WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation passed nine bills by voice vote and approved nominations for six agencies, including those listed below.
 
U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, provided the following statement on the successful markup of nine bills and the approval of agency nominations and Coast Guard promotions:
 
Today, the Senate Commerce Committee held its first markup of the year, and set a positive tone for the many to come as we get back to work in the Senate. On a bipartisan basis the committee approved multiple bills – including four that, just last Congress, languished in the Senate after passing by broad bipartisan margins in the House of Representatives. As Chairman, I will work with my colleagues to prioritize legislation that helps create jobs, reduces unnecessary regulations, and addresses important safety concerns as we did today.
 
Bills and nominations passed by voice vote are as follows:
 
1.      H.R. 23, the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act Reauthorization of 2015, Sponsor: Rep. Randy Neugebauer (R-Texas)
 
2.      H.R. 34, Tsunami Warning, Education, and Research Act of 2015, Sponsor: Rep. Suzanne Bonamici (D-Ore.)
 
3.      H.R. 719, TSA Office of Inspection Accountability Act of 2015, Sponsor: Rep. John Katko (R-N.Y.)
 
4.      H.R. 720, Gerardo Hernandez Airport Security Act of 2015, Sponsor: Rep. John Katko (R-N.Y.)
 
5.      S. 142, Child Nicotine Poisoning Prevention Act of 2015, Sponsor: Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.)
 
6.      S. 143, United States Merchant Marine Academy Improvements Act of 2015, Sponsor: Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.)
 
7.      S. 253, Federal Communications Commission Consolidated Reporting Act of 2015, Sponsor: Sen. Dean Heller (R-Nev.)
 
8.      S. 304, Motor Vehicle Safety Whistleblower Act, Sponsor: Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.)
 
9.      S. 373, Vessel Incidental Discharge Act, Sponsor: Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.)
 
10.  Nomination of Tho Dinh-Zarr, to be a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board for the remainder of the term expiring December 31, 2018
 
11.  Nomination of Carlos A. Monje, Jr., to be an Assistant Secretary of Transportation
 
12.  Nomination of Manson K. Brown, to be Assistant Secretary for Environmental Observation and Prediction, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration at the U.S. Department of Commerce
 
13.  Nomination of William P. Doyle, to be a Federal Maritime Commissioner for a term expiring June 30, 2018 (reappointment)
 
14.  Nomination of Christopher A. Hart, to be Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board for a term of two years
 
15.  Nominations for promotions in the United States Coast Guard
 
Several bipartisan amendments to the legislation were adopted prior to passage. Amendment texts are available at http://1.usa.gov/1ztCwm5.