearing with
Bill Nolen, the then-Acting FAA Administrator, to review the
causes and impacts of the Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) system
outage on January 11, 2023, and FAA's actions to strengthen the
resiliency and reliability of the system. That outage caused
FAA to issue the first nationwide ground stop since in over 20
years, lasting over 1 \1/2\ hours, after a vendor error
inadvertently deleted files while attempting to correct a
synchronization problem between the NOTAM system's primary
database and its backup database. The ground stop forced the
cancellation of more than 1,300 flights and the delay of 9,500
flights on January 11, 2023.
The Committee then convened a series of four aviation
policy hearings in the month of March 2023, to lay the
groundwork for a new 5-year FAA reauthorization.
The first hearing of that series brought then-Acting FAA
Administrator Billy Nolen to testify on FAA's progress in
implementing the Aircraft Certification, Safety, and
Accountability Act (ACSAA), which was enacted in December 2020,
in response to the tragic crashes of Lion Air flight 610 and
Ethiopian Airlines flight 302. Both those crashes were caused
by the erroneous activation of the Maneuvering Characteristics
Augmentation System on Boeing 737-MAX aircraft. Certain
provisions in ACSAA, which aim to reform FAA's aircraft
certification process and delegation to Boeing of key
certification tasks through Organization Designation
Authorization, were later extended or expanded in the FAA
Reauthorization Act of 2024.
The following week, the Committee held a hearing,
``Strengthening the Aviation Workforce,'' to examine challenges
facing the aviation workforce and identify solutions for
improving the education, recruitment, hiring, training and
retention of workers in the aviation industry and at FAA. The
hearing also examined opportunities to increase representation
in and promote awareness of aviation careers.
The week after, the Committee held a hearing with five
witnesses to examine the need to strengthen consumer
protections for the U.S. flying public, including bolstering
DOT rules, enhancing accessibility for the disability community
and exploring the intersection of competition and customer
service. This hearing also discussed the importance of air
service connectivity for the economic development of small and
rural communities.
Finally, the Committee held a hearing with seven witnesses
on advancing next generation aviation technologies. The hearing
examined advances in research and development that will support
the next generation of commercial aircraft in the United
States, such as such those relating to sustainable aviation
fuel (SAF), hydrogen- and electric-power aircraft, and advanced
composites and thermoplastics.
On October 4, 2023, the Committee held a hearing with
Michael Whitaker, President Biden's nominee to lead FAA. In
this hearing, Mr. Whitaker, who had previously served in the
Deputy Administrator position at FAA, set forth his vision for
changing the safety culture at FAA and providing stronger
oversight of aviation manufacturers and air carriers. Later
that month, Mr. Whitaker was voted out of committee by voice
vote, and on October 24, 2023, was confirmed 98-0 by the
Senate.
On November 9, 2023, the subcommittee held a hearing with
NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy and others to examine the troubling
spike in reports of so-called ``close calls'' and ``near
misses'' across the National Airspace System but particularly
on airport runways. As with the four March 2023 hearings, this
hearing laid the groundwork for certain safety provisions in
the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.
After nearly 2 years of work, on February 8, 2024, the
Committee marked up S. 1939, the FAA Reauthorization Act of
2024, including the Cantwell-Cruz-Duckworth-Moran substitute
amendment and 83 bipartisan amendments. The Committee then
proceeded to negotiate with the House to reach compromise
language on H.R. 3935, which passed the House of
Representatives on June 20, 2023. On May 9, 2024, the Senate
passed H.R. 3935 with an amendment; the House passed H.R. 3935
on May 15, 2024, and President Biden signed it into law on May
16, 2024. With enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024
under Chair Cantwell's leadership, the law reauthorizes FAA and
NTSB for 5 years, prioritizing investments to strengthen
aviation safety, boost consumer protections, grow the aviation
safety workforce, advance technology and innovation, and
modernize our national airspace system. Notably, the law
authorized $105 billion in appropriations for FAA and $738
million for the NTSB over a 5-year period to strengthen
aviation safety standards, implement new safety technology,
hire more air traffic controllers and safety inspectors,
advance innovation, and modernize air travel infrastructure
nationwide. The law was endorsed by stakeholders throughout the
aviation ecosystem, including the Air Line Pilots Association,
Airlines for America, Airports Council International-North
America and the American Association of Airport Executives,
Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, Association for Uncrewed
Vehicle Systems International, Families of Continental Flight
3407, General Aviation Manufacturers Association, International
Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, International
Brotherhood of Teamsters, National Air Traffic Controllers
Association, National Business Aviation Association,
Professional Aviation Safety Specialists, Regional Airline
Association, Transport Workers Association of America, and the
U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
The Committee also conducted vigorous oversight of FAA and
production quality in aviation manufacturing after a door plug
separated from the Boeing 737 MAX-9 operated by Alaska Airlines
on flight 1282 on January 5, 2024. NTSB released a preliminary
report on February 6, 2024, followed up by an investigative
hearing on August 6-7, 2024. NTSB has preliminarily found that
four bolts meant to secure the door plug to the fuselage were
missing. This incident sparked aggressive oversight by the
Committee of FAA's own oversight of manufacturing and
production quality at Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems. Following
up on a request she made in January 2023 to initiate a special
technical audit of Boeing production systems, on January 11,
2024, Chair Cantwell wrote FAA Administrator Whitaker
requesting documentation related to FAA's quality system audits
of Boeing and supplier control audits of Spirit AeroSystems;
the next day, FAA announced audits of the Boeing 737-9 MAX
production line and its suppliers to evaluate Boeing's
compliance with its approved quality procedures. Those audits,
which were conducted over a 6-week period in Wichita, Kansas,
and Renton, Washington, identified serious noncompliances
related to Boeing's obligation to operate and maintain an
effective quality control system.
On January 17, 2024, Chair Cantwell and Ranking Member Cruz
convened a members-only briefing with NTSB Chair Homendy and
FAA Administrator Whitaker on the door plug blow out, followed
up by a March 6, 2024, hearing with Chair Homendy on Alaska
Airlines flight 1282 and other investigations. Following
testimony from Chair Homendy indicating that Boeing had failed
to provide access to key documents and personnel necessary for
its investigation, Chair Cantwell sent a letter to Boeing's
then-CEO Dave Calhoun calling for the company's full and
immediate cooperation. Relatedly, on April 10, 2024, Chair
Cantwell held a nomination hearing for Chair Homendy; she was
later confirmed to a new 5-year term as a member of the NTSB
and a new 3-year term as Chair.
After FAA had given Boeing 90 days to develop an ``action
plan'' to address systematic quality-control shortcomings, on
June 13, 2024, Chair Cantwell convened a hearing with
Administrator Whitaker to examine FAA's assessment of the
Product Safety and Quality Plan submitted by Boeing to FAA. It
also covered FAA oversight of Boeing's planned actions to
respond to the recent FAA audits of Boeing and Spirit
AeroSystems' production lines as well as the findings and
recommendations from the Organization Designation Authorization
(ODA) Expert Review Panel, established by ACSAA, and new
measures in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024. Chair Cantwell
then sent a letter to Administrator Whitaker on July 27, 2024,
calling for the agency to conduct a root cause analysis to
determine any deficiencies in its own oversight of aviation
manufacturers like Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems.
On March 17, 2024, Chair Cantwell had convened a hearing
with three members of the ODA Expert Review Panel, including
Dr. Javier de Luis whose sister was among the victims of the
Ethiopian Airlines flight 302 crash. The Expert Panel was
commissioned by section 103 of ACSAA to issue a report on
Boeing's ODA, which has over 1,000 unit members. The report
identified 27 findings and made 53 associated recommendations
related to topics such FAA and Boeing safety culture, Boeing's
Safety Management System, interference with ODA unit members,
human factors in aviation safety, and quality control. Based on
the ODA Expert Panel and FAA's issuance of a final rule in
April 2024 requiring aircraft manufacturers and other aviation
entities to have a Safety Management System (a set of policies
and procedures to proactively identify and address potential
operational hazards), Chair Cantwell and Subcommittee Chair
Duckworth introduced S. 4979, the FAA SMS Compliance Review Act
of 2024. Among other things, the bill requires the agency to
convene an independent review panel that will make
recommendations to help FAA implement a robust, comprehensive
SMS across all lines of business at the agency, and develop and
implement effective processes for performing root cause
analyses to identify opportunities for improvement in FAA's
execution of its regulatory oversight responsibilities.
After Seattle-Tacoma International Airport was hit by a
ransomware attack in August 2024, requiring airport leaders to
shut down key technology systems and forcing passengers to
navigate an unfamiliar airport environment, Chair Cantwell
convened a hearing to examine cyberattacks in the aviation
sector, which had spiked 74 percent since 2020. Finally, on
December 12, 2024, Subcommittee Chair Duckworth held a hearing
to examine the impact of FAA's aging air traffic control
systems and facilities essential to air traffic control
operations and related challenges among the technical air
traffic control workforce. The hearing also considered
recommendations to strengthen aviation safety in the United
States' air traffic control system in light of increasing air
travel demand and airspace users.
HEARINGS
This subcommittee held 12 hearings during the 118th
Congress.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date Title
------------------------------------------------------------------------
February 9, 2023* Strengthening Airline Operations and Consumer
Protections
February 15, 2023* The Federal Aviation Administration's NOTAM System
Failure and its Impacts on a Resilient National
Airspace
March 8, 2023* Implementation and Oversight of the Aircraft
Certification, Safety, and Accountability Act
March 16, 2023* Strengthening the Aviation Workforce
March 23, 2023* Enhancing Consumer Protections and Connectivity in
Air Transportation
March 29, 2023* Advancing Next Generation Aviation Technologies
November 9, 2023 Addressing Close Calls to Improve Aviation Safety
March 6, 2024* National Transportation Safety Board
Investigations Report
April 17, 2024* FAA Organization Designation Authorization (ODA)
Expert Panel Report
June 13, 2024* FAA Oversight of Aviation Manufacturing
September 18, 2024* Aviation Cybersecurity Threats
December 12, 2024 U.S. Air Traffic Control Systems, Personnel and
Safety
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Full Committee hearing.
LEGISLATION
Bills reported favorably out of Committee:
H.R 346, NOTAM Improvement Act of 2023 (Became Pub.
L. 118-4)
S. 1570, Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment
Screening Enhancement Act (Passed Senate without
amendment by Unanimous Consent. Consideration: CR
S6465)
S. 1939, FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 (Placed on
Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders.
Calendar No. 235)
AVIATION BILLS (ALSO LISTED UNDER COMMITTEE):
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Number Title
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
H.R. 346 NOTAM Improvement Act of 2023
S. 66 NOTAM Improvement Act of 2023
S. 178 Airline Passengers' Bill of Rights
S. 209 FAIR Fees Act of 2023
S. 307 Increasing Competitiveness for American Drones Act of 2023
S. 368 Aviation WORKS Act
S. 400 Prioritizing Accountability and Accessibility for Aviation Consumers Act of
2023
S. 525 Families Fly Together Act of 2023
S. 545 Air Carrier Access Amendments Act of 2023
S. 561 Cash Refunds for Flight Cancellations Act of 2023
S. 615 Cabin Air Safety Act of 2023
S. 748 American Aviator Act
S. 753 Good Jobs for Good Airports Act
S. 787 Airline Operational Resiliency Act of 2023
S. 816 SOAR Act
S. 882 State and Local General Sales Tax Protection Act
S. 888 Aviation Empowerment Act
S. 890 Screening Partnership Reform Act
S. 891 ATC SOAR Act
S. 893 Let Experienced Pilots Fly Act
S. 896 SHIELD U Act
S. 902 Supersonic and Hypersonic Aircraft Testing Corridor Act
S. 905 Drone Integration and Zoning Act
S. 911 Saracini Enhanced Aviation Safety Act of 2023
S. 1032 Air Tour and Sport Parachuting Safety Improvement Act of 2023
S. 1033 Natural Hazard Resilience for Airports Act of 2023
S. 1046 Small Airport Regulation Relief Act of 2023
S. 1055 Airport Infrastructure Resiliency Act of 2023
S. 1058 Protection from Abusive Passengers Act
S. 1085 Hammer's Law
S. 1093 Hawaii Air Tour Management Act of 2023
S. 1154 Promoting Women in Aviation Act
S. 1163 Aviation Minority Workforce Development Act of 2023
S. 1167 Sound Insulation Treatment Repair and Replacement Program Act
S. 1255 A bill to amend title 49, United States Code, to include a public airport in
use by an air reserve station as a primary airport.
S. 1256 Global Aircraft Maintenance Safety Improvement Act
S. 1388 UAS Integration Research Act of 2023
S. 1459 MOBILE Act
S. 1506 FAA Advancements Act
S. 1535 Wildfire Response Aviation Modernization and Safety Act
S. 1579 MORE DOT Grants Act
S. 1659 Sustain Regional Air Travel Act
S. 1683 Kids Fly Safe Act
S. 1752 Fair and Open Skies Act
S. 1765 Emergency Vacating of Aircraft Cabin Act
S. 1796 Joint Centers of Excellence for Advanced Materials and Safety Act
S. 1830 STOP Illicit Drones Act
S. 1847 General Aviation Airport Access Act
S. 1866 Safe Seats for All Act
S. 1883 Aviation Workforce Development and Recruitment Act
S. 1888 Advanced Aviation Integration Act
S. 1899 Hydrogen Aviation Development Act
S. 1902 Hydrogen Aviation Strategy Act
S. 1914 Air Traffic Control Workforce Transparency Act
S. 1927 UAS National Airspace Integration Act
S. 1929 PFAS-Free Firefighting Foam Transition Reporting Act
S. 1933 DCA Act
S. 1935 AIRWAYS Act
S. 1939 FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024
S. 1946 Dependable Classification of Airports Act
S. 1958 Sustainable Aviation Fuels Accuracy Act of 2023
S. 1962 AAERO Act
S. 1996 Volunteer Pilot Support Act
S. 2126 JET SET Costs Act of 2023
S. 2351 State and Local General Sales Tax Protection Act
S. 2548 Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund Act of 2023
S. 2675 Backcountry Aviation Protection Act
S. 2744 Reduce Human Trafficking Through Transportation Act
S. 2839 Air Traffic Controllers Hiring Act of 2023
S. 3361 Traveler Privacy Protection Act of 2023
S. 3411 A bill to reinstate pilots fired or forced to resign because of a COVID-19
vaccine mandate
S. 3473 Air Security Act of 2023
S. 3898 End Aerial Invasion Act
S. 4103 Preventing Terrorist and Narcotic Air Events Act of 2024
S. 4269 Airport Gate Competition Act
S. 4319 A bill to provide for progress reports on the national transition plan related
to a fluorine-free firefighting foam.
S. 4320 A bill to provide for the establishment of the Bessie Coleman Women in
Aviation Advisory Committee
S. 4334 Rights for the TSA Workforce Act of 2024
S. 4335 a bill to ensure funds are available under the aviation workforce development
grant program for technical assistance and to require consideration for
certain applicants.
S. 4906 FASTER ACT
S. 4979 FAA SMS Compliance Review Act of 2024
S. 5295 Air Traffic Noise and Pollution Expert Consensus Act of 2024
S. 5470 End Airline Extortion Act
S. 5487 VETS Safe Travel Act
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
E. Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband
The Subcommittee on Communications, Media, and Broadband
has jurisdiction over all sectors of communications, including
wired and wireless telephony; the Internet; commercial and
noncommercial television; cable; satellite broadcast; satellite
communications; wireline and wireless broadband; radio;
spectrum and consumer electronic equipment associated with such
services, and public safety communications. The subcommittee
also is responsible for oversight of the Federal Communications
Commission (FCC), the Corporation for Public Broadcasting
(CPB), and the National Telecommunications and Information
Administration (NTIA) at the Department of Commerce, which is
the Federal agency primarily responsible for advising the
President on telecommunications policy and managing spectrum
use by the executive branch.
MEMBERS DURING THE 118TH CONGRESS\4\ \5\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\4\In addition to the members listed for each individual
subcommittee, the Chair and Ranking Member of the full Committee served
as ex officio members of all subcommittees.
\5\In the 118th Congress, Senator Sinema's party affiliation was
Independent, but she caucused with the Democrats.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Republicans: Democrats:
Senator Lujan (Chairman) Senator Thune (Ranking)
Senator Klobuchar Senator Wicker
Senator Schatz Senator Fischer
Senator Markey Senator Moran
Senator Baldwin Senator Sullivan
Senator Duckworth Senator Blackburn
Senator Tester Senator Young
Senator Sinema Senator Budd
Senator Rosen Senator Schmitt
Senator Hickenlooper Senator Vance
Senator Warnock Senator Capito
Senator Welch Senator Lummis
Senator Warnock
ACTIVITIES
In the 118th Congress, the subcommittee worked to promote
broadband availability and affordability. Part of this effort
involved work to restore FCC's spectrum auction authority and
develop a sustainable spectrum pipeline that would protect
critical Federal operations while unleashing the spectrum
needed for commercial innovations through the Spectrum and
National Security Act (S. 4207). The subcommittee worked to
secure domestic communications networks by fully funding the
Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement
Program and fought for affordable broadband by passing
additional funding to support the Affordable Connectivity
Program. Funding for both programs was included as amendments
in the Proper Leadership to Align Networks for Broadband Act
(S. 2238), which was reported favorably out of Committee. The
subcommittee continued its oversight over the Administration as
it worked to implement the broadband infrastructure investments
made by Congress in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
of 2021 through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment
program, Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program,
and the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program.
Spectrum and National Security
Spectrum is the radio frequencies that support our wireless
communications, broadcast radio and television, satellites,
critical defense systems, weather forecasting transportation
systems, and other functions important to our economy,
innovation, and safety. There are no true greenfield spectrum
opportunities for Federal or commercial opportunities. Making
new spectrum available requires relocation and reconfiguration
of current users. The National Telecommunications and
Information Administration (NTIA) works with Federal agencies
to ensure the most efficient use of spectrum to address agency
spectrum needs and to assess whether re-allocating Federal
spectrum to non-Federal use or for other agencies' use is
feasible. FCC manages non-Federal spectrum allocations,
regulates non-Federal use of spectrum, and is charged with
auctioning spectrum to private entities. FCC's spectrum auction
authority expired in March 2023.
On March 21, 2024, the Committee held a hearing, ``Spectrum
and National Security,'' to discuss how optimizing the use of
the Nation's spectrum should be an economic and national
security priority. The hearing focused on the urgent need to
restore FCC's spectrum auction authority, establish a
sustainable spectrum pipeline, develop critical innovations
like dynamic spectrum sharing and Open Radio Access Networks
(ORAN), and make important investments in network security,
broadband affordability, and public safety. Focusing on key
innovations like ORAN and dynamic spectrum sharing the
Committee identified actionable ways the United States could
compete on the global stage.
Chair Cantwell introduced Spectrum and National Security
Act which sought to codify the Administration's National
Spectrum Strategy, the Presidential Memorandum on Modernizing
United States Spectrum Policy, and the memorandum of
understanding between FCC and NTIA would codify several studies
currently underway to analyze the feasibility of reallocating
Federal spectrum for commercial use. The creation of a
sustainable spectrum pipeline struck an important balance
between the national security concerns and the economic needs
of the commercial wireless industry and other private
stakeholders. This legislation also would establish a robust
spectrum management and dispute resolution process that
empowered Federal users and brought consistency to the Federal
Government's approach to spectrum management. Chair Cantwell
secured the endorsement of the Department of Defense,
Department of Commerce, and the Joint Chiefs of Staff for the
Spectrum and National Security Act.
Promoting Broadband Affordability
As Congress continues to invest in broadband infrastructure
through important deployment programs like the Broadband
Equity, Access, and Deployment program, Enabling Middle Mile
Broadband Infrastructure Program, and the Tribal Broadband
Connectivity Program, affordability remains the main barrier to
adoption. Often the price of broadband or the tools needed to
access it prevent consumers from participating in the digital
economy. An FCC survey found that 80 percent of households
cited affordability as the main reason for having inconsistent
or no broadband service at all. A September 2023 report from
Pew Research came to the same conclusion and identified the
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) as the most effective
tool in addressing the issue of affordability.
Through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021,
this Committee took steps to address broadband affordability by
appropriating $14.2 billion for the Affordable Connectivity
Program. The program was successful in bringing quality,
affordable broadband to over 23 million American households
enabling them to access educational opportunities, cost-saving
telehealth services, critical government resources, and job
applications for work. It was also critical in bringing
broadband to households that had no prior access. FCC found
that 68 percent of surveyed ACP households had inconsistent
connectivity to broadband--or no broadband at all--prior to
participating in the program.
However, ACP was estimated to have exhausted its original
funding by June 2024 and without congressional action would
lapse. In anticipation of the lapse in funding Senator Lujan,
chairman of the subcommittee, convened a hearing, ``The Future
of Broadband Affordability,'' on May 2, 2024, to discuss the
state of broadband affordability programs, the impact of a
potential lapse or end of ACP, and ways to address existing
shortfalls in broadband affordability programs. This follows
Chairman Lujan's work to modernize and reform FCC's Universal
Service Fund (USF), which was highlighted at a hearing on May
11, 2023, ``The State of Universal Service.'' USF supports
broadband affordability through the Lifeline program which
provides subsidies to broadband providers to cover monthly
phone and broadband subscription costs for qualified low-income
consumers or households.
During an Executive Session on July 31, 2024, the
Committee's Democratic members voted to include vital funding
for ACP in an amendment led by Chair Cantwell and Senator Welch
to the Proper Leadership to Align Networks for Broadband Act
(S. 2238). That bill was favorably reported out of the
Committee with an additional $7 billion for ACP.
Securing Domestic Communications Networks
Federal officials have raised national and economic
security concerns about equipment from Huawei Technologies Co.,
Ltd. (Huawei) and Zhong Xing Telecommunications Equipment
(ZTE), citing their ties to the Chinese Government and
military. A 2019 report raised concerns about the presence of
Huawei equipment installed near U.S. military installations and
the possibility of Chinese Government espionage. In response,
Congress passed the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks
Act of 2019\6\ which created the Covered List, a list of
communications equipment and services that are deemed a
national security risk, and the Secure and Trusted
Communications Networks Reimbursement Program, which provides
funding to help U.S. telecommunications carriers remove,
replace, and dispose of insecure equipment from entities on the
Covered List.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\6\Public Law 116-124.
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There are over 6,000 sites across all 50 States, especially
in rural areas with the most sites in Nebraska, Colorado, New
York, Wyoming, and Texas. In 2020, Congress originally
appropriated $1.9 billion for the Reimbursement Program;
however, because of the scope of the program, an additional
$3.08 billion was needed to fully fulfill the removal,
replacement, and disposal costs. Near the end of the 118th
Congress in 2024, Huawei and ZTE equipment was still in use
across the United States because of the lack of funding.
Without funding, these companies faced possible shut down,
leaving Americans without service, impacting emergency
services, and job loss. In one example, a network covering
122,000 square miles supporting 40 military installations, 456
healthcare facilities, 1,897 educational facilities, and 40,000
subscribers was at risk of losing service without additional
funding.
In response, Chair Cantwell included $3.08 billion in
funding for the Reimbursement Program in her Spectrum and
National Security Act to ensure rural providers had the tools
needed to fully remove, replace, and dispose of the insecure
equipment all while preserving service. In a strong show of
bipartisanship, an amendment to the Proper Leadership to Align
Networks for Broadband Act (S. 2238) covering the funding
shortfall passed by voice vote. That bill was favorably
reported out of Committee with an additional $3.08 billion for
the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement
Program. While the Proper Leadership to Align Networks for
Broadband Act (S. 2238) was not considered on the floor of the
Senate, Chair Cantwell authored the Spectrum and Secure
Technology and Innovation Act of 2024 to secure the funding
needed for this critical program. This legislation would fully
fund the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks
Reimbursement Program with $3.08 billion offset by the future
spectrum auction proceeds from the AWS-3 spectrum band. It also
included up to $500 million in additional funding for the
Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs program also offset by
future spectrum auction proceeds. The Spectrum and Secure
Technology and Innovation Act of 2024 was signed into law as
part of the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and
National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (H.R.
5009).
HEARINGS
This subcommittee held four hearings during the 118th
Congress.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date Title
------------------------------------------------------------------------
May 11, 2023 The State of Universal Service
October 24, 2023 Protecting Americans from Robocalls
May 2, 2024 The Future of Broadband Affordability
December 11, 2024 Communications Networks Safety and Security
------------------------------------------------------------------------
LEGISLATION
Bills reported favorably out of Committee:
S. 1669, AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2023
S. 2201, American Cybersecurity Literacy Act
S. 2238, Proper Leadership to Align Networks for
Broadband Act
S. 690, Network Equipment Transparency Act
Bills and resolutions discharged from Committee and passed
the Senate:
S. Res. 865, A resolution expressing the support of
the Senate for the designation of October 23, 2024, as
``Public Radio Music Day'' and deep appreciation for
the role of public radio music stations in serving
listeners, musicians, and hundreds of communities in
the United States.
S. 275, Rural Broadband Protection Act of 2024
Bills passed the Senate and the House and became Public
Law:
S. 2787, 5G Spectrum Authority Licensing Enforcement
Act (Pub. L. 118-27)
Legislation signed into law as a part of H.R. 5009,
Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025 (Pub. L. 118-159):
Title LIV--Telecommunications-Related Matters:
Spectrum and Secure Technology and Innovation Act of
2024
F. Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety,
and Data Security
The Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety,
and Data Security is responsible for consumer affairs, consumer
product safety, consumer privacy, data security, international
data transfer issues, product liability, property and casualty
insurance, and sports-related matters. The subcommittee
oversees the Federal Trade Commission, the Consumer Product
Safety Commission, the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee,
the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency, and functions within the Office of
the Secretary of Commerce.
MEMBERS DURING THE 118TH CONGRESS\7\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\7\In addition to the members listed for each individual
subcommittee, the Chair and Ranking Member of the full Committee served
as ex officio members of all subcommittees.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Democrats: Republicans:
Senator Hickenlooper (Chairman) Senator Blackburn (Ranking)
Senator Klobuchar Senator Fischer
Senator Schatz Senator Moran
Senator Markey Senator Sullivan
Senator Baldwin Senator Young
Senator Duckworth Senator Budd
Senator Lujan Senator Lummis
Senator Welch
ACTIVITIES
The Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety,
and Data Security led efforts to strengthen privacy protections
and security for Americans' personal data. The full Committee
held a hearing that examined how the advancement of artificial
intelligence (AI) systems has changed the landscape for data
privacy and how AI has accelerated the need for a Federal
comprehensive privacy law that protects individual privacy and
sets clear guidelines for businesses as they develop and deploy
AI systems. The subcommittee held a hearing that focused on the
importance of data security and how to protect the
confidentiality, integrity, and accessibility of consumer data
and safeguard data against unauthorized access, including
through data minimization and robust data security practices.
The majority staff of the subcommittee worked on bipartisan,
bicameral privacy legislation that sought to establish a
national privacy framework and minimize the volume of personal
data collected from consumers, provide all Americans with more
transparency, choice, and control over their personal data, and
the ability to protect their rights in court. The full
Committee passed legislation to help protect consumer privacy
by requiring disclosures on internet-connected products that
are unsuspectedly equipped with a camera or microphone that the
products that the recording capabilities are part of the
device, S. 90, Informing Consumers About Smart Devices Act.
The subcommittee also worked to protect children and teens
online. The Committee favorably reported the Children and
Teens' Online Privacy Protection Act (S. 1418), which would
strengthen the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act of 1998
to better protect the privacy of children and teens who use the
internet and online apps. The Committee also favorably reported
the Kids Online Safety Act (S. 1409), which require online
platforms to take into consideration the safety of young users
and give parents and teens tools to safeguard against online
harms. These two bills were combined and passed the Senate as
S. 2073, the Kids Online Safety and Privacy Act.
The subcommittee worked on and the full Committee advanced
legislation, the Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act (S.
127), to bring transparency to pharmacy benefit manager (PBM)
practices and prohibit manipulative business practices such as
spread pricing and claw backs. The full Committee held a
hearing to examine PBM practices that raise costs for consumers
and harm independent pharmacies.
The subcommittee led efforts to require price transparency
and eliminate hidden fees for short-term lodging and event
tickets. The subcommittee convened a hearing to explore how
undisclosed fees harm consumers and prevent a fair and
transparent market. The Committee passed legislation to require
all-in upfront pricing for hotel or short-term lodging
reservations, S. 2498, the Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2024,
and live event tickets, S. 1303, the TICKET Act.
The subcommittee examined how to protect consumers from AI-
enabled harms. The full Committee advanced legislation that
would create criminal penalties for the intentional disclosure
of nonconsensual intimate visual depictions, including those
created by AI and require internet platforms to remove an
intimate visual depiction at the request of the subject
individual, S. 4569, the TAKE IT DOWN Act. The subcommittee
held two hearings on how to mitigate AI harms. One hearing
explored how to increase transparency in AI technologies for
consumers, identify beneficial and high-risk AI, and evaluate
the potential impact of policies intended to increase AI
trustworthiness. The second hearing considered how artificial
intelligence has enabled harmful consumer frauds and scams, how
technologies like AI labeling, detection and disclosures can
protect consumers, and how to help consumers recognize and
avoid AI-enable fraud and scams.
The committee also passed S. 1008, Setting Consumer
Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act, and S. 2233, Youth
Poisoning Protection Act, that direct the Consumer Product
Safety Commission to promulgate regulations and standards for
hazardous consumer products. In addition, the Committee passed,
S. 1421, the COOL Online Act, that would require online sellers
of imported products to conspicuously disclose the country of
origin of the products.
The subcommittee also conducted oversight of the U.S.
Center for SafeSport (SafeSport). Chair Cantwell, Ranking
Member Cruz, and Senators Peters and Blackburn sent an
oversight letter to SafeSport requesting quantitative and
qualitative information related to SafeSport's case response
and resolution. The subcommittee also held a hearing on
``Promoting a Safe Environment in U.S. Athletics'' to focus on
SafeSport's effectiveness in fulfilling its mission to protect
athletes. The hearing examined challenges to completing timely
investigations, case resolutions and transparency, and explored
areas for improvement, and included testimony from SafeSport's
chief executive officer.
HEARINGS
This subcommittee held five hearings during the 118th
Congress.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date Title
------------------------------------------------------------------------
June 8, 2023 Protecting Consumers from Junk Fees
September 12, 2023 The Need for Transparency in Artificial
Intelligence
March 20, 2024 Promoting a Safe Environment in U.S. Athletics
May 8, 2024 Strengthening Data Security to Protect Consumers
November 19, 2024 Protecting Consumers from Artificial Intelligence
Enabled Frauds and Scams
------------------------------------------------------------------------
LEGISLATION
Bills reported favorably out of Committee:
S. 90, Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act
S. 127, Pharmacy Benefit Manager Transparency Act
S. 484, Combating Human Rights Abuses Act of 2023
S. 1303, TICKET Act
S. 1008, Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion
Batteries Act
S. 1409, Kids Online Safety Act
S. 1418, Children and Teens' Online Privacy
Protection Act
S. 1421, COOL Online Act
S. 2233, Youth Poisoning Protection Act
S. 2498, Hotel Fees Transparency Act of 2023
Bills and resolutions discharged from Committee and passed
the Senate:
S. 4569, TAKE IT DOWN Act
S. Res. 423, A resolution recognizing the University
of Iowa women's basketball team's historic ``Crossover
at Kinnick'' game and the importance of women's sports.
S. Res. 520, A resolution congratulating the
University of Michigan Wolverines football team for
winning the 2024 National Collegiate Athletic
Association College Football National Championship.
S. Res. 750, A resolution commending the
Professional Women's Hockey League Minnesota for
winning the inaugural Professional Women's Hockey
League title on May 29, 2024.
S. Res. 874, A resolution honoring the Southeast
Region Little League baseball team from Lake Mary,
Florida, for winning the 2024 Little League Baseball
World Series.
G. Subcommittee on Oceans, Fisheries, Climate Change, and
Manufacturing
The Subcommittee on Oceans, Fisheries, Climate Change, and
Manufacturing has jurisdiction over matters that impact our
oceans, coasts, and inland waterways including: coastal zone
management; marine fisheries; marine mammals; and oceans,
weather, and atmospheric activities. The subcommittee is
responsible for overseeing the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration (NOAA), the U.S. Coast Guard, the Marine Mammal
Commission, the U.S. Global Change Research Program, the
Department of Commerce manufacturing bureaus, the Minority
Business Development Agency, and workforce development matters.
MEMBERS DURING THE 118TH CONGRESS\8\
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\8\In addition to the members listed for each individual
subcommittee, the Chair and Ranking Member of the full Committee served
as ex officio members of all subcommittees.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Republicans: Democrats:
Senator Baldwin (Chair) Senator Sullivan (Ranking)
Senator Markey Senator Wicker
Senator Lujan Senator Moran
Senator Warnock Senator Blackburn
Senator Welch Senator Vance
ACTIVITIES
The Subcommittee on Oceans, Fisheries, Climate Change, and
Manufacturing advanced major legislation to improve Coast Guard
healthcare, childcare, environmental protections, and
engagement with Tribes; strengthen weather research and
forecasting; and improve fire weather management.
Oceans
S. 4579, the Northwest Straits Marine Conservation
Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2024, would reauthorize the
Northwest Straits Marine Conservation Initiative. Established
in 1998, the Initiative is maintained by a Commission comprised
of country representatives in the Puget Sound region. The
legislation would reauthorize the Commission, and update
authorities to improve coordination with State, local, and
Tribal governments in the region. The bill would also enhance
participation from Tribal governments on the Commission, with
the intent of supporting treaty resources and shared
restoration efforts to include cooperative agreements to
support restoration of Puget Sound, recovering shellfish
populations, protecting vulnerable ecosystems. The bill was
amended in Committee on July 31, 2024, with the addition of S.
3996, the North Pacific Research Board Enhancement Act, which
would add a new member to the Board who will represent Alaska
Natives and have personal knowledge and direct experience with
subsistence uses. The bill would also modify the limitation on
the use of funds provided to the Secretary of Commerce,
allowing the full amount to be used to support the Board and
administer grants initially, with a 15-percent cap on
administrative costs to be implemented after 5 years.
S. 3348, the Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research and
Control Amendments Act of 2024, would reauthorize the Harmful
Algal Blooms and Hypoxia Research and Control Act (HABHRCA) of
1998 and amend the statute to create a comprehensive strategy
to address harmful algal blooms in marine, estuarine, and
freshwater systems. The NOAA National Harmful Algal Bloom and
Hypoxia Program would be strengthened by integrating monitoring
and forecasting and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
A National Harmful Algal Bloom Observing Network would be
codified and improved to coordinate monitoring efforts and
create a centralized data center. Finally, the bill would
codify a national incubator program aimed to improve response,
coordination, and mitigation efforts while supporting affected
communities. To carry out the activities under HABHRCA, the
bill would authorize $19.5 million to NOAA and $8 million to
EPA for 5 years. Additionally, the bill would authorize $2
million for 5 years for the Harmful Algal Bloom or Hypoxia
Event of National Significant program.
S. 3277, a bill to amend the Marine Debris Act to
reauthorize the Marine Debris Program of the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration, would reauthorize the Marine
Debris Program of NOAA through fiscal year 2028.
S. 2086, the Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and
Rehabilitation Act of 2023, would amend Section 408 of the
Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972 to include provisions to
fund sea turtle rescue and response. It would establish
separate eligibility for grants administered by the
Administrator of NOAA, in consultation with the Director of the
United States Fish and Wildlife Service, to address sea turtle
rescue and rehabilitation, with specific criteria. The
participants would be required to comply with a number of sea
turtle care and data collection standards. Additionally, the
bill would establish a new interest-bearing fund in the
Treasury: The Sea Turtle Rescue and Rapid Response Fund. The
Sea Turtle Rescue and Response grant program would be
authorized to be appropriated $5 million for each of the fiscal
years from 2025 through 2030. For the Rescue and Rapid Response
Fund, there is authorized to be appropriated $1 million for
each of the fiscal years 2025 through 2030.
S. 318, the Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act, would amend
the Save Our Seas 2.0 Act of 2020\9\ to make administrative
improvements to NOAA's Marine Debris Foundation (the
Foundation), which is charged with addressing marine debris
around the world. The bill would clarify definitions for Tribal
governments and Tribal organizations, allow the Foundation to
take on nonprofit corporation status and to extend their
granting authorities from State and local governments to
regional organizations, national and international nonprofit
groups, and foreign government entities if partnering with a
U.S. entity.
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\9\Public Law 116-224.
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S. 3788, the National Landslide Preparedness Act
Reauthorization Act of 2024, would amend the National Landslide
Preparedness Act\10\ to reauthorize the National Landslide
Hazards Reduction Program and the 3D Elevation Program through
2034. The bill would increase the amount authorized to be
appropriated for the Program from $25 million to $40 million,
with $15 million to be available for the purchase and
deployment of landslide early warning systems in high-risk
areas, among other amendments.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
\10\Public Law. 116-323.
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H.R. 5103, the FISHES Act, was discharged by the Senate
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation by Unanimous
Consent and became Public Law 118-229 on January 4, 2025. This
bill establishes procedures for the review of spend plans
submitted to NOAA by requesters seeking fishery resource
disaster assistance funding and requires NOAA to review a spend
plan within 10 days of its submission and determine whether it
is complete. If such spend plan is not complete, NOAA must
provide the requester with a detailed description of the
information that is necessary for the spend plan to be
determined complete and must notify a requester when the spend
plan has been determined to be complete. Under current law,
fishery resource disaster assistance funds must be disbursed to
approved grantees within 90 days after NOAA has received a
completed spend plan. The bill provides that the Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) may review a completed spend plan
concurrently with NOAA, provided OMB's review does not delay
the 90-day timeline for providing funds to the grantee.
Weather and Climate
S. 4343, the Fire Ready Nation Act of 2024, would establish
a Fire Weather Services Program within NOAA to integrate
weather forecasting into wildfire readiness planning and
response activities. It would authorize NOAA's engagement in
wildfire response activities and advance development of the
science and technologies needed to forecast weather conditions
that cause and spread wildfires. Additionally, the bill would
create a fire weather testbed to develop, test, and
operationalize new technologies to address fire hazards, which
includes a pilot program for uncrewed systems. The bill would
establish data management and sharing standards and coordinate
ground-based data collection systems across multiple Federal
agencies to improve fire weather data collection and sharing.
It would require the Government Accountability Office to study
and provide recommendations for improvements to NOAA's fire
weather services program, in addition to evaluating multiple
interagency wildfire-related bodies and providing
recommendations to reduce redundancy and improve coordination.
Finally, it would require NOAA to conduct post fire weather
surveys to improve future forecasts, as well as codify the
Incident Meteorologist Service, specialty forecasters that
provide on-site services during and following extreme weather
events. The bill authorizes $15 million in fiscal year 2025,
$20 million in fiscal year 2026, $27 million in fiscal year
2027, $26 million in fiscal year 2028, and $50 million in
fiscal year 2029.
S. 2645, the Preventing HEAT Illness and Deaths Act of
2024, would codify the NOAA program activities related to
protecting the public from heat related health impacts through
the National Integrated Heat Health Information System
(NIHHIS). It also would codify the NIHHIS Interagency Committee
under NOAA to ensure a united Federal Government-wide approach
to reducing health risks and impacts of extreme heat. The bill
would require a National Academies study on extreme heat
forecasting and response and would establish a financial
assistance program for communities to improve resilience to
heat and heat-health impacts. This bill would authorize $5
million for NIHHIS and the Interagency Committee for 5 years,
$500,000 for the National Academies study for 3 years, and $1.5
million for the financial assistance program for community
resilience for 5 years starting in 2025.
S. 1414, the National Weather Service Communications
Improvement Act, would direct NOAA's National Weather Service
to improve their instant messaging service by implementing a
commercial off-the-shelf communications solution hosted on the
public cloud to accommodate future growth and improve alert
system performance. This would increase reliability of the
internal messaging system between National Weather Service
forecasters and during extreme weather events like floods,
fires, and tornadoes by using a commercial cloud communication
service.
S. 1416, the NWR Modernization Act of 2023, would direct
NOAA to address and modernize the outdated technology currently
in use throughout its weather radio system and emphasizes the
need to transition to a broadcast media that is not copper, as
copper wire transmissions are impacted by extreme temperature
changes, severe weather, and moisture. This bill would also
expand the delivery of weather hazard warnings to underserved,
rural, and Tribal communities by improving NOAA's weather radio
transmission with modern technologies, such as satellite
communications. The NOAA Weather Radio is a network of radio
stations that continuously broadcast weather information and
provide official National Weather Service warnings, watches,
forecasts, and other hazard information to the public. NOAA
Weather Radio is invaluable as it serves areas that have little
or no reliable quality cell phone service, providing important
alerts for such instances as earthquakes, avalanches, chemical
releases, tsunami, or tornadoes. Although these broadcasts
reach 95 percent of the U.S. population today, improvements to
NOAA Weather Radio infrastructure are needed to reach 99
percent of the population. These improvements will also aid in
the prevention of outages and provide failsafe weather
communication options to the public.
S. 1284, the TORNADO Act, would establish a new Hazard Risk
Communication Office in NOAA with the goal of improving risk
communication, improving forecasting, informing action, and
encouraging response to tornadoes and other hazardous weather
events. This bill would amend the Weather Research and
Forecasting Innovation Act of 2017\11\ to require updates of
the tornado rating systems and improvements to tornado
forecasting with new observational capabilities and research.
Additionally, the bill would require a strategic plan for
hazardous weather forecasting and warning frameworks,
emphasizing a focus on the needs of vulnerable communities, and
authorize the use of social and behavioral science and post-
storm surveys and assessment to inform needed communication and
forecasting improvements.
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\11\Public Law 115-25.
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The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation also hotlined H.R. 6093, the Combined Weather
Act Reauthorization and NASA Transition Authorization Act, on
December 19, 2024, with an amendment (in the nature of a
substitute) that contained S. 5601, a bill to improve the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's weather
research, support improvements in weather forecasting and
prediction, expand commercial opportunities for the provision
of weather data, and for other purposes. That legislation would
authorize programs at NOAA that would strengthen weather
research and forecasting to save lives and better prepare the
Nation against dangerous weather disasters. It included
provisions from several bills referred to the Committee,
including S. 3788, National Landslide Preparedness Act
Reauthorization Act of 2024, S. 3348, Harmful Algal Bloom and
Hypoxia Research and Control Amendments Act of 2024, S. 1284,
TORNADO Act, S. 5361, Improving Atmospheric River Forecasts
Act, S. 4907, FORECASTS Tracking Act of 2024, S. 3888, TAME
Extreme Weather Act, S. 4975, Smarter Weather Forecasting for
Water Management, Farming, and Ranching Act of 2024, S. 4901,
Improving Flood and Agricultural Forecasts Act of 2024, S.
4500, Water Research Optimization Act of 2024, S. 3943, ANCHOR
Act, S. 2645, Preventing HEAT Illness and Deaths Act of 2023,
S. 3879, Illegal Red Snapper Enforcement Act, S. 1414, National
Weather Service Communications Improvement Act, and S. 1416,
NWR Modernization Act of 2023.
Coast Guard
The subcommittee held hearings, drafted and introduced
legislation to reauthorize the Coast Guard, and hotlined H.R.
7659, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024, on December
11, 2024, with an amendment (in the nature of a substitute)
sponsored by Senators Cantwell, Cruz, Baldwin, and Sullivan
which was identical to S. 5468, a bill to authorize
appropriations for the Coast Guard, and for other purposes. The
bill included a number of provisions related to Coast Guard and
maritime programs, including amendments as modified from S.
4947, Cruise Passenger Protection Act of 2024, and S. 3776,
Coast Guard Academy Safe-to-Report Act.
The Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2024 would authorize
$14.7 billion for fiscal year 2024 to include improvements to
Coast Guard healthcare, childcare, environmental protections,
and engagement with Tribes. The legislation includes a number
of provisions related to personnel policy, including the
establishment of an additional Vice Admiral to oversee
personnel, families, recruitment, training and other programs.
The bill would also expand direct hire authority for certain
critical missions, expanding access to behavioral healthcare,
expanded education and recruitment programs such as
modifications to the Career Flexibility Program, and the
College Student Pre-Commissioning Program. The legislation
would also expanded Coast Guard authorities to improve access
to housing, as well as other special purpose facilities such as
childcare centers and medical clinics. It authorized key
priority acquisition programs, including Great Lakes
icebreaking services and improved vessel management.
Most importantly, the subcommittee conducted rigorous
oversight over the Coast Guard's handling of Operation Fouled
Anchor, which ultimately informed legislative efforts. The
Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation
initially became aware of a Coast Guard investigation dubbed
``Operation Fouled Anchor'' or OFA in June 2023. The Coast
Guard's undisclosed investigation spanned from 2014 to 2020,
and focused on reports of rape, sexual assault, and sexual
harassment at the Coast Guard Academy between 1988 and 2006.
On July 13, 2023, the Subcommittee on Oceans, Fisheries,
Climate Change, and Manufacturing held a hearing titled
``Budget Oversight of the United States Coast Guard.'' At the
hearing, multiple members, including Chair Cantwell, addressed
OFA and expressed frustration regarding how the Coast Guard has
mishandled this situation from 1988 to the present time.
Admiral Fagan announced that she had initiated a 90-day
``Accountability and Transparency Review,'' which would focus
on sexual misconduct throughout the service in response to OFA.
At the hearing, Chair Cantwell announced that she would be
asking the Department of Homeland Security Office of Inspector
General (DHS OIG) to conduct an investigation. On September 19,
2023, Chair Cantwell, Ranking Member Cruz, Subcommittee Chair
Baldwin, and Subcommittee Ranking Member Sullivan sent a letter
to DHS OIG officially requesting the investigation.
In response, the subcommittee drafted and negotiated
legislation in response to Operation Fouled Anchor and related
oversight activities in the Coast Guard bill, to include victim
support and treatment, improved authorities with respect to
protective orders, modification of the retired grade
determination process, expedited transfer authority for members
and cadets, authority to establish a sexual harassment
confidential reporting process, mandated referral of senior
leader misconduct, streamlining the separation process, and
improved training and education activities.
S. Res. 166, a resolution honoring the efforts of the Coast
Guard for excellence in maritime border security, acknowledges
members of the Coast Guard for providing maritime border
security and congratulates them on their service.
HEARINGS
This subcommittee held four hearings, including one field
hearing, during the 118th Congress.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date Title
------------------------------------------------------------------------
July 13, 2023 Budget Oversight of the United States Coast Guard
July 20, 2023 Budget Oversight of the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration
March 1, 2024* Field Hearing: The Importance of Great Lakes
Icebreaking to the Regional Economy
September 19, 2024 Coast Guard Drug Interdiction and Enforcement in
the Maritime Environment
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Field hearing.
LEGISLATION
Bills reported favorably out of Committee:
S. 4579, Northwest Straits Marine Conservation
Initiative Reauthorization Act of 2024 (Placed on
Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders.
Calendar No. 691.)
S. 4343, Fire Ready Nation Act of 2024 (Placed on
Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders.
Calendar No. 514.)
S. 3788, National Landslide Preparedness Act
Reauthorization Act of 2024 (Placed on Senate
Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No.
481.)
S. 3348, Harmful Algal Bloom and Hypoxia Research
and Control Amendments Act of 2024 (Placed on Senate
Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No.
512.)
S. 3277, A bill to amend the Marine Debris Act to
reauthorize the Marine Debris Program of the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (Passed Senate
without amendment by Unanimous Consent. Received in the
House and held at the desk.)
S. 2645, Preventing HEAT Illness and Deaths Act of
2024 (Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under
General Orders. Calendar No. 720.)
S. 2086, Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and
Rehabilitation Act of 2023 (Placed on Senate
Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No.
476.)
S. 1414, National Weather Service Communications
Improvement Act (Passed Senate without amendment by
Unanimous Consent. Received in the House and held at
the desk.)
S. 1416, NWR Modernization Act of 2023 (Passed
Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent. Received
in the House and held at the desk.)
S. 1284, TORNADO Act (Placed on Senate Legislative
Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 258.)
S. Res. 166, A resolution honoring the efforts of
the Coast Guard for excellence in maritime border
security (S. Amdt.1066 agreed to in Senate by Unanimous
Consent.)
S. 318, Save Our Seas 2.0 Amendments Act (Passed
Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent. Received
in the House and held at the desk.)
H. Subcommittee on Space and Science
MEMBERS DURING THE 118TH CONGRESS\12\ \13\
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\12\In addition to the members listed for each individual
subcommittee, the Chair and Ranking Member of the full Committee served
as ex officio members of all subcommittees.
\13\In the 118th Congress, Senator Sinema's party affiliation was
Independent, but she caucused with the Democrats.
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Democrats: Republicans:
Senator Sinema (Chair) Senator Schmitt (Ranking)
Senator Markey Senator Fischer
Senator Peters Senator Vance
Senator Lujan Senator Lummis
Senator Hickenlooper
ACTIVITIES
The Subcommittee on Space and Science managed 22 bills
advanced by the Committee. Ten of these bills passed the
Senate, and two became public law. The Committee advanced
legislation related to space debris, space situational
awareness, space launch licensing and radio frequency
communications, and commercial remote sensing regulation. The
subcommittee also produced a 1-year reauthorization of the
National Aeronautics and Space Administration to maintain U.S.
leadership in space science, space technology development, and
space exploration. Additional legislation was advanced focused
on semiconductor manufacturing and supply chains, artificial
intelligence, critical standards and development work by the
National Institute of Standards and Technology related to
detection technology, and reauthorization of the National
Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program.
HEARINGS
This subcommittee held four hearings during the 118th
Congress.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date Title
------------------------------------------------------------------------
May 16, 2023* Examining NASA's FY24 Budget and Priorities
October 4, 2023* CHIPS and Science Implementation and Oversight
October 18, 2023 Promoting Safety, Innovation, and Competitiveness
in U.S. Commercial Human Space Activities
December 13, 2023 Government Promotion of Safety and Innovation in
the New Space Economy
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Full Committee hearing.
LEGISLATION
Bills reported favorably out of Committee:
Space
S. 447, the ORBITS Act of 2023, directs specified
agencies to take actions to remediate orbital debris:
human-made space objects that are no longer in use and
can harm orbiting satellites and on-orbit activities.
(Passed the Senate, 10/31/2023)
S. 1648, Launch Communications Act, requires the
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to facilitate
access to specified broadband spectrum frequencies for
commercial space launches and reentries. (Became Public
Law 118-85, 9/26/2024)
S. 3658, SAFE Orbit Act, promotes space situational
awareness and space traffic coordination and to modify
the functions and leadership of the Office of Space
Commerce. (Passed the Senate, 12/20/2024)
S. 3966, LAUNCH Act, streamlines the application of
regulations relating to commercial space launch and
reentry requirements and licensing of private remote
sensing space systems.
S. 5300, Contaminated Wells Relocation Act,
authorizes NASA to reimburse the Town of Chincoteague,
Virginia, for costs directly associated with the
removal and replacement of certain drinking water
wells. (Passed the Senate, 12/16/2024)
Science
S. 229, Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act of
2023, requires the SelectUSA program to solicit
comments from State economic development organizations
regarding Federal efforts to increase foreign direct
investment in semiconductor-related manufacturing and
production. SelectUSA must then report to Congress on
such comments and the strategies that SelectUSA may
employ to increase such investment and to secure the
U.S. semiconductor supply chain. SelectUSA is a
Department of Commerce program established to
coordinate Federal efforts to attract and retain
business investment in the United States. (Passed
Senate without amendment by Unanimous Consent, 12/13/
2023)
S. 1153, National Manufacturing Advisory Council for
the 21st Century Act, establishes the National
Manufacturing Advisory Council within the Department of
Commerce to support the U.S. manufacturing sector.
(Passed Senate with an amendment by Voice Vote, 11/21/
2024)
S. 1280, TRANQ Research Act of 2023, requires the
National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
to support research and other activities related to
identifying xylazine (a compound used in veterinary
medicine as a nonopioid tranquilizer), novel synthetic
opioids, and other new psychoactive substances.(Became
Public Law 118-23, 12/19/2023)
S. 1956, Invent Here, Make Here Act of 2024,
improves improve the commercialization of Federal
research by domestic manufacturers. (Passed the Senate,
12/03/2024)
S. 2116, Strengthening Support for American
Manufacturing Act, requires the Department of Commerce
to contract with the National Academy of Public
Administration to study and report on the offices and
bureaus of the department that are relevant to critical
supply chain resilience and manufacturing and
industrial innovation. (Passed Senate with an amendment
by Unanimous Consent, 4/30/2024)
S. 2714, the CREATE AI Act of 2023, establishes the
National Artificial Intelligence Research Resource.
S. 3162, the TEST AI Act of 2023, improves the
requirement for the Director of the National Institute
of Standards and Technology to establish testbeds to
support the development and testing of trustworthy
artificial intelligence systems and to improve
interagency coordination in development of such
testbeds.
S. 3312, the Artificial Intelligence Research,
Innovation, and Accountability Act of 2023, provides a
framework for artificial intelligence innovation and
accountability.
S. 3606, National Earthquake Hazards Reduction
Program Reauthorization Act of 2024, reauthorizes the
Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 (Passed Senate
with an amendment by Unanimous Consent, 12/05/2024)
S. 3849, Promoting U.S. Leadership in Standards Act,
requires the National Institute of Standards and
Technology (NIST) to support U.S. involvement in the
development of standards for artificial intelligence
(AI) through briefings and pilot programs.
S. 3879, Illegal Red Snapper Enforcement Act,
requires the Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards
and Technology and the Administrator of National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to develop a
standard methodology for identifying the country of
origin of red snapper imported into the United States.
S. 3943, ANCHOR Act, requires a plan to improve the
cybersecurity and telecommunications of the U.S.
Academic Research Fleet.
S. 4178, Future of Artificial Intelligence
Innovation Act of 2024, establishes artificial
intelligence standards, metrics, and evaluation tools,
to support artificial intelligence research,
development, and capacity building activities, to
promote innovation in the artificial intelligence
industry by ensuring companies of all sizes can succeed
and thrive.
S. 4394, NSF AI Education Act of 2024, supports
National Science Foundation education and professional
development relating to artificial intelligence.
S. 4487, Small Business AI Training Act, requires
the Secretary of Commerce to develop artificial
intelligence training resources and toolkits for United
States small businesses.
S. 4596, Artificial Intelligence Public Awareness
and Education Campaign Act, requires the Secretary of
Commerce to conduct a public awareness and education
campaign to provide information regarding the benefits
of, risks relating to, and the prevalence of artificial
intelligence in the daily lives of individuals in the
United States.
S. 4769, VET Artificial Intelligence Act, requires
the Director of the National Institute of Standards and
Technology to develop voluntary guidelines and
specifications for internal and external assurances of
artificial intelligence systems.
The subcommittee also worked on legislative text signed
into law as a part of Public Law 118-31, or National Defense
Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024, and the FAA
Reauthorization Act.
I. Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Maritime,
Freight, and Ports
The Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Maritime,
Freight, and Ports has jurisdiction over interstate surface
transportation policy, maritime, and freight issues. In
addition to the subcommittee's broad oversight of the
Department of Transportation (DOT), the subcommittee has
oversight over the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration,
Federal Railroad Administration, Pipeline and Hazardous
Materials Safety Administration, National Transportation Safety
Board (NTSB), National Highway Traffic Safety Administration,
Surface Transportation Board, Maritime Administration, Federal
Maritime Commission, and Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway
Development Corporation. The subcommittee also oversees the
National Railroad Passenger Corporation known as Amtrak.
MEMBERS DURING THE 118TH CONGRESS\14\
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\14\In addition to the members listed for each individual
subcommittee, the Chair and Ranking Member of the full Committee served
as ex officio members of all subcommittees.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Republicans: Democrats:
Senator Peters (Chairman) Senator Young (Ranking)
Senator Klobuchar Senator Thune
Senator Schatz Senator Wicker
Senator Markey Senator Fischer
Senator Baldwin Senator Schmitt
Senator Duckworth Senator Moore Capito
Senator Warnock Senator Budd
Senator Welch
ACTIVITIES
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation worked broadly to further improve the safety of
our Nation's transportation system. For instance, the Committee
worked to improve the safety of our Nation's freight railroads
following the devastating derailment of a Norfolk Southern
train in East Palestine, Ohio. It also took action to
investigate the causes of the safety crisis happening on our
roadways which see over 40,000 fatalities each year. Finally,
the subcommittee continued its oversight over the
administration as it worked to implement the historical
infrastructure investments made by Congress and this Committee
in the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) of 2021.
The subcommittee continued its oversight of the Maritime
Administration and continued efforts to improve the national
mariner shortage, expansion of military sealift programs, and
investments in port infrastructure through the Maritime
Administration reauthorization legislation that was signed into
law in the annual National Defense Authorization Acts. The
subcommittee also held nomination hearings for the Federal
Maritime Commission and actively monitored and assessed the
attacks on commercial shippers transiting through the Red Sea
and the impact to the global maritime chain.
Freight Rail Safety
On February 3, 2023, a Norfolk Southern train derailed in
East Palestine, Ohio. The derailment resulted in the release of
hazardous materials, culminating in the controlled vent and
burn of vinyl chloride and the evacuation of thousands of
residents. The derailment and response released hazardous
materials into the local community and polluted local water
sources which cost Norfolk Southern over $1 billion in clean-up
costs and penalties.
In response to the derailment, on March 22, 2023, the full
Committee held a hearing titled ``Improving Rail Safety in
Response to the East Palestine Derailment.'' The Committee
heard testimony from a mother in East Palestine, Ohio, a fire
chief who helped manage the emergency response, rail workers,
the CEO of Norfolk Southern, the Association of American
Railroads, and the Chair of the National Transportation Safety
Board. The witnesses explored the immediate response to the
derailment, what was known about the cause of the accident, and
the concerning trend of increasing derailment rates in the
freight rail industry.
Following the hearing, the Committee began working on S.
576, the Railway Safety Act, as introduced by Senators Brown,
Vance, Casey, and Fetterman. On May 10, 2023, with bipartisan
support, the Committee ordered S. 576 be reported favorably
with an amendment (in the nature of a substitute). This bill
addressed safety concerns for trains carrying hazardous
materials, including increased training and information sharing
for first responders and local communities, updates to the
Federal rail car inspection program, an accelerated phase out
of certain tank cars used to transport hazardous materials that
have been found to increase the chance of a spill in an
accident, new requirements for emergency response planning, and
minimum crew requirements for trains. This bill allows DOT to
impose greater fines on rail carriers violating safety
regulations. Finally, the bill includes requirements for the
installation, testing, maintenance, and operation of safety
technologies to detect defects and prevent derailments and
provides funding for research and development of technologies
to improve rail safety.
On March 6, 2024, the Committee received a status update
from the Chair of NTSB on the derailment in East Palestine,
Ohio, prior to the final release of the report on June 25,
2024. Finally, following concerns that Union Pacific officials
inappropriately interfered with a safety culture audit
conducted by the Federal Railroad Administration, Chair
Cantwell sent a letter to the company requesting information on
how they engaged with their employees and the Federal agency
during the audit.
Highway Safety Issues
In 2021, an estimated 42,939 people were killed in traffic
in the United States, a 10-percent increase year over year from
2020 and the highest number of traffic fatalities in this
country since 2005. While traffic fatalities had been declining
from 2017 to 2019, in 2020 traffic fatalities increased by 6.8
percent even as vehicle miles traveled decreased. The rise in
traffic deaths in 2020 and 2021 is attributed to many factors,
including behavioral changes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The
leading causes of traffic accidents in 2021 were excessive
speed, alcohol or drug impaired driving, and distracted
driving.
Through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021,
this Committee took steps to address the concerning roadway
safety trends, including ensuring that all vehicles are
equipped with crash prevention technologies, improving
awareness of vehicle recalls when a defect or safety issue is
found, and promoting education campaigns to reduce impaired
driving and encourage proper seatbelt use. The IIJA also
included discretionary grant funding for the Safe Streets and
Roads for All grant program, which helps communities develop
safe streets plans and implement roadway designs that reduce
the risk of fatal incidents for pedestrians, drivers, cyclists,
and all road users. In the 118th Congress, the Committee heard
from local communities, researchers, and industry groups about
how IIJA funding is being used to improve roadway safety
through innovative vehicle and infrastructure designs, improved
research and data collection, and community engagement to
reduce risky driving behaviors.
Recognizing the importance of the Federal Government's role
in ensuring the safety of our roads, and all transportation
modes, this Committee took steps to strengthen Federal
transportation safety programs. On March 6, 2024, the Committee
heard from NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy on NTSB's open safety
recommendations across all modes. Chair Homendy discussed the
importance of ensuring NTSB has the resources and staffing to
investigate incidents in an increasingly technologically
advanced transportation system. To ensure NTSB is equipped to
continue providing necessary independent safety oversight, the
Committee engaged in bipartisan negotiations to include title
XII, The NTSB Reauthorization Act of 2024, in H.R. 3935, the
FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, which was signed into law May
16, 2024. The Committee also strengthened the Federal
Government's role keeping dangerous drivers off the roads
through S. 3475, the Strengthening the Commercial Driver's
License Information System Act, which was signed into law
December 17, 2024. The law clarifies the Federal Motor Carrier
Safety Administration's authority to authorize a qualified
third party to collect fees to cover the cost operate and
maintain a nationwide computer system that provides uniform
licensing information across States.
Finally, the Committee took action to ensure that AM radios
remained a tool for communicating with the public in an
emergency. In response to reports that some automakers were
removing AM radios from their new cars on July 27, 2023, the
Committee ordered S. 1669, AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of
2023, be reported favorably with an amendment (in the nature of
a substitute). This bill would require all new passenger motor
vehicles to have devices that can access AM broadcast stations
installed as standard equipment and would direct the
Comptroller General to study the role of AM radios in
disseminating emergency information.
Improving Supply Chains and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Implementation:
The Committee was a key author of the Infrastructure
Investment and Jobs Act in the 117th Congress. That legislation
appropriated over $100 billion through fiscal year 2026 for
programs under the Committee's jurisdiction to support rail,
freight, and safety projects across the Nation. The Committee
continued its work to ensure that funds are administered
appropriately, including the distribution of advanced
appropriations for discretionary and formula funding for
transportation projects. On July 23, 2024, Subcommittee Chair
Peters convened a subcommittee field hearing in Lansing,
Michigan, titled ``Examining the Impact of the Bipartisan
Infrastructure Law on Transportation Infrastructure.''
The subcommittee heard testimony from transportation and
economic development organizations, local labor leaders, the
Director of the Port of Monroe, and the Director of the
Michigan Department of Transportation. The witnesses discussed
the transformational impact discretionary grant programs funded
in the IIJA, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law,
including the National Infrastructure Project Assistance (Mega)
Program, the Nationally Significant Multimodal Freight and
Highway Projects (INFRA) program, and Local and Regional
Project Assistance (RAISE) grants, have on local communities,
the importance of reliable funding help States maintain their
transportation infrastructure and opportunities to improve
Federal grant processes to help smaller communities access
opportunities.
The Committee also built on the progress it made in the
IIJA on increasing accessibility for people with disabilities
traveling on passenger rail. After the Justice Department
reached a settlement agreement with Amtrak in 2020 for failing
to meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities
Act, Senators Duckworth and Capito championed S. 4107, Think
Differently Transportation Act, to require Amtrak to report to
Congress on making all Amtrak owned stations accessible to
travelers with disabilities. The Committee ordered S. 4107 be
reported favorably with an amendment (in the nature of a
substitute) on July 31, 2024, and the bill was signed into law
on December 23, 2024, as Public Law 118-205.
Finally, the improving the Nation's freight transportation
supply chain was a critical component of the Infrastructure
Investments and Jobs Act. The COVID-19-induced supply chain
crisis showed the importance of creating resilient freight
transportation systems and the infrastructure law included a
new office of multimodal freight, and billions of dollars of
investments in freight infrastructure such as ports, short
lines, and highways. However, a critical piece of a resilient
supply chain is having enough workers to do the jobs. Building
off the supply chain resiliency in the 117th Congress, the
Committee worked to reduce costs and improve the efficiency of
transportation workers security credentialing, making it easier
for new workers to start jobs at ports or transportation
hazardous materials without compromising security. To that end,
the Committee reported S. 3959, the Transportation Security
Screening Modernization Act of 2024, favorably with an
amendment (in the nature of a substitute), and the bill, as
amended, was signed into law on December 23, 2024, as Public
Law 118-202. The Act requires the Transportation Security
Administration (TSA) to streamline the process for individuals
applying for or renewing enrollment in more than one TSA
security threat assessment program, eliminate duplicative
costs, and harmonize Federal security threat assessments with
State licensing processes.
Maritime Administration/Federal Maritime Commission
The subcommittee negotiated and secured passage of Maritime
Administration reauthorization legislation in 2023 and 2024
within the National Defense Authorization Acts (see title 35 in
each bill). That legislation expanded investments in port
infrastructure, tools for vessel construction and financing,
maritime cyber security, maritime infrastructure and
shipbuilding, and expanded workforce education and training
opportunities to bring more workers into essential, well-paying
maritime jobs. Maritime Administration reauthorizations
packaged together provisions authorizing shore infrastructure
projects critical to ports, expediting the design of a new sea
lift vessel for the National Defense Reserve Fleet, and
promoted the maritime workforce through recruitment campaign
initiatives in the maritime sector.
The Committee been monitoring the events in the Red Sea.
Iran-backed militias have increased attacks in Lebanon, Syria,
Iraq, the Red Sea, and Gulf of Aden since the October 7, 2023
Hamas attacks on Israel and the Government of Israel's ongoing
military response in Gaza. The Houthis are Iran-supported
Shi'ite insurgents in Yemen. On January 17, 2024, the Biden
administration announced the designation of Ansarullah
(commonly known as the ``Houthis'') as a Specially Designated
Global Terrorist group. Additionally, on February 7, 2024, the
Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) held an informal hearing to
examine the impacts of the attacks on commercial shippers in
the Red Sea. The FMC heard from 10 participants representing
shippers, ocean common carriers, and ports.
HEARINGS
This subcommittee held five hearings, including one field
hearing, during the 118th Congress.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date Title
------------------------------------------------------------------------
March 22, 2023* Improving Rail Safety in Response to the East
Palestine Derailment
February 28, 2024* Federal Maritime Commission Nomination Hearing
March 6, 2024* National Transportation Safety Board
Investigations Report
May 21, 2024 Examining the Roadway Safety Crisis and
Highlighting Community Solutions
July 23, 2024 Field Hearing: Examining the Impact of the
Bipartisan Infrastructure Law on Transportation
Infrastructure
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Full Committee hearing.
Field hearing.
LEGISLATION
Bills reported favorably out of Committee:
S. 576, Railway Safety Act of 2023
S. 1669, AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act of 2023
Bills and resolutions discharged from Committee and passed
the Senate:
S. Res. 894, A resolution designating December 1,
2024, as ``Drive Safer Sunday''.
S. Res. 310, A resolution recognizing the Motorcycle
Safety Foundation for 50 years of safety education.
Bills passed the Senate and the House and became law:
S. 4107, Think Differently Transportation Act (Pub.
L. 118-205)
S. 3959, Transportation Security Screening
Modernization Act of 2024 (Pub. L. 118-202)
S. 3475, Strengthening the Commercial Driver's
License Information System Act (Public Law 118-156)
S. 467, CADETS Act (Pub. L. 118-7)
H.R. 2670, National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2024 (title 35 includes MARAD related
legislation.) (Pub. L. 118-31)
S. 4638, National Defense Authorization Act for
Fiscal Year 2025 (title 35 includes MARAD related
legislation.) (Pub. L. 118-31)
Legislation signed into law as a part of H.R. 3935, FAA
Reauthorization Act of 2024 (Pub. L. 118-63):
Title XII of H.R. 3935, National Transportation
Safety Board Amendments Act of 2024. This title
reauthorizes the National Transportation Safety Board
through fiscal year 2028.
J. Subcommittee on Tourism, Trade, and Export Promotion
The Subcommittee on Tourism, Trade, and Export Promotion
has jurisdiction over economic development matters related to
tourism, trade, and U.S. exports. The subcommittee has
oversight of the Corporation for Travel Promotion, the National
Travel and Tourism Office, the Travel and Tourism Advisory
Board, the Tourism Policy Council, the Department of Commerce
export promotion sub-agencies, and live entertainment issues.
MEMBERS DURING THE 118TH CONGRESS\15\ \16\
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\15\In addition to the members listed for each individual
subcommittee, the Chair and Ranking Member of the full Committee served
as ex officio members of all subcommittees.
\16\In the 118th Congress, Senator Sinema's party affiliation was
Independent, but she caucused with the Democrats.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Republicans: Democrats:
Senator Rosen (Chair) Senator Sullivan (Ranking)
Senator Klobuchar Senator Budd
Senator Duckworth Senator Scott
Senator Tester Senator Thune
Senator Sinema Senator Blackburn
Senator Hickenlooper Senator Johnson
Senator Cantwell Senator Moore Capito
Senator Lummis
Senator Wicker
Senator Cruz
ACTIVITIES
The subcommittee focused on legislative options for
supporting rural businesses so they can better compete
domestically and globally. The subcommittee convened a hearing
titled, ``Enabling Rural Businesses to Grow at Home While
Competing Abroad,'' to examine the current landscape for rural
export businesses, including the challenges facing rural
businesses as they work to access international markets and the
resources available to support rural business owners as they
start or expand their export business. The subcommittee also
worked to pass S. 4212, the Music Tourism Act, through the full
committee. S. 4212 would amend the Visit America Act,\17\ to
authorize, to the extent feasible, the Assistant Secretary of
Commerce for Travel and Tourism to promote music tourism in the
United States by promoting events and facilitating travel.
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\17\Public Law 117-328, div. BB, title VI, sec. 602 (15 U.S.C.
9802).
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HEARINGS
This subcommittee held four hearings during the 118th
Congress.
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date Title
------------------------------------------------------------------------
June 13, 2023 Oversight and Implementation of Travel and Tourism
Legislation
August 25, 2023* Economic Impacts of the U.S. Sports and
Entertainment Economy, Las Vegas Edition
November 7, 2023 Sustainable Tourism for a Thriving Economy
July 30, 2024 Enabling Rural Businesses to Grow at Home While
Competing Abroad
------------------------------------------------------------------------
*Field hearing.
LEGISLATION
Bills reported favorably out of Committee:
S. 4212, Music Tourism Act
K. Oversight and Investigations
ACTIVITIES
The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and
Transportation of the Senate engaged with numerous agencies to
investigate whistleblower complaints and to provide oversight.
Matters Addressed by Chair Cantwell in the 118th Congress
Sexual Misconduct in the United States Coast Guard
On June 30, 2023, Chair Cantwell and Senator Baldwin sent a
letter to the United States Coast Guard regarding a previously
undisclosed internal investigation related to sexual misconduct
that the Coast Guard conducted from 2014-2020 called
``Operation Fouled Anchor'' (OFA). OFA focused on sexual
misconduct that was mishandled at the Coast Guard Academy from
1988 to 2006. Chair Cantwell's letter requested documents and
information from the Coast Guard related to the OFA
investigation and the decision not to disclose the
investigation to Congress.
At a Coast Guard budget hearing on July 13, 2023, Chair
Cantwell called for an investigation into the OFA matter by the
Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of Inspector
General (OIG). Thereafter, Chair Cantwell, Ranking Member Cruz,
Senator Baldwin, and Senator Sullivan sent a letter to the DHS
OIG on September 19, 2023, requesting an investigation that
examined leadership's decision-making regarding OFA, the
execution and oversight of the OFA investigation, and any
punitive and administrative actions taken by the Coast Guard.
Additionally, the Committee asked DHS OIG to examine why the
Coast Guard closed the investigation in 2020.
Based on the Committee's investigative findings, which
included the review of documents produced by the Coast Guard,
whistleblower reports, and an analysis of Coast Guard law and
policy, the Committee proposed more than 30 provisions designed
to address gaps identified and areas for improvement,
culminating in the introduction of the bipartisan Coast Guard
Authorization Act of 2024.
U.S. Center for SafeSport
On January 29, 2024, Chair Cantwell, Ranking Member Cruz,
Senator Peters, and Senator Blackburn sent a letter to the U.S.
Center for SafeSport regarding their approach to investigating
and adjudicating reports of sexual, physical, and emotional
abuse of athletes within the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic
communities. This letter followed allegations from National
Governing Bodies, athletes, and advocates that indicated
athletes were not being protected from abuse, that cases were
being closed without disclosure to victims, and that cases were
not being handled effectively on behalf of victims.
Department of Transportation Regarding Lateral Protection
Devices
On July 25, 2024, Chair Cantwell sent a letter to the
Department of Transportation regarding a 2020 report that was
published through the John A. Volpe Center National
Transportation Systems Center, which was contracted to research
and produce a report that included policy recommendations on
the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of equipping commercial
vehicles with side guards. The inquiry was based on allegations
that the final report was limited by the Volpe Center to
include only a literature review, while omitting research and
analysis.
Federal Railroad Administration Safety Audit of Union
Pacific
On July 25, 2024, Chair Cantwell sent a letter to Union
Pacific Railroad due to their failure to complete a safety
audit with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). The audit
was a part of a larger audit of all class I railroads related
to safety culture. FRA informed the Committee that after 2
weeks of the audit, the assessment was discontinued due to
Union Pacific's actions to undermine the audit's integrity. FRA
found that Union Pacific employees were coached to provide
specific responses to FRA safety inspector surveys and report
interactions with FRA inspectors to their supervisors.
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Matters Addressed by Ranking Member Cruz in the 118th Congress
Algorithmic Recommendations and Big Tech Censorship
On February 13, 2023, Ranking Member Cruz launched a wide-
ranging Big Tech censorship investigation with letters to
Google, Meta, and TikTok concerning the role of algorithmic
recommendations in deciding what Americans see online. He sent
formal follow-up letters on March 16, 2023.
On March 28, 2023, Ranking Member Cruz similarly sent
letters to Google, Medium, Meta, Microsoft, LinkedIn,
Pinterest, Reddit, Wikimedia, and Yahoo concerning their
coordination with the Federal Government to censor supposed
mis- or disinformation. On June 12, 2023, Ranking Member Cruz
sent an additional letter to Meta, highlighting concerns that
its algorithms may endanger young users due to their promotion
of child sexual abuse material. (Cruz sent a subsequent letter
on this topic in the spring of 2024 following the appearance of
Meta's CEO, Mark Zuckerberg, before the Senate Judiciary
Committee.)
On October 20, 2023, Ranking Member Cruz and multiple
Republican members of the Committee sent letters to Google,
Meta, TikTok, and X concerning the moderation of content
related to the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas on Israel. The
Minority continued to investigate the ``censorship industrial
complex'' throughout the Congress.
Collapse of Silicon Valley Bank
On March 16, 2023, Ranking Member Cruz sent a letter
requesting documents pertaining to the fallout of Silicon
Valley Bank (SVB), including communications with the San
Francisco Federal Reserve about potential unrealized losses.
After delaying for months, First Citizens (which acquired SVB)
refused to produce the majority of requested documents,
claiming confidentiality concerns. Ranking Member Cruz followed
up with a letter dated August 3, 2023, and continued to pursue
documents throughout the Congress.
Attempted Prohibition of Gas Stoves
In the spring of 2023, Ranking Member Cruz and U.S. House
Committee on Oversight and Accountability Chairman James Comer
sent letters to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC),
Climate Imperative Foundation, Consumer Reports, Rewiring
America, and Windward Fund concerning the CPSC's Request for
Information on Chronic Hazards Associated with Gas Ranges and
Proposed Solutions, which many observers considered to be a de
facto ban on gas stoves. CPSC produced documents in response to
the committees' request.
Transportation Accident Investigations
As noted earlier in the report, Committee staff
investigated two major transportation accidents during the
118th Congress, supplementing the efforts of the National
Transportation Safety Board (NTSB): the derailment of a Norfolk
Southern freight train in East Palestine, Ohio, in February
2023, and the loss of a left mid exit door plug on a Boeing 737
MAX 9 aircraft during Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 in January
2024. In addition to the Committee investigation of the East
Palestine derailment, Ranking Member Cruz sent letters to
Trinity Industries, Inc. and GATX Corporation on March 14,
2023, as well as a letter to the NTSB on July 17, 2023. The
Ranking Member also sought documents from Boeing to determine
how the door plug accident occurred. Boeing responded in
writing to the questions and produced several tranches of
documents throughout the spring of 2024.
Marketing of Alcohol to Minors
On May 17, 2023, Ranking Member Cruz sent a letter to
Brendan Whitworth, U.S. CEO of Anheuser-Busch and chairman of
the Beer Institute, concerning Bud Light's marketing
partnership with youth-centric influencer Dylan Mulvaney. The
letter detailed how Bud Light had violated industry rules on
marketing alcohol to minors due to Mulvaney's appeal to a
younger audience. A subsequent review by the Beer Institute's
Code Compliance Review Board purported to clear Bud Light.
However, the sole attorney on the three-person Board dissented,
agreeing with Ranking Member Cruz that the Mulvaney partnership
had indeed violated the industry's Advertising & Marketing
Code. This marked the first time in the Beer Institute's
history that a Board member found a brewer in violation of the
rules. In response, the Beer Institute updated its Code in
September 2023 to add new rules for social media influencers.
Ranking Member Cruz sent several follow-up letters to Anheuser-
Busch and relevant third parties pursuant to this
investigation.
Mismanagement at the Federal Trade Commission
During the first session of the 118th Congress, Ranking
Member Cruz sent multiple letters to the Federal Trade
Commission (FTC), questioning survey results showing low
employee morale at the agency, its failure to preserve records,
coordination with foreign lawmakers, attempts to regulate
artificial intelligence, and abuse of the consent decree
process, among other topics. In the second session, Ranking
Member Cruz sent letters questioning the FTC's cost-benefit
analysis in rulemakings and data quality standards in
discrimination enforcement actions, among other topics.
Deplatforming of Firearms Industry
Ranking Member Cruz investigated Intuit's policies
forbidding lawful gun sellers and manufacturers from using
certain QuickBooks services, which Intuit claimed were
instituted in response to pressure from third-party banks. On
August 1, 2023, in response to the investigation, Intuit
removed its prohibitions on payroll and payment processing for
gun manufacturers and sellers. Ranking Member Cruz publicized
the change in a letter dated September 25, 2023.
High-Speed Rail
On September 5, 2023, Ranking Member Cruz sent letters to
the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and Build America
Bureau, Amtrak, and train manufacturer Alstom regarding the
delay of the Avelia Liberty trainset for Amtrak's Acela
service. The Ranking Member subsequently sought a transcribed
interview with Joe Szabo, the former head of FRA, and, together
with Chairman Sam Graves (R-Mo.) of the U.S. House Committee on
Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I), issued a special
access request to the National Archives for documents related
to the Acela II trainset procurement.
On May 29, 2024, Ranking Member Cruz and Chairman Sam
Graves of the House T&I Committee sent a letter to Secretary of
Transportation Pete Buttigieg regarding the decision to award
over $3 billion in taxpayer money to the controversial
California High-Speed Rail project. For months, FRA refused to
cooperate with committee staff as they sought to understand the
rationale for Federal funding.
Broadband Funding
On September 15, 2023, Ranking Member Cruz released a
report on the single largest pot of Federal money ever
allocated for broadband--the $42.45 billion allocation for the
Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program. The
Ranking Member's report showed significant duplication with
existing Federal internet infrastructure programs and a high
potential for waste, fraud, and abuse. In a November 21, 2024,
letter to the National Telecommunications and Information
Administration, Ranking Member Cruz reiterated that extraneous
mandates were preventing unserved communities from gaining
internet access and noted that the program had yet to connect a
single American to the internet despite $250 million in funding
going out the door.
Aviation and Airport Security
In October 2023, Ranking Member Cruz began investigating
the effects of President Biden's immigration policy on aviation
and airport security. The Ranking Member sent 10 formal letters
and staff participated in one formal briefing as part of this
investigation during the 118th Congress. The letters concerned
the Department of Homeland Security's deployment of Federal air
marshals to the border, its use of the CBP One app to verify
the identities of aliens at airports, and security threats to
U.S. airports and safety concerns posed by improperly vetted
aliens crossing the border, among other topics.
A key aspect of the investigation was the sheltering of
illegal immigrants at domestic airports. In January 2024,
following reports that Chicago O'Hare International was housing
illegal immigrants, Ranking Member Cruz and other minority
members of the committee sent a letter to the Mayor of Chicago,
noting obligations that come with receiving Federal assistance.
Minority members of the committee subsequently sent letters to
the FAA; the Airport Council International, North America,
which represents the owners and operators of commercial
airports; the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which
manages John F. Kennedy International Airport; and the
Massachusetts Port Authority (MassPort), which manages Boston's
Logan International Airport.
Politicization of National Science Foundation Funding
On October 3, 2023, Ranking Member Cruz asked the National
Science Foundation (NSF) to turn over information regarding its
decision to dole out tens of millions of dollars to
universities for online censorship tools. During a Commerce
Committee hearing that month, Cruz questioned NSF Director Dr.
Sethuraman Panchanathan on these censorship technologies.
Later, on December 5, 2023, Senator Cruz sent a formal letter
to NSF questioning the agency's spending of over $66 million to
combat ``misinformation'' on web platforms.
In October 2024, Cruz released a report into how NSF
politicized the use of taxpayer dollars meant for scientific
research: D.E.I.: Division. Extremism. Ideology: How the Biden-
Harris NSF Politicized Science. The report found that more than
one quarter of all NSF spending flowed to support left-wing
causes masked as ``academic research.'' It also showcased how
federally funded research contributed to the radicalization of
the scientific community and American campuses.
Corporate Contributions to Anti-Israel Organizations
In October 2023, in response to a report that Sprite had
previously contributed $500,000 to the Black Lives Matter
Global Network, whose co-founder called ``to end the
imperialist project called Israel,'' the Coca-Cola Company
scrubbed several of its webpages to remove any mention of the
contribution. Ranking Member Cruz inquired about the deletion
in a November 1, 2023, letter. Coca-Cola later promised that it
``has no ongoing financial commitment to the BLM Global Network
Foundation and has no plans to contribute to the organization
in the future.''
Public Media Bias and Discrimination
Ranking Member Cruz investigated bias and discrimination in
the taxpayer-funded public media ecosystem, including at the
Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), National Public
Radio (NPR), and Independent Television Service (ITVS).
On December 8, 2023, Ranking Member Cruz sent a letter to
the CPB, objecting to a rule that public radio and television
stations consider immutable traits like race in hiring and
workforce development to qualify for community service grant
(CSG) funding. The letter revealed how CPB's board, while
remaining committed to affirmative action, voted to make a
diversity requirement vaguer. In response to the letter, CPB
admitted it changed its diversity requirement in part because
``emerging State laws barring DEI activities or initiatives
could potentially disqualify State-owned public media stations
from accepting CSG funds.'' CPB also provided the Ranking
Member with an internal CPB training that instructed employees
on how to ``incorporate DEI values, priorities, and messages.''
CPB later amended its ``Goals and Objectives'' to remove all
seven instances of the word ``diverse'' and add language
requiring CPB to ensure ``a symphony of ideological
viewpoints'' in public journalism and a public media workforce
reflecting the ``ideological points of view of the American
people.''
On April 30, 2024, in response to an expose of bias and
partisanship at NPR, Ranking Member Cruz sent a letter to CPB
regarding its enforcement of the statutory requirement that
NPR's coverage adhere to ``objectivity and balance.'' He then
expanded the investigation to consider megadonor influence on
NPR's coverage. On July 12, 2024, Senator Cruz released a
letter to NPR and memo detailing millions in earmarked
donations to NPR for specific coverage. After receiving these
donations, NPR had appeared to churn out content mirroring its
donors' agendas. The Ranking Member sought to understand
whether NPR was adhering to its statutory ``objectivity and
balance'' obligation, as well as to its board policy to not
accept gifts that are ``excessively restrictive in purpose.''
Finally, Ranking Member Cruz investigated discrimination at
ITVS, a taxpayer-funded organization that produces
documentaries for public television. On February 1, 2024,
Ranking Member Cruz sent a letter alleging that ITVS's
Diversity Development Fund, which excluded white filmmakers,
violated Federal civil rights laws such as title VI of the
Civil Rights Act and 42 U.S.C. 1981, i.e., section 1 of the
Civil Rights Act of 1866. The organization subsequently
initiated a review of the Diversity Development Fund and
removed race as a criterion. Separately, on March 11, 2024, the
Ranking Member contacted ITVS regarding a discrepancy in its
Federal tax returns, as well as its failure to apply for a
charitable solicitation license, register as a tax-exempt
organization, and pay taxes within the District of Columbia,
where it is legally required to be incorporated. Following this
inquiry, ITVS acknowledged its irregular tax situation,
registered as a tax-exempt organization in the District of
Columbia, and told the Minority it would update its 990
reporting.
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority
In December 2023, Ranking Member Cruz sent a letter to the
Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) seeking
details on its opposition to new flights at Ronald Reagan
Washington National Airport (DCA). Public reports claimed that
MWAA aimed to impose hefty fees on airlines if Congress eased
flight limits, redirecting funds to Washington Dulles
International Airport (IAD). Ranking Member Cruz argued this
favored United Airlines over DCA passengers. MWAA eventually
produced documents revealing a coordinated lobbying effort
against Federal legislation to increase flights at DCA.
Sher Edling's Lawfare
Ranking Member Cruz investigated Sher Edling LLP, a for-
profit law firm that received large donations to sue the fossil
fuel industry. The firm fought the Ranking Member's
investigation and concealed details about its funding. On
October 7, 2024, the Republican staff of the Commerce Committee
and the Committee on Oversight and Accountability released a
memorandum summarizing the committees' findings: Investigation
into the Funding of Sher Edling, LLP's Lawfare Against American
Energy Companies and the Role of Former Nominee to Be NHTSA
Administrator, Ann Carlson, in Those Efforts.
DEI Practices at Council of Inspectors General on Integrity
and Efficiency
On March 11, 2024, Ranking Member Cruz sent a letter to the
Council of Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency
(CIGIE) regarding its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)
practices. Minority staff pursued information about DEI
training materials prepared for various offices of inspectors
general.
Weaponizing Terms of Service
On April 24, 2024, Ranking Member Cruz released a report
entitled Weaponizing Terms of Service: How Online Service
Providers Use Broad Policies to Silence Conservatives. The
report described how online service providers--particularly
Slack, Eventbrite, and Bonterra--deplatformed conservative
groups for supposed violations of broadly written terms-of-
service agreements that had nothing to do with the use of the
product or service. The report also revealed how providers
acted at the behest of left-wing third parties, including the
Southern Poverty Law Center, and sought to regulate their
users' off-platform activity.
Telework and Remote Work in the Federal Government
On June 18, 2024, Ranking Member Cruz and Senator Joni
Ernst sent a letter to the Inspector General of the Department
of Transportation (DOT) raising whistleblower allegations and
requesting an independent review of compliance with office work
policies at DOT. On September 17, 2024, the Inspector General
announced an audit of DOT's telework and remote work
requirements.
On August 7, 2024, Ranking Member Cruz and Senator Joni
Ernst sent a letter to the Comptroller General of the United
States requesting an independent review of building utilization
at the Department of Transportation (DOT), the Department of
Commerce (DOC), and the FTC. On August 13, 2024, the Government
Accountability Office (GAO) responded with a letter accepting
the request.
Infrastructure Signage
On June 20, 2024, Ranking Member Cruz sent a letter to the
U.S. Office of Special Counsel (OSC) raising concerns about
branded signage on federally funded infrastructure projects.
The signage credited President Joe Biden for project funding
and was purposefully designed by the creator of the 2020 Biden
campaign logo to remind viewers of the President's reelection
efforts. On September 5, 2024, OSC determined the signage did
not violate the Hatch Act, noting that ``stylistic similarity
to a campaign graphic is not sufficient to constitute political
activity.''
Separately, Ranking Member Cruz sent a letter to the GAO
requesting a determination that an Office of Management and
Budget controller alert concerning the infrastructure branding
was a rule within the meaning of the Congressional Review Act
(CRA). On August 29, 2024, GAO issued an opinion that the
Office of Management and Budget's controller alert did
constitute a rule under the CRA.
DEI Contracting at the Department of Commerce
In the spring and summer of 2024, following the
establishment of ``Agency Equity Teams'' throughout the Federal
Government, the Minority staff investigated the Department of
Commerce's diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) training
contracts with various vendors, including M2 Strategy, Elevate
USA, and NewPoint Strategies.
Artificial Intelligence Executive Order
On July 9, 2024, Ranking Member Cruz opened an
investigation into Big Tech companies' funding of Biden
administration staff salaries through the Intergovernmental
Personnel Act (IPA) program. In letters to the Federal Trade
Commission, Department of Commerce, National Science
Foundation, and Department of Transportation, Ranking Member
Cruz questioned the administration's use of the IPA program to
temporarily hire AI employees to carry out President Biden's AI
executive order.
On September 13, 2024, Ranking Member Cruz sent a letter to
the RAND Corporation regarding RAND's role in drafting
President Biden's AI Executive Order and its previous
involvement in the administration's AI agenda.
Undersea Cable Security
On August 8, 2024, Ranking Member Cruz sent a letter to the
Maritime Administration regarding foreign threats to undersea
cables and questioning recent funding cuts.
Climate Pedagogy
On August 22, 2024, Ranking Member Cruz sent letters to the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA),
questioning the agencies' youth climate curricula, which were
designed to manufacture support for the Biden administration's
environmental policies. Ranking Member Cruz requested documents
and communications, including with environmental organizations,
regarding the effect of the materials on youth anxiety and
activism, as well as information on how NASA and NOAA sought to
ensure the accuracy and evenhandedness of curricula.
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