The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation advanced seven legislative measures and six nominations during an executive session in Washington, D.C., on July 22.
The committee approved the nominations of Thomas B. Chapman to the National Transportation Safety Board and Karen Jean Hedlund to the Surface Transportation Board with unanimous support. David Cummins for Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration, Edward Eppler for Chief Financial Officer of the Department of Transportation, Brien Lorenze for Commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and Karen Sessions for Commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety Commission were each advanced by a party-line vote of 15 yeas to 13 nays.
Legislation advanced by voice vote included S. 1759 (Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act), S. 3258 (Aviation Medication Transparency Act of 2025), S. 3885 (Aviation Innovation and Global Competitiveness Act), S. 4429 (Connected Vehicle Security Act of 2026), S. 4448 (Accelerating Broadband Permits Act of 2026), S. 4691 (Disaster Communications Coordination and Preparedness Act), and S. 4802 (Hurricane Hunter Aircraft Recapitalization Act). Chairman Cruz addressed members during the markup: “This morning’s markup is a reminder that the legislative process—as messy as it can be—is alive and well at the Commerce Committee. Most of the bills before us bring technical expertise to bear on difficult problems.”
Cruz continued: “That’s essential on a committee that oversees technical agencies like the FAA, NOAA, and NTIA… The people, through their elected representatives, must remain in charge of their government.” He cited specific legislation including efforts to modernize supersonic flight regulations, improve transparency around aviation medication approvals, increase predictability in aircraft certification processes at FAA, enhance broadband permitting efficiency under BEAD program deadlines, review disaster communications procedures at FCC, codify NOAA’s Hurricane Hunter fleet operations, and address national security risks related to connected vehicles.
Cruz also said about nominees, “These positions require competence and judgement… These executive officials remain accountable within our constitutional system. That makes the Senate’s advice-and-consent responsibility all the more important.”
The Senate Commerce Committee reviews legislation related to commerce, science and transportation issues as part of its standing responsibilities within Congress; it is directed by a chairman with senators from both parties working together during sessions held primarily in Washington’s Russell Senate Office Building, according to the official website.