Sen. John Thune (R-SD), outgoing chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, was selected by Sen. Roger Wicker (R-MS), incoming chairman of the Commerce Committee, to lead the committee’s Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, Innovation, and the Internet. The subcommittee oversees matters relating to the technology and telecommunications industries, including 5G mobile broadband development and deployment.
Thune led the Senate Commerce committee for four years.
His colleagues selected him as the Majority Whip for the 116th Congress, precluding him from continuing in his role as committee chairman.
“I am eager to continue working on all of the important issues we’ve advanced over the last four years, particularly those that have had a direct effect on South Dakota,” said Thune. “We made significant progress in helping to make 5G internet a reality during my chairmanship, something I will continue to push for in my new role as chairman of this important subcommittee.
In addition to Thune, Sen. Roger Wicker, R-MS, now Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, announced the committee’s other five subcommittees and the respective chairmen. “In an effort to exercise oversight more effectively and develop policy in the many agencies and departments covered by Commerce’s broad jurisdiction, the six subcommittees have been reconfigured,” said Wicker. “For example, the new Subcommittee on Security will address the intersection of economic and national security. I look forward to working with all of the chairmen on the committee’s agenda for the 116th Congress.”
The subcommittees and their chairpersons, subject to approval by the full committee, are:
- Subcommittee on Aviation and Space – Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX)
- Subcommittee on Transportation and Safety – Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE)
- Subcommittee on Manufacturing, Trade, and Consumer Protection – Sen. Jerry Moran (R-KS)
- Subcommittee on Security – Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-AK)
- Subcommittee on Science, Oceans, Fisheries, and Weather – Sen. Cory Gardner (R-CO)
January 15, 2019
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