Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation activity: July 18, 2025 – August 22, 2025

Legislation included Coast Guard, pipeline safety, AI, risk management, cruise ships, offshored workers, NOAA, NASA, NSF, NIST, broadband, robocalls, biotechnology, and the Mauna Loa Observatory.

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JOHN FETTERMAN sits on this committee.

Republican members: Ted Cruz (R-TX), Chair; 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); John Curtis (R-UT); Bernie Moreno (R-OH); Tim Sheehy (R-MT); Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV); Cynthia Lummis (R-WY).

Democratic members: Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Ranking Minority Member; Amy Klobuchar (D-MN); Brian Schatz (D-HI); Ed Markey (D-MA); Gary Peters (D-MI); Tammy Baldwin (D-WI); Tammy Duckworth (D-IL); Jacky Rosen (D-NV); Ben Ray Luján (D-NM); John Hickenlooper (D-CO); John Fetterman (D-PA); Andy Kim (D-NJ); and, Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE).

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Announcement date, July 24, 2025. Meeting date, July 30, 2025. 10:00AM(EDT), 253 Russell Senate Office Building, Washington, D.C. Business meeting. See ACTIONS below for link to video of and supporting documents for the meeting, along with legislation discussed.

NOMINATIONS

PN445-4 - Nomination received from president on July 30, 2025: Daniel Edwards, of North Carolina, to be an Assistant Secretary of Transportation, vice Carol Annette Petsonk, resigned. Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

PN127-3 – Nomination received from president on April 28, 2025: Trent D. Moon as Lieutenant Commander of the Coast Guard.

July 30, 2025, reported by Senator Cruz, Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, without printed report. Same day, placed on Senate Executive Calendar. Subject to nominee’s commitment to respond to requests to appear and testify before any duly constituted committee of the Senate.

July 31, 2025, confirmed by the Senate by Voice Vote.

PN127-4 - Nomination received from president on April 28, 2025: Bradford D. Long and Tevin A. White as Lieutenant Commanders of the Coast Guard.

This showed up as a July 31, 2025 action. But there is no indication that the committee placed it on the Senate calendar, much less that a voice vote was held.

PN462-4 – Nomination received from president on August 1, 2025: Timothy Petty, of Indiana, to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, vice Jainey Kumar Bavishi, resigned. Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

ACTIONS

July 18, 2025: Transcripts of the August 25, 2023 “field hearing” in Las Vegas were made available. “Economic Impacts of the U.S. Sports and Entertainment Economy, Las Vegas Edition.”

July 27, 2025: Transcripts of the December 13, 2023 meeting were made available. “Government Promotion of Safety and Innovation in the New Space Economy.”

July 29, 2025: Transcripts of the February 28, 2024 meeting were made available. “Nominations to the Federal Maritime Commission.”

July 29, 2025: Transcripts of the March 1, 2024 meeting were made available. “Importance of Great Lakes Icebreaking to the Regional Economy.”

July 30, 2025: Transcripts of the February 19, 2025 meeting were made available. “America Offline? How Spectrum Auction Delays Give China the Edge and Cost Us Jobs.”

July 30, 2025: Transcripts of the February 26, 2025 meeting were made available. “Interdicting Illicit Drug Trafficking: A View from the Front Lines.”

July 30, 2025: Transcripts of the February 27, 2025 meeting were made available. “Grand Theft Cargo: Examining the Costly Threat to Consumers and the U.S. Supply Chain.”

July 30, 2025 meeting: Video and supporting documents. Business meeting to consider:

S.1691, to limit the use of facial recognition technology in airports
S.2314, to direct the Secretary of Commerce to establish a task force regarding shark depredation
S.2318, to amend the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to require the periodic update to the strategic plan to guide the Manufacturing USA Program to align with the mandatory updates to the National Strategy for Advanced Manufacturing
S.2351, to supplement existing lease authorities available to the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to support research, education, and training

and the nominations of Neil Jacobs, of North Carolina, to be Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere, Taylor Jordan, of the District of Columbia, to be an Assistant Secretary, and Harry Kumar, of New York, to be an Assistant Secretary, all of the Department of Commerce, Paul Roberti, of Rhode Island, to be Administrator of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, Jonathan Morrison, of California, to be Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Seval Oz, of California, to be an Assistant Secretary, Michael Rutherford, of Florida, to be an Assistant Secretary, and Gregory Zerzan, of Texas, to be General Counsel, all of the Department of Transportation, and Derek Barrs, of Florida, to be Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

August 10, 2025: Transcripts of the February 12, 2025 meeting were made available. “Nuuk and Cranny: Looking at the Arctiv and Greenland’s Geostrategic Importance to U.S. Interests.”

August 13, 2025: Transcripts of the January 28, 2025 meeting were made available. “Fees and Foreign Influence: Examining the Panama Canal and Its Impact on U.S. Trade and National Security.”

August 13, 2025: Transcripts of the March 20, 2024 meeting were made available. “Promoting a Safe Environment in U.S. Athletics.”

August 17, 2025: Transcripts of the March 27, 2025 meeting were made available. “NTSB Preliminary Report: The DCA Midair Collision.”

August 20, 2025: Transcripts of April 10, 2025 hearing were made available. “If I Could Turn Back Time: Should We Lock the Clock?” (Daylight Saving Time debate).

August 20, 2025: Transcripts of March 6, 2024 hearing were made available. “National Transportation Safety Board Investigations Report.”

REPORTS ISSUED

S. Rept. 119-36 – July 9, 2025 (notification received after July 17, 2025). “Foreign Adversary Communications Transparency Act.” Accompanies Bill: S.259.

S. Rept. 119-40 – July 16, 2025 (notification received after July 17, 2025). “Modernizing Access to our Public Oceans Act.” Accompanies Bill: S.759.

S. Rept. 119-41 – July 16, 2025 (notification received after July 17, 2025). “Sea Turtle Rescue Assistance and Rehabilitation Act of 2025.” Accompanies Bill: S.843.

S. Rept. 119-42 – July 16, 2025 (notification received after July 17, 2025). “Fire Ready Nation Act of 2025.” Accompanies Bill: S.306.

S. Rept. 119-45 – July 22, 2025. “United States Research Protection Act of 2025.” Accompanies Bill: S.769.

S. Rept. 119-48 – July 28, 2025. “Combating CCP Labor Abuses Act of 2025.” Accompanies Bill: S.580.

S. Rept. 119-49 – July 29, 2025. “Youth Poisoning Protection Act.” Accompanies Bill: S.289.

S. Rept. 119-50 – July 29, 2025. “Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act.” Accompanies Bill: S.389.

S. Rept. 119-56 – July 31, 2025. “She DRIVES Act (She Develops Regulations In Vehicle Equality and Safety Act).” Accompanies Bill: S.161. Although this sounds like a “sexist” bill, it is not. The legislation would require testing procedures used under the New Car Assessment Program of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to take anatomies other than that of the adult white male into account.

LEGISLATION THAT PASSED THE HOUSE AND IS REFERRED TO SENATE COMMITTEE

H.R.4275 - Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2025. To authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard and to establish the Secretary of the Coast Guard.

Introduced July 2, 2025 by Sa, Graves (R-MO). Cosponsored by two Democratic and two Republican Senators. July 2, referred to House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. July 15, committee consideration and mark-up session held. July 22, out of committee and placed on Union calendar.

July 23, 2025, 2:00pm: Mr. Graves moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. 2:00pm: The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate. 2:21pm: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed. 4:02pm: Considered as unfinished business. 4:09pm: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 399-12 (Roll no. 218). 4:09pm: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

July 23, 2025: Received in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Concerned comment: Since Coast Guard currently reports to Homeland Security, I would very much like to know more about the reasoning behind this. And what it will really look like.

LEGISLATION REFERRED TO COMMITTEE

S.2318 – Streamlining American Manufacturing Strategy Act. To amend the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to require the periodic update to the strategic plan to guide the Manufacturing USA Program to align with the mandatory updates to the National Strategy for Advanced Manufacturing.

Introduced July 17, 2025 by Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-DE). Cosponsored by Ted Budd (R-NC). Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the same day.

Comment and alert: This bill does not amend the content of existing legislation. It does, however, change the scope of reporting. To update the strategic plan developed under subparagraph (C) not less frequently than once every 4 years [it had been 3 years] and such that the planning cycle for the updates aligns with the planning cycle for updates to the National Strategy for Advanced Manufacturing required under section 102(c)(4) of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 … to better ensure the Program reflects the priorities of the national strategy.”

S.2320 – Compressed Gas Cylinder Safety and Oversight Improvements Act of 2025. To require the Secretary of Transportation to promulgate regulations relating to the approval of foreign manufacturers of cylinders.

Introduced July 17, 2025 by Bernie Moreno (R-OH). Cosponsored by Tammy Baldwin (D-WI). Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the same day.

S.2321 – Price Gouging Prevention Act of 2025. To make price gouging unlawful, to expand the ability of the Federal Trade Commission to seek permanent injunctions and equitable relief.

Introduced July 17, 2025 by Elizabeth Warren (D-MA). Cosponsored by eight Democratic Senators, including JOHN FETTERMAN, and one Independent (Bernie Sanders). Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the same day.

S.2351 – To supplement existing lease authorities available to the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to support research, education, and training.

Introduced July 17, 2025 by Ted Cruz (R-TX). Three Democratic cosponsors, two Republican. [Democrats: Adam Schiff (D-CA), Alex Padilla (D-CA), Ben Ray Luján (D-NM).] Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the same day.

July 30, 2025: Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

S.2357 – Young Fishermen’s Development Extension Act. To reauthorize the Young Fishermen’s Development Act.

Introduced July 17, 2025 by Dan Sullivan (R-AR). One Democratic cosponsor, two Republicans. Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the same day.

Comment: This bill simply extends the extant Young Fishermen’s Development Act from 2026 to 2031 without amendment.

S.2378 – SAFEGUARDS Act of 2025 (Spending Aviation Fees for Equipment, Guaranteeing Upgraded and Advanced Risk Detection and Safety Act of 2025). To amend title 49, United States Code, to establish funds for investments in aviation security checkpoint technology.

Introduced July 22, 2025 by Jerry Moran (R-KS). Cosponsored by two Democratic representatives and one Republican. Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the same day.

Comment and alert: This is a strong bipartisan bill. And it addresses something I was unaware of. You know those 9/11 safety fees that are tacked onto every airline ticket we purchase? The funds collected do not go into a budget item for airline safety. Shocking, I know.

This bill would do two things. First, it would force all 9/11 fees collected through airline ticket sales to go to aviation safety. Second, it would establish a second fund called the Aviation Security Checkpoint Technology Fund (“ASCT” fund) that would funnel all revenue greater than $500 million annually into the ASCT fund, to improve risk detection at security checkpoints and exit lanes.

S.2381 – PROACTIV Artificial Intelligence Data Act of 2025 (Preventing Recurring Online Abuse of Children Through Intentional Vetting of Artificial Intelligence Data Act of 2025). To require the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to develop a framework for detecting, removing, and reporting child pornography in datasets used to train artificial intelligence systems.

Introduced July 22, 2025 by John Cornyn (R-TX). Cosponsored by Andy Kim (D-NJ). Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the same day.

Comment: This may not be a half-bad use for artificial intelligence. The bill would require AI developers and data scrapers to detect, remove, and report child pornography. It specifically excludes AI users from unintentional misconduct (but not from intentional misconduct).

S.2435 - Fighting Fibers Act of 2025. To require that all new washing machines sold or offered for sale in the United States contain a microfiber filtration system.

Introduced July 24, 2025 by Jeff Merkley (D-OR). No cosponsors. Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the same day.

S.2470 - College Athlete Economic Freedom Act. To establish name, image, and likeness rights for college athletes at institutions of higher education.

Introduced by Christopher Murphy (D-CT). No cosponsors. Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the same day.

Snarky comment: I expected this to be a bill introduced by a Trump Republican. C’mon Chris. We need to stay in our lane! Let the NCAA handle its own business. I hate NIL on behalf of normal athletes. And if you want to pass legislation that states that NIL regs must be equal regardless of sex, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or age, then great, go for it. But leave college sports to their own devices. They are doing a good enough job of screwing things up without Congress getting involved.

S.2495 - Keep Call Centers in America Act of 2025. To require the Secretary of Labor to maintain a publicly available list of all employers that relocate a call center or contract call center work overseas, to make such companies ineligible for Federal grants or guaranteed loans, and to require disclosure of the physical location of business agents engaging in customer service communications.

Introduced July 29, 2025 by Ruben Gallego (D-AZ). Cosponsored by James Justice (R-WV). Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the same day.

Snarky comment: If American citizens could vote on a single topic as a nationwide referendum, and if this were the bill voted upon, there would likely be 100% vote in favor of this! But it still would not pass, because 100% of the rich SOBs who make financial decisions are the ones who have decided to take customer service offshore.

Hey Ruben and James: Remove tax benefits (i.e., do not allow expenditures for offshore contractors as tax deductible expenses, and DO impose tax penalties on anyone using offshore CS contractors—that’ll do it!).

S.2503 - ROTOR Act (Rotorcraft Operations Transparency and Oversight Reform Act). To require all aircraft to be equipped with Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast In, to improve aviation safety.

Introduced July 29, 2025 by Ted Cruz (R-TX). Eight Republican cosponsors, no Democrats. Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the same day.

S.2508 - Gas Pipeline Leak Detection and Repair Act of 2025. To give effect to a final rule of the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration relating to gas pipeline leak detection and repair.

Introduced July 29, 2025 by Ben Ray Luján (D-NM). Cosponsored by six Democrats and no Republicans. Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the same day.

Comment: Since we the people have to stand on our heads and gargle peanut butter to see executive communications, I can only wonder how the many ECs prepared by “Honor Attorneys” (essentially interns) compare to the legislation put forward by Luján.

S.2520 - All Aboard Act of 2025. To establish a State rail formula grant program, to direct Federal Railroad Administration to create a Green Railroads Fund, to expand passenger rail programs, to address air quality concerns, to establish rail workforce training centers.

Introduced July 29, 2025 by Edward Markey (D-MA). Eight Democratic cosponsors and one Independent (Bernie Sanders). Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the same day.

S.2535 - Protecting Jobs in American Ports Act. To enable passenger vessels that were not built in the United States to receive coastwise endorsement.

Introduced July 30, 2025 by Mike Lee (R-UT). No cosponsors. Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the same day.

S.2536 - Safeguarding American Tourism Act. To exempt large cruise ships from certain requirements applicable to passenger vessels.

Introduced July 30, 2025 by Mike Lee (R-UT). No cosponsors. Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the same day.

S.2537 - Open America's Ports Act. To adjust certain ownership and other requirements for passenger vessels.

Introduced July 30, 2025 by Mike Lee (R-UT). No cosponsors. Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the same day.

Snarky comment: If I weren’t such a cynic, I might be tempted to believe that the cruise ship lobby lives in Mike Lee’s DC office. Because Utah, ahem, is landlocked.

S.2563 - Global Investment in American Jobs Act of 2025. To direct the Secretary of Commerce, in coordination with the heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies, to conduct an interagency review of and report to Congress on ways to increase the global competitiveness of the United States in attracting foreign direct investment.

Introduced July 31, 2025 by Todd Young (R-IN). Cosponsored by Gary Peters (D-MI). Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the same day.

Bill summary: The Secretary and the Comptroller General of United States, in consultation with the Federal Interagency Investment Working Group and the heads of other relevant Federal departments and agencies, shall conduct an interagency review of the global competitiveness of the United States in attracting foreign direct investment from responsible private sector entities based in trusted countries that addresses key foreign trade barriers that firms in advanced technology sectors face in the global digital economy.

Snarky comment: Don’t we know what’s preventing us from being competitive? Hint: He plays golf a lot, loves interior decorating, doesn’t work much. Has illusions of being a king.

S.2581 - To reauthorize the National Sea Grant College Program.

Introduced July 31, 2025 by Maria Cantwell (D-WA). Cosponsored by two Republicans and one Democrat. Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the same day.

Comment: The National Sea Grant College Program is set to expire in 2025. This bill would extend it through 2031.

S.2583 - NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act. To require the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere to expand and modernize the weather radio system of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Introduced July 31, 2025 by Ted Cruz (R-TX). Cosponsored by three Democrats and two Republicans. Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.

Snarky comment: Hey, Ted! Are we keeping NOAA or aren’t we? You’re budgeting a lot of money to keep it going and to upgrade its equipment. Which is it?

S.2585 - MAP for Broadband Funding Act (Modernization, Accountability, and Planning for Broadband Funding Act). To modernize and improve the Broadband Funding Map in order to promote the most efficient use of Federal funds for broadband deployment.

Introduced July 31, 2025 by Deb Fischer (R-NE). Cosponsored by Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV). Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the same day.

S.2586 - MARA Act of 2025 (Marine Aquaculture Research for America Act of 2025). To require the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to establish an assessment program for commercial-scale offshore aquaculture through demonstration projects, to establish Aquaculture Centers of Excellence, to support aquaculture workforce development and working waterfronts.

Introduced July 31, 2025 by Roger Wicker (R-MS). Cosponsored by Brian Schatz (D-HI). Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the same day.

S.2615 - VET Artificial Intelligence Act (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.

Introduced July 31, 2025 by John Hickenlooper (D-CO). Cosponsored by Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV). Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the same day.

Comment: The weakness of this bill centers in the word “voluntary.” Voluntary regulation rarely works. Buuuut… The bill probably doesn’t stand a chance of getting out of committee anyway (prove me wrong, Ted!), because of Trump’s insistence at total deregulation of AI.

S.2619 - MORE DOT Grants Act (More Opportunities for Rural Economies from Department of Transportation Grants Act). To improve the process for awarding grants under certain programs of the Department of Transportation to certain counties in which the majority of land is owned or managed by the Federal Government and to other units of local government and Tribal governments in those counties.

Introduced July 31, 2025 by Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV). Cosponsored by Steve Daines (R-MT) and Adam Schiff (D-CA). Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the same day.

S.2622 - Space Ready Act. To authorize the Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to conduct a pilot program for investment in infrastructure projects at the Kennedy Space Center and to establish the Infrastructure Investment Fund.

Introduced July 31, 2025 by Ashley Moody (R-FL). No cosponsors. Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the same day.

Concerned comment: Does this bill give Elon the proverbial “inch” under the door of the tent at the Kennedy Space Center? It talks about public and private investment…

S.2630 - Saving NSF’s Workforce Act. To institute a reduction in force moratorium at the National Science Foundation.

Introduced July 31, 2025 by Mazie Hirono (D-HI). Cosponsored by Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the same day.

Sad comment and alert: The minute I saw this bill, I knew it was Democratic-sponsored and figured there likely wouldn’t be any Republican cosponsors. My questions: Why no Republicans, and why no 100% of the Senate Democrats?!

S.2631 - Saving NIST’s Workforce Act. To institute a reduction in force moratorium at the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Introduced July 31, 2025 by Mazie Hirono (D-HI). Cosponsored by Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the same day.

Same sad comment and alert as with S.2630.

S.2632 - Saving NASA’s Workforce Act. To institute a reduction in force moratorium at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Introduced July 31, 2025 by Mazie Hirono (D-HI). Cosponsored by Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the same day.

Same sad comment and alert as with S.2630 and S.2631, except with a million exclamation points!

S.2633 - Saving NOAA’s Workforce Act. To institute a reduction in force moratorium at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Introduced July 31, 2025 by Mazie Hirono (D-HI). Cosponsored by Chris Van Hollen (D-MD). Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the same day.

Same sad comment and alert as with S.2630 and S.2631, except with a million exclamation points!, as well as a “Hey Ted Cruz!”

I also want to give Mazie Hirono and Chris Van Hollen a public show of thanks for taking on this legislation. We all owe you two for you perseverance in the face of dire odds. Now we just need the rest of our Democratic senators to get on board!

S.2640 - Cruise Passenger Protection Act of 2025. To improve passenger vessel security and safety.

Introduced August 1, 2025 by Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). Cosponsored by Ed Markey (D-MA). Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the same day.

S.2652 - Pacific Ready Coast Guard Act. To amend title 14, United States Code, to require an annual plan and budget display for Coast Guard operations in the Pacific.

Introduced August 1, 2025 by Brian Schatz (D-HI). Cosponsored by two Democrats and one Republican. Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the same day.

S.2660 - Modern Risk Detection Act of 2025. To amend title 49, United States Code, to protect the use of risk-based approaches by owners and operators of certain pipeline facilities.

Introduced August 1, 2025 by John Curtis (R-UT). No cosponsors. Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the same day.

Comment: My father was an old Houston Natural Gas—pipeline!—guy. He hated how his industry could be so flippant regarding pipeline safety. He had lived through the horrible explosion in Wharton, Texas. He was a teenager during the Texas City disaster.

He would hate this bill were he alive to see it. Curtis wants to add a new paragraph to Section 60102 of title 49, United States Code, that would read: The Secretary shall ensure that the standards prescribed under this chapter allow for the use, to the maximum extent practicable, of risk-based approaches, concepts, or principles in complying with those standards.

Doesn’t sound like an issue, right? Unless you live near Wharton, Texas. Or Bammel. In those cases, you would want maximum accountability and minimum risk-taking. “Risk-based approaches” permit a tradeoff between safety and money. Uh-uh. Stop it. Now.

S.2661 - To allow for the use of risk-based inspections for in-service breakout tanks. (No short title.)

Introduced August 1, 2025 by John Curtis (R-UT). No cosponsors. Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the same day.

Snarky comment: Someone check Curtis’ office for lobbyists, please. They must reside there. This bill would add the same “risk-based” language for inspection of breakout tanks.

S.2666 - Foreign Robocall Elimination Act. To direct the Federal Communications Commission to establish a taskforce on unlawful robocalls.

Introduced August 1, 2025 by Ted Budd (R-NC). Cosponsored by Peter Welch (D-VT). Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the same day.

Comment: As much as I would love this legislation, it is impractical. Foreign robocallers generally use VPNs, making it difficult to detect that they are not US-based. The only positive thing about this legislation: It calls for the FTC or DOJ to research and file a report on the extent of illegal robocallers, as well as to make recommendations for ways to combat them.

Extend it to US-based robocallers, and this is a winner.

S.2675 - Preventing HEAT Illness and Deaths Act of 2025 (Preventing Health Emergencies And Temperature-related Illness and Deaths Act of 2025). 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.

Introduced August 1, 2025 by Ed Markey (D-MA). Cosponsored by eight Democrats, one Independent (Bernie Sanders), and no Republicans. Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the same day.

S.2676 - Cloud LAB Act of 2025 (Cloud Labs to Advance Biotechnology Act of 2025). To require the Director of the National Science Foundation to carry out a cloud laboratory network program.

Introduced August 1, 2025 by Todd Young (R-IN). Cosponsored by Andy Kim (D-NJ). Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the same day.

Comment: When I saw NSF, I was initially pleased, especially since a Democrat is also involved in the legislation. But this bill would combine artificial intelligence, research into biotechnology, and the cloud. Not a fan. The bill includes as good as no risk management. And the risks with that combination are enormous.

RESOLUTIONS REFERRED TO COMMITTEE

S.J.Res.74 - A joint resolution providing for congressional disapproval under chapter 8 of title 5, United States Code, of the rule submitted by the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration relating to “Pipeline Safety: Editorial Change To Reflect the Name Change of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America.”

Whitehouse invokes Chapter 8 of Title 5 of the United States code.

Introduced August 1, 2025 by Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI). No cosponsors. Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the same day.

S.Res.342 - A resolution honoring the contributions of small manufacturers of firearms to the economy, culture, and recreational heritage of the United States and recognizing August 2025 as “National Shooting Sports Month.”

Introduced July 29, 2025 by James Risch (R-ID). Cosponsored by nineteen Republicans and one Democrat [Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH)]. Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the same day.

S.Res.366 - A resolution commemorating the 69th anniversary of the continuous operations of the Mauna Loa Observatory.

Introduced August 1, 2025 by Mazie Hirono (D-HI). No cosponsors. Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation the same day.

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