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Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Marco Rubio today announced his four subcommittee assignments on the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee for the 112th Congress. Rubio’s assignments include the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet, the Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard, the Subcommittee on Science and Space, and the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security.

As a member of the Subcommittee on Science and Space, Senator Rubio will have oversight responsibility over NASA and space policy, which is not only important to Florida but our nation.

“These subcommittee assignments represent the broad economic diversity of Florida. From the men and women of NASA to those who work in the fishing industry along our coast, these subcommittees will allow me to focus on crafting the policies necessary to promote private sector job creation in Florida while ensuring that our space program continues to play an important role in our national security,” said Senator Rubio.

BACKGROUND ON SENATOR MARCO RUBIO’S COMMERCE SUBCOMMITTEES

Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet: The Subcommittee has jurisdiction over legislation, Congressional action, and other matters relating to communications, including telephones, cell phones, the Internet, commercial and noncommercial television, cable, satellite broadcast, satellite communications, wireline and wireless broadband, radio, consumer electronic equipment associated with such services, and public safety communications. The Subcommittee provides oversight of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), and the National Telecommunications and Information Association (NTIA) at the Department of Commerce.

Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard: The Subcommittee is responsible for legislation and oversight of matters that impact our oceans, coasts, and climate, including: coastal zone management; marine fisheries and marine mammals; oceans, weather and atmospheric activities; marine and ocean navigation; ocean policy and NOAA. The Subcommittee is responsible for overseeing the Coast Guard.

Subcommittee on Science And Space: The Subcommittee has responsibility for science, engineering, and technology research and development and policy; calibration and measurement standards; and civilian aeronautical and space science and policy. The Subcommittee conducts oversight on the National Science Foundation, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and the Office of Science and Technology Policy.

Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security: The Subcommittee has jurisdiction over matters relating to interstate transportation policy issues and has oversight over the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the Federal Railroad Administration, the Pipelines and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, the Research and Innovative Technology Administration, the Maritime Administration and the Saint Lawrence Seaway Development Corporation. The Subcommittee also has jurisdiction over the transportation security programs and policies of the Department of Homeland Security.