Legislation that would dedicate $78 billion over five years for freight, trucking and rail safety programs was advanced by the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee June 16.
June 16, 2021Senate Commerce Committee
Government, Safety 
Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) chairs a Senate Commerce Committee hearing June 16. (commerce.senate.gov)
Senate Commerce Panel OKs $78 Billion Highway Safety Bill
Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) chairs a Senate Commerce Committee hearing June 16. (commerce.senate.gov) Government 
Sen. Roger Wicker speaks at a hearing in May. (Al Drago/Bloomberg News)
Senate Commerce Committee Approves Airline Safety Bill
Sen. Roger Wicker speaks at a hearing in May. (Al Drago/Bloomberg News)Legislation designed to advance safety improvements across the aviation industry was approved by the Senate Commerce Committee Nov. 18.
November 25, 2020 Government, Business, Safety 
An Amtrak train passes over the Portal Bridge in New Jersey. (Amtrak)
Senate Panel Seeks Input From Passenger Transportation Sector
An Amtrak train passes over the Portal Bridge in New Jersey. (Amtrak)Stakeholders representing the passenger transportation sector were asked by the Senate Commerce Committee to share concerns about the impact from the coronavirus pandemic.
June 5, 2020 Government, Business, Safety 
ATA President and CEO Chris Spear said lowering the interstate driving age requirement could help the industry tackle its shortage of truck drivers. (Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg News)
US Senate Bill to Allow Interstate Truckers Under 21 Touted at Hearing
ATA President and CEO Chris Spear said lowering the interstate driving age requirement could help the industry tackle its shortage of truck drivers. (Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg News)WASHINGTON — A bill that would pave the way for commercial drivers younger than 21 to drive trucks across state lines received a resounding endorsement from an organization that represents freight industry interests nationwide during a Feb. 4 Senate hearing.
February 4, 2020 Government, Business, Technology, Safety 
Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao listens during a Cabinet meeting at the White House on July 16, 2019, in Washington. Earlier this year, Chao said positive train control can save lives and protect property. (Associated Press/Alex Brandon)
Senate Committee to Review PTC Implementation Status July 31
Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao listens during a Cabinet meeting at the White House on July 16, 2019, in Washington. Earlier this year, Chao said positive train control can save lives and protect property. (Associated Press/Alex Brandon)The Senate Commerce Committee on July 31 will hear from freight rail industry stakeholders about the status of automatic braking technology.
July 26, 2019 Government 
Jennifer Homendy by Subcommittee on Highways and Transit via YouTube
Senate Committee to Consider NTSB, Amtrak Nominees July 24
Jennifer Homendy by Subcommittee on Highways and Transit via YouTubeThe Senate Commerce Committee on July 24 will meet for a hearing with several of President Donald Trump’s nominees for senior transportation positions.
July 19, 2019 Government, Business
Senate Panel to Consider STB Nominee Michelle Schultz July 10
The Senate Commerce Committee has scheduled the consideration of Michelle Schultz to be a member of the Surface Transportation Board for July 10.
July 5, 2019 Government, Business, Safety, Autonomous
FMCSA Chief Ray Martinez to Address Senators June 19
Ray Martinez, the country’s top trucking regulator, is scheduled to appear before the Senate Commerce Committee on June 19.
June 13, 2019 Government, Business 
Nominee to lead FMCSA, Ray Martinez. (Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg News)
Senators Advance Nominee for Top Job at FMCSA
Nominee to lead FMCSA, Ray Martinez. (Andrew Harrer/Bloomberg News)A Senate panel easily advanced the nomination of Ray Martinez on Nov. 8 to lead the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
November 8, 2017 Government, Business, Technology, Equipment, Safety 
Aether Films
Capitol Agenda for the Week of Sept. 11: That Truck Is Driving Itself
Aether FilmsSuper smart robot trucks capable of communicating with other robot trucks while they haul freight along highways, without a driver, is no longer science fiction.
September 11, 2017