WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas) issued the following statements after the Committee approved the nominations of Mark Meador to be a Federal Trade Commissioner and Michael Kratsios to be Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, as well as multiple pieces of bipartisan legislation.

At yesterday’s markup, the committee favorably reported out legislation in which Sen. Cruz was the lead Republican sponsor, including the Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act, Astronaut Ground Travel Support Act, and Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act. These measures now proceed to the full Senate for consideration.

Mark Meador, to be a Federal Trade Commissioner

In his opening statement at the nomination hearing for Mark Meador, nominee to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Sen. Cruz criticized the previous administration for weaponizing the FTC, accusing it of prioritizing left-wing activism over nonpartisan enforcement of the law. Sen. Cruz praised Mr. Meador’s knowledge of competition law, regulatory processes, and consumer protection, noting it will be helpful in restoring integrity at the FTC.

Of Mr. Meador’s nomination, Sen. Cruz said:

“Mark Meador is well prepared to serve as Commissioner should he be confirmed. I look forward to hearing that he would pursue the FTC’s mission with impartiality and respect for the rule of law.”

Michael Kratsios, to be Director of OSTP

During his opening statement at the nomination hearing for Michael Kratsios, nominee to be Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), Sen. Cruz discussed the importance of promoting innovative technologies like artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and 5G technology to create new jobs across the country. Sen. Cruz highlighted Mr. Kratsios’s previous tenure as U.S. chief technology officer at OSTP, which will be beneficial for advancing American leadership in emerging technologies.

Of Mr. Kratsios’s nomination, Sen. Cruz said:

“Michael Kratsios has a distinguished track record of ensuring America leads globally in emerging technologies. His previous tenure as U.S. Chief Technology Officer at OSTP during the first Trump administration was marked by efforts to advance artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and 5G technology.”

Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act

The Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act, introduced by Sen. Cruz along with Ranking Member Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Sen. John Curtis (R-Utah), requires the FTC to create reasonable disclosure guidelines for products equipped with hidden audio or visual recording components. Many consumers are unaware that a growing number of household devices and appliances like refrigerators, washers, dryers, and dishwashers have cameras or microphones capable of recording them, or Wi-Fi capability for transmitting data without their knowledge.

Sens. Cruz and Cantwell previously introduced this legislation in the Senate during the 118^th Congress, and it was reported favorably by the Senate Commerce Committee. Sen. Curtis previously sponsored the House companion bill along with Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), who reintroduced the companion legislation this Congress with Rep. Russ Fulcher (R-Idaho).

Upon the introduction of the Informing Consumers about Smart Devices Act, Sen. Cruz said:

“With internet-connected smart devices commonly used in households across the country, many Americans aren’t made aware that many of these devices and appliances are being built with cameras and microphones that can surreptitiously record families and transmit data. Although some manufacturers have responsibly taken steps to clearly label their products and to let consumers know when these components are present, too many have not. I am proud to join Ranking Member Cantwell and Sen. Curtis in reviving our bipartisan legislation simply ensuring that this information is clearly communicated to consumers before they buy a product that’s going to photograph, film, or record.”

Astronaut Ground Travel Support Act

Currently, astronauts returning from space, who are not medically cleared to drive, must either get written approval from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Administrator for NASA to transport them or find an alternate means of transportation for medical appointments and other post-flight activities. The bipartisan Astronaut Ground Travel Support Act, introduced by Sens. Cruz and Gary Peters (D-Mich.), would streamline transportation of government astronauts before they receive medical clearance to drive.

Upon the introduction of the Astronaut Ground Travel Support Act, Sen. Cruz said:

“America’s astronauts take great risks in order to keep the United States the world’s leader in human space exploration, and we are thankful for their dedication to scientific advancement. Upon their return from missions, ensuring they have the ability to make it to and from necessary official and personal appointments until they are able to drive themselves is a simple, commonsense solution.”

Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act

Four years ago, Sen. Cruz cosponsored legislation known as the MAPLand Act that would become law and allow the public to better understand where and when they could access public lands for hunting and fishing. However, the MAPLand Act did not include data on America’s federal ocean fisheries. Sens. Cruz and King introduced the Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act (MAPOceans) to standardize, digitize, and map fishing restrictions in federal waters.

Upon introduction of the Modernizing Access to Our Public Oceans Act, Sen. Cruz said: 

“Many Texans and Americans enjoy recreational fishing and boating, but it can be difficult to find reliable information about access to waterways and restricted areas. I am proud to lead the effort to ensure anglers, boaters, and other users have easy access to accurate information on fishery area closures, so they can focus on appreciating what America’s beautiful waterways have to offer instead of wading through confusing agency websites.”

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