Sen Schatz will be top Dem on Senate tech subcommittee

Sen Brian Schatz (D-HI) is the new top Democrat on the Senate Commerce subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet.

Sen Schatz assumes the mantle on the subcommittee after former Sen Mark Pryor (D-AR) was defeated in his reelection race. “In my new role, one of my top priorities will be increasing access to broadband across the country and throughout Hawaii,” Sen Schatz said. “Open and fast Internet access is critical for residents and businesses across the islands and will create high quality jobs and help Hawaii diversify its economy.” Sen Schatz has not been especially vocal on technology policy issues, though he has urged the Commerce Committee to seriously examine the rise of connected devices such as automobiles and kitchen appliances, called the “Internet of Things.”