The Senate Commerce Committee is overseen by a United States Senator and is comprised of 25 different Senators. Within the Committee, there are 7 distinct subcommittees. Together, these subcommittees maintain a vast jurisdiction and oversee a variety of different domains. The Senate Commerce Committee deals with many issues, including the Coast Guard, economic development, technological advances, interstate commerce, and merchant marines, just to name a few.
The Senate Commerce Committee can sway or impact Senate votes in regard to legislation pertaining to these subjects. The Committee can proposed petitions or legislation related to science, transportation, and consumer issues. In addition, the Senate Commerce Committee has the authority to review and analyze any matters that relate to its jurisdiction. It may investigate existing legislation and suggest amendments or updates that may improve the legislation.
In addition to the previously stated fields, the Senate Commerce Committee is also concerned with space, science, climate change, and both natural and man made disasters. The Committee focuses on issues involving transportation security, highways, shipping, railways, and aviation. The Senate Commerce Committee was created in the 1820s. It was originally known as the Commerce and Manufactures Committee. When the committee was first established, it had restricted jurisdiction and very little power. The primary responsibility of the Committee was to collect statistical data and compile relevant reports. Since this time, the jurisdiction of this Committee has increased substantially.
