Memphis Standard

U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn from Tennessee has announced the successful passage of six bills she sponsored or co-sponsored through the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The legislation, now advancing towards becoming law, aims to address issues ranging from online fraud to national security and economic investment.

Senator Blackburn expressed satisfaction with the progress, stating, “As we face an evolving landscape of threats in the digital space, to our national and economic security, and on the world stage, I’m pleased the Commerce Committee has moved six of my bills one step closer to becoming law. This legislation would help protect Americans from online fraud, strengthen national security, shore up domestic manufacturing, and help ensure the United States remains a top destination for economic investment.”

Among the measures is the Romance Scam Prevention Act, which targets fraud on dating apps, especially protecting senior citizens. The bill mandates fraud notifications for users who engage with profiles removed due to scamming.

The ROUTERS Act, also sponsored by Blackburn, focuses on enhancing U.S. communications security against foreign threats by protecting technologies such as routers and modems used widely by families and businesses.

The Securing Semiconductor Supply Chains Act is co-led by Blackburn and aims to bolster domestic production of semiconductor chips by encouraging investment in U.S. manufacturers and supply chains through the Department of Commerce.

The National Manufacturing Advisory Council Act seeks to form a body of manufacturing, labor, and educational leaders to advise Congress and the Secretary of Commerce on maintaining the U.S. as a key destination for manufacturing investment.

Addressing safety concerns, the Setting Consumer Standards for Lithium-Ion Batteries Act proposes standards for rechargeable batteries used in e-bikes and micromobility devices to prevent fire hazards, with directives for the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

Lastly, the SAFE Orbit Act, co-sponsored by Blackburn, supports commercial space development through the Office of Space Commerce by enhancing data and information dissemination related to space activities and coordination.