Austin News

The U.S. Senate Commerce Committee, led by Chairman Ted Cruz (R-Texas), has advanced several bipartisan bills aimed at addressing various issues, including children's online safety and emergency communication. The approved measures include the Kids Off Social Media Act, AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act, TORNADO Act, and the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Enhancement Act. These proposals will now move to the full Senate for further consideration.

Senator Cruz reintroduced the Kids Off Social Media Act with Senator Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) to protect children from potential harms associated with social media use. The legislation proposes setting a minimum age of 13 for social media usage and aims to prevent algorithmically-targeted content for users under 17. It also seeks to block access to social media on taxpayer-funded school devices.

Cruz also emphasized the importance of protecting Texas fishermen through the Illegal Red Snapper and Tuna Enforcement Act. This bill would require developing a method to identify the origin of red snapper and tuna imports into the United States.

Additionally, Cruz supported maintaining AM radio in vehicles through the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act alongside Senator Ed Markey (D-Mass.). This measure aims to ensure reliable communication during emergencies without additional costs to consumers.

The TORNADO Act was introduced by Cruz along with other senators to improve weather forecasting capabilities in response to hazardous weather events like tornadoes.

Lastly, the Bottles and Breastfeeding Equipment Screening Enhancement Act addresses issues faced by traveling families at TSA checkpoints regarding infant liquids.