Senator Ted Cruz (R-TX) is officially the new chair of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The Senate Republican Conference ratified him on Monday. The committee has jurisdiction over a range of legislative issues, including technology and telecommunications. Additionally, the committee is responsible for oversight of the FCC and NTIA, plus review of executive branch nominations.
Cruz says his agenda reflects a desire to build on past successes as the Ranking Member and continue to improve the quality of life for all Americans. Following the designation, Cruz said, “My top priority in this role remains the same as it has throughout my entire career in the Senate: pursuing policies that will create jobs and spur economic growth. To that end, the Commerce Committee will be focused on expanding commercial access to electromagnetic spectrum, boosting human and commercial space exploration, improving the safety and efficiency of our nation’s transportation system, ensuring the future and viability of college athletics, and much more.”
USTelecom, CTIA and the Competitive Carriers Association (CCA) congratulated Cruz. “Senator Cruz has long shared the broadband community’s deep commitment to ensuring the United States remains a global leader in innovation and connectivity. We all stand ready to work with him in his new role as Chairman,” said USTelecom President/CEO Jonathan Spalter. “Together, we can and will advance the promise and power of broadband innovation across all corners of America.”
“Chairman Cruz is a strong advocate for smart public policies that will fuel innovation, grow jobs, and secure America’s technological leadership,” said CTIA President/CEO Meredith Attwell Baker. “He uniquely understands the importance of unlocking more licensed spectrum to meet growing consumer demands. We look forward to continuing to work with him and all members of the Senate Commerce Committee to ensure all Americans have access to world-leading wireless networks and protect our global leadership.”
CCA President and CEO Tim Donovan said, “Senator Cruz has been dedicated to fostering growth, innovation, and U.S. leadership in the telecommunications marketplace, including in rural America. We look forward to continued collaboration with him and the entire Commerce Committee to preserve and expand connectivity nationwide for all Americans.”
Joining the committee are three new Republican members for the 119th Congress: Senators John Curtis (R-UT), Bernie Moreno (R-OH), and Tim Sheehy (R-MT). Remaining on the committee are Senators John Thune (R-SD), Roger Wicker (R-MS), Deb Fischer (R-NE), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Todd Young (R-IN), Ted Budd (R-NC), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Cynthia Lummis (R-WY).
Three new Democrat members are joining the committee for the 119th Congress: Senators John Fetterman (D-PA), Andy Kim (D-NJ), and Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE). Remaining on the committee are Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Ed Markey (R-MA), Gary Peters (D-MI), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM), and John Hickenlooper (D-CO).
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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