Senate News Updates

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Senate Confirms Former Delta Executive Stephen Dickson as FAA Administrator

A former Air Force pilot and Delta Air Lines executive was confirmed July 24 by the Senate to lead the Federal Aviation Administration after overcoming opposition from Democrats who claim that he mistreated a whistleblower during his tenure at Delta.

July 24, 2019
GovernmentSafety

Senators Aim to Produce Five-Year Highway Bill Before August Recess

WASHINGTON — The first version of what could become the country’s next major highway policy bill will be unveiled in the Senate prior to Congress’ recess in August, surface transportation policymakers announced July 10.

July 10, 2019
GovernmentSafety

Pair of Senators Introduce Speed-Limiter Legislation for Heavy Trucks

A bipartisan bill that aims to require speed limiters on heavy trucks has been introduced in the Senate, the latest attempt by lawmakers to revive an issue that for years has been circulating on Capitol Hill.

July 2, 2019
GovernmentBusiness

In Week 5 of Shutdown, Votes Set Up Political Test for Senate

WASHINGTON — Senate leaders agreed to hold votes this week on dueling proposals to reopen shuttered federal agencies, forcing a political reckoning for senators grappling with the longest shutdown in U.S. history: Side with President Donald Trump or vote to temporarily end the shutdown and keep negotiating.

January 23, 2019
GovernmentBusinessSafety

Nominations on Senate’s Docket for Lame-Duck Session, Mitch McConnell Says

Consideration of nominees for top level roles in the Trump administration is among the priorities for the U.S. Senate during its brief post-election session, the chamber’s leader said Nov. 27.

November 28, 2018
GovernmentSafety

Transportation Nominees in Limbo During Senate’s August Session

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s move to keep the chamber in session for part of the August recess has focused on bills that would fund the government and not too much on a slew of high-profile transportation nominees.

August 22, 2018
Government

Infrastructure Grants, Weight Waivers Approved in Senate Fiscal 2018 Transportation Bill

A U.S. Department of Transportation grants program popular with members of Congress would receive $550 million in fiscal 2018 under legislation Senate appropriators easily approved on July 27.

July 27, 2017
Government

Senate to Consider Transportation Nominees to Fill Senior Positions Before Memorial Day

The Senate is likely to vote on President Donald Trump’s picks for senior posts at the U.S. Department of Transportation this spring, the chamber’s Republican leaders indicated this month.

April 24, 2017
Government

Sen. Chuck Schumer: Senate Vote on Chao Could Be Soon

Senate Democrats envision agreeing with Republican leaders to proceed relatively soon with a floor vote that would confirm Elaine Chao, President-elect Donald Trump’s designee to manage the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Democrats’ leader told reporters Jan. 19.

January 19, 2017