Why it Matters

The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee is set to mark up nine bills on March 25 that touch some of the most politically charged policy flashpoints in Washington — from slapping mental health warning labels on social media platforms to blocking Chinese-linked companies from U.S. satellite networks. The breadth of the Senate Commerce Committee agenda signals a committee moving aggressively to advance legislation across consumer safety, national security, aviation, and emerging technology before the midterm election cycle narrows the legislative window.

Three bills stand out for their immediate public impact: the Stop the Scroll Act, which would mandate surgeon general-style mental health warnings on social media; the Mental Health in Aviation Act, which would overhaul FAA rules that discourage pilots from seeking mental health treatment; and the Secure Space Act, which would bar the FCC from granting satellite licenses to entities tied to companies like Huawei or ZTE.

Social Media and Kids: The Warning Label Push

The Stop the Scroll Act arrives at markup with real momentum. New York enacted its own social media warning label law in January 2026, and according to Bloomberg Law reporting, states are increasingly turning to warning labels as a regulatory strategy after courts struck down age-verification and parental consent approaches — raising First Amendment questions the federal bill would also need to navigate.

Sen. Husted joined the bill's sponsors, stating that "The Stop the Scroll Act would help young people grasp the mental health risks that come with social media."

The Jed Foundation, a youth mental health nonprofit, has lobbied consistently on the bill, disclosing $150,000 in lobbying spending across three quarters. Bumble Trading Inc. also disclosed lobbying activity on both the Stop the Scroll Act and the companion No Fentanyl on Social Media Act, which would require the FTC to report to Congress on how minors access fentanyl through social media platforms.

Aviation: Pilot Mental Health and Airport Security

The Mental Health in Aviation Act would require the FAA to revise medical certification regulations for pilots and air traffic controllers who disclose mental health conditions — a reform long sought by the aviation industry. The House passed its companion bill in September 2025, as reported by AVweb, authorizing $13.7 million annually for recruiting and training aviation medical examiners, including psychiatrists.

ALPA president Jason Ambrosi called the House passage "a crucial step forward to improving aviation safety and maintaining a healthy work environment for pilots."

Lobbying records show the industry is engaged. The Southwest Airlines Pilots Association, National Business Aviation Association, and NetJets Association of Shared Aircraft Pilots all disclosed lobbying on the bill in the Fourth Quarter of 2025. PAC contributions from these aviation groups also flowed to committee members: SWAPA PAC contributed to Friends of John Thune ($1,500), Friends of Todd Young ($1,000), and Friends of Andy Kim ($1,000), among others. NJASAP PAC was among the most active, with $172,500 in total PAC contributions over the period.

Also on the aviation front, the SAFEGUARDS Act would establish dedicated funding for TSA checkpoint technology upgrades. Smiths Detection Inc., a security screening equipment manufacturer, disclosed $150,000 in lobbying across four quarters on this bill. The Smiths Group Services Corporation PAC contributed $10,500 during the period.

National Security: Satellites and Cybersecurity

The Secure Space Act would amend the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Act of 2019 to prohibit the FCC from granting satellite licenses to entities that produce covered communications equipment — effectively targeting Chinese state-affiliated telecom companies. ViaSat Inc. and Fairwinds Technologies both disclosed lobbying activity on the bill.

The Satellite Cybersecurity Act would require a federal report on cybersecurity support for commercial satellite systems. Planet Labs and Astranis Space Technologies both disclosed lobbying on this measure.

Quantum Computing and Consumer Safety

The National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization Act, introduced by Sen. Todd Young (R-IN), would extend and update the 2018 law that established the federal quantum research program. Atom Computing Inc. disclosed $120,000 in lobbying across two quarters on the bill, reflecting industry investment in the reauthorization.

The Alex Gate Safety Act — named after a child fatality involving an unsafe gate, according to PoliScore — would direct the Consumer Product Safety Commission to create safety standards for residential sliding and swinging gates. The Hummingbird Alliance disclosed $70,000 in lobbying on the bill over three quarters, with spending increasing to $30,000 in the Fourth Quarter of 2025 as the markup approached.

Rounding out the Senate Commerce Committee March 2026 agenda: the Regional Ocean Partnerships Reauthorization Act, which would extend NOAA's authority to support state-led coastal management bodies, and a Coast Guard promotion list.

The Details

The business meeting is chaired by Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX), with Sen. Maria Cantwell (D-WA) serving as ranking member. It is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. in 253 Russell Senate Office Building. The 28-member committee includes 15 Republicans and 13 Democrats.

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