WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator John Thune (R-SD), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, delivered the following prepared remarks at today’s Executive Session:

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, we will consider a number of important measures today. 

Understandably, much of the attention has been on the advanced manufacturing and forensic science bills, and I look forward to discussing those measures when we turn to them shortly.

On the forensic science bill, I do want to underscore one point that I think we’d all agree on:  Our efforts, as the Senate’s science committee, to enhance forensic science should not be interpreted as questioning the integrity or professionalism of the law enforcement officials, forensic science practitioners, and prosecutors who are working hard every day in our criminal justice system – most of whom work in our states, and not for the federal government. 

The overwhelming majority of these men and women are working diligently to achieve justice – which includes both the conviction of the guilty and the exoneration of the innocent.  In this pursuit, we want them to be supported by the best available science, and we need them to be part of the process. Mr. Chairman, along these lines, I appreciate the many changes you have made to the bill to ensure collaboration with the forensic science community. 

Mr. Chairman, in addition to these higher-profile bills, I would also like to briefly highlight a few other items on the agenda.

First, I would like to thank you for including S. 2086, the Reliable Home Heating Act, on today’s agenda. Senator Klobuchar and I have introduced this legislation to help states better respond to propane and heating fuel shortages. This past winter, much of the country faced severe heating fuel shortages, which were accompanied by record high prices. These shortages were due to extreme cold temperatures, regional supply disruptions, and a wet corn harvest.

In late January, after requests from industry and outreach from Members of Congress, the U.S. Department of Transportation extended state emergency orders for 36 states, including my state of South Dakota. These emergency orders provide limited regulatory relief for commercial motor vehicles transporting home heating fuels into the affected states or regions. Under current law, the Governor of a State can issue an emergency order for a 30-day period, but only DOT has the authority to extend these orders if warranted. Our legislation would give Governors added authority to allow them to better meet the heating fuel needs in their states. This legislation is co-sponsored by several members of this Committee, both Republicans and Democrats, and I am glad the Committee will consider it today.

I am also pleased that we will be considering S. 2028, the Sport Fish Restoration and Recreational Boating Safety Act, which you and I have sponsored, Mr. Chairman. South Dakotans take great pride in our hunting and fishing opportunities, which attract a large number of visitors who take part in our state’s wonderful outdoor offerings. As the co-chair of the Congressional Sportsmen’s Caucus, I know this strongly supported, user-fee program has proven to be successful and has broad support from sportsmen across the country, because it sustains fishery management, habitat conservation, and boating safety programs.

Mr. Chairman, although we have a long list of bills today, I would also note that we have deferred consideration of Senator Heller’s bill on the consolidation of FCC reports, as well as the bill introduced by Senators Schatz and Wicker on the National Sea Grant College Program, until our next markup. I appreciate their willingness to continue negotiations on these measures, and I hope that NOAA works with us on some needed reforms.

Mr. Chairman, as is sometimes the case, we are also advancing a few bills today that may require some additional work before the full Senate considers them. For example, I understand that Senators Klobuchar and Hoeven have made changes to their bill on the privacy of data collected by vehicle data recorders – which many of us have cosponsored – but they are still in discussions about additional modifications that may need to be made.

Additionally, when we turn to S.1468, the manufacturing bill sponsored by Senators Brown and Blunt, I know we plan to underscore our shared commitment – along with the bill’s sponsors – to find a viable funding offset. This will be very important to a number of our colleagues who share some concern with creating new federal programs.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.  With that, I am prepared to move to consideration of the agenda. 

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