Press Releases

Press Releases 07/22/2011
Rockefeller Disappointed By House Failure on FAA Extension
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement after Republicans failed to agree on a clean extension of funding for the FAA to stay in operation:
Press Releases 07/21/2011
Rockefeller Calls on FAA Negotiators to Pass Clean Extension and Work Toward Passage of Comprehensive Reauthorization
WASHINGTON, D.C.—In a statement on the Senate floor today, Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV called on his colleagues to pass a clean FAA bill extension to keep America’s aviation system in operation until Congress can negotiate a comprehensive FAA reauthorization bill.
Press Releases 07/21/2011
Key Quotes from Hearing on Reauthorization of Motor Carrier Safety Programs
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Senate Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security Subcommittee today held a hearing on reauthorization of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) programs.
Press Releases 07/21/2011
Rockefeller Remarks on Reauthorization of the Motor Carrier Safety Programs
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The commercial truck and bus industry is a vital part of our nation’s economic strength, allowing goods, services, and people to travel throughout the country. This is especially true in West Virginia, where people and businesses rely on a safe, efficient highway transportation network to support a rural economy.
Press Releases 07/20/2011
Rockefeller, Hutchison Statement on Public Safety Bill CBO Score
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV and Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison released a joint statement today after the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released its score of their bill to create a nationwide public safety communications network for first responders:
Press Releases 07/20/2011
Key Quotes from Hearing on Lessons in Prevention, Response, and Restoration from the Gulf Oil Spill
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Senate Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard Subcommittee today convened a hearing on lessons in prevention, response, and restoration from the Gulf oil spill. The hearing examined the ongoing response to and lessons learned from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. In addition, the Subcommittee addressed the continuing challenges relevant agencies and stakeholders face in the wake of the spill, the state of progress of damage assessment and restoration activities, and recommendations for improving the nation’s oil spill prevention and response capacity, and ensuring the long term successful restoration in the Gulf.
Press Releases 07/20/2011
Boxer, Rockefeller Call for Answers from Dow Jones Editorial Oversight Committee
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, called on the members of the Dow Jones and Company Special Committee to ensure that no News Corporation senior executives at United States properties were aware of or complicit in any wrongdoing in the burgeoning hacking scandal and that no misconduct occurred in our country.
Press Releases 07/20/2011
Rockefeller Remarks on Lessons in Prevention, Response, and Restoration from the Gulf Oil Spill
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The goal of today’s hearing is to get an update on the Deepwater Horizon explosion and subsequent leak that covered 1,600 miles of the Gulf Coast with oil. It’s unacceptable to me that more than a year after the worst environmental disaster in the Gulf, the responsible parties have not yet been held fully accountable. The Gulf of Mexico—the people, the coast, and the wildlife, is still waiting to be fully restored—and may never be.
Press Releases 07/20/2011
Rockefeller, Gillibrand, Schumer, King Stand with 9/11 First Responders to Urge Passage of Public Safety Network Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C.—With first responders across the country operating on different radio frequencies and unable to share critical information in real time, U.S. Senators John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Congressman Peter King (R-N.Y.) today stood with John Feal and 9/11 first responders to make a bipartisan push for Congress to pass the Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act before the upcoming tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
Press Releases 07/20/2011
Key Quotes from Hearing on Building American Transportation Infrastructure Through Innovative Funding
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The Senate Commerce Committee today held a full committee hearing on building American transportation infrastructure through innovative funding. This hearing examined the means by which federal funds can be used to leverage and partner with private sector capital to supplement existing transportation funding and increase overall investment into transportation projects. In addition, the hearing looked at the effects investing in infrastructure projects can have on job creation.
Press Releases 07/20/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Building Transportation Infrastructure Through Innovative Funding
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Americans rely on railways, highways, airways, and waterways to efficiently move goods safely to their destinations. States like West Virginia need sound infrastructure to boost economic development in rural communities. Yet, our transportation infrastructure is showing signs of wear and tear and, frankly, much of it is in disrepair.
Press Releases 07/19/2011
Rockefeller Decries Partisan Assault on America's Aviation System
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today said he is working to strip a provision in the House FAA extension that hurts small communities nationwide. Rockefeller reiterated that the House proposed extension cannot pass the Senate leaving open the possibility for a partial agency shutdown if House Republican leaders do not reconsider their position.
Press Releases 07/15/2011
Rockefeller Statement on House FAA Extension
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement after House Republicans filed an irresponsible FAA extension bill that would slash Essential Air Service Funding for communities nationwide:
Press Releases 07/14/2011
Key Quotes from Hearing on Capturing Economic & Societal Potential on Nanotechnology Investment
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Senate Commerce Committee today convened a Science and Space Subcommittee hearing on capturing the economic and societal potential of nanotechnology investment. The hearing examined the potential of nanotechnology, federal initiatives to coordinate research investments, barriers to commercialization, possible environmental and health risks, and steps Congress can take to improve the return on federal nanotechnology investments.
Press Releases 07/14/2011
Senators Announce Key Industry Support for Bus Safety Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) and Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) today held a press conference to urge their colleagues to support passage of the bipartisan bill, Motorcoach Enhanced Safety Act of 2011, introduced by Senators Hutchison and Brown. Greyhound CEO, David Leach, was also at the press conference to announce his company’s support of this important legislation.
Press Releases 07/14/2011
Rockefeller Remarks on National Nanotechnology Investment: Manufacturing, Commercialization, and Job Creation
WASHINGTON, D.C.—I want to thank you all for being here today to discuss what some have referred to as “the next industrial revolution.” We are at a place today where big advances on technology are happening at a very small level—everything from bio-technology tools to detect early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, to soon reducing your computer’s entire memory to the size of a single tiny chip.
Press Releases 07/13/2011
Boxer, Rockefeller Call for DOJ, SEC Investigation into Whether News Corporation Broke U.S. Laws in Phone Hacking Scandal
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, today called on Attorney General Eric Holder and Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Mary Schapiro to investigate whether News Corporation, which is incorporated in the United States, violated United States law in allegedly bribing police officials to gain access to private telephone information and records.
Press Releases 07/13/2011
Key Quotes from Hearing on Unauthorized Charges Consumers' Telephone Bills
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today convened a full committee hearing on unauthorized charges on consumers’ telephone bills. The hearing examined reports of unauthorized mystery charges being placed on landline telephone bills, a practice commonly referred to as “cramming,” and comes after a yearlong Commerce Committee investigation into cramming and its impact on American consumers. The findings of the Committee’s investigation can be found here.
Press Releases 07/13/2011
Rockefeller Remarks on Unauthorized Charges on Telephone Bills: Why Crammers Win and Consumers Lose
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today’s hearing is about a scam that has cost telephone customers billions of dollars in unauthorized charges since the 1990s. It’s called “cramming.” It refers to the mysterious charges that appear on Americans’ phone bills for services they do not want or use.
Press Releases 07/12/2011
Rockefeller Releases Alarming Findings of Yearlong Committee Investigation Into Mystery Telephone Fees
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today revealed the findings of a yearlong Committee staff investigation into a nationwide epidemic involving mystery fees being placed on consumers’ landline telephone bills without their knowledge or consent.
Press Releases 07/12/2011
Rockefeller Statement on News Corp. Phone Tapping Allegations
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement regarding recent reports that News Corporation’s publication News of the World engaged in phone tapping and other illegal activity:
Press Releases 07/12/2011
Rockefeller Convenes Forum on Illegal Foreclosures Against U.S. Soldiers Deployed Overseas
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) today convened a forum with Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, to examine illegal foreclosures against U.S. service members and their families. At the forum, Chairman Rockefeller stressed the need to get banks and other creditors to follow the law and show U.S. services members the respect they deserve when fighting for America.
Press Releases 07/8/2011
Rockefeller Congratulates NASA on Successful Launch
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today issued the following statement commending NASA on the success of the final shuttle launch:
Press Releases 07/7/2011
Rockefeller Says Smart, Targeted Transportation Infrastructure Investment is the Path Forward
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today issued the following statement in response to a House Republican transportation proposal that makes wide-ranging cuts to critical infrastructure programs and projects across America:
Press Releases 06/29/2011
Kerry, Rockefeller, Franken, Colleagues Fight for Net Neutrality Protections
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senators John Kerry (D-Mass.), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet, and John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.), Chairman of the Commerce Committee, along with eight senior Committee members, today opposed efforts to cut funding to secure an open Internet.
Press Releases 06/29/2011
Key Quotes from Today's Hearing on Privacy and Data Security
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today convened a full committee hearing on privacy and data security. The hearing examined how entities collect, maintain, secure, and use personal information in today’s economy and whether consumers are adequately protected under current law. The Commerce Committee heard from representatives from relevant government agencies as well as business and consumer advocate stakeholders.
Press Releases 06/27/2011
Key Quotes from Today's Field Hearing on Manufacturing Jobs and Export Opportunities
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today convened a full committee hearing in Charleston, West Virginia as part of his ongoing push to create jobs and improve manufacturing throughout the State and the country.
Press Releases 06/27/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Making It In America: Innovate Locally, Export Globally
WASHINGTON, D.C.—I’d like to thank everyone for joining us for this hearing and to welcome you to Charleston. I’d also like to extend my welcome to those joining us at each satellite location across West Virginia.
Press Releases 06/23/2011
Key Quotes from Today's Hearing the U.S. Coast Guard Budget and Oversight
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today held an Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard Subcommittee hearing on the U.S. Coast Guard budget and oversight.
Press Releases 06/23/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Today's U.S. Coast Guard Budget and Oversight Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C—Good morning. As one of our nation’s primary first responders, the Coast Guard is vital to our national security, economic security, public safety, and environment.
Press Releases 06/22/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Says It's Time to Update Rail Policies for the 21st Century & Correct Imbalances in the Industry
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller today testified before the Surface Transportation Board (STB) hearing on rail competition. At the hearing, Rockefeller urged the STB to take action in correcting imbalances in the rail industry.
Press Releases 06/21/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Today's Nominations Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C.—We have two distinguished nominees before us today. First is John Bryson of California. Mr. Bryson is nominated to be the next Secretary of Commerce. Our second nominee, Terry Garcia of Florida, is nominated to be the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Commerce.
Press Releases 06/20/2011
Rockefeller Says New FTC Investigation into Gas Prices Will Help Consumers
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today announced that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has agreed to start an investigation into oil and gasoline markets and the impact on the amount Americans are paying for gas. Rockefeller pushed the FTC to probe this issue back in March.
Press Releases 06/16/2011
Rockefeller Continues Push to Protect Consumers from "Mystery Fees" on Phone Bills
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released the following statement today regarding the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) announcement proposing $11.7 million in penalties against companies involved in “cramming.”
Press Releases 06/16/2011
Rockefeller Joins White House for Public Safety Network Discussion
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Following a White House discussion today on the benefits of building a nationwide wireless broadband network for first responders, Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV is urging Senate colleagues to not delay on voting to approve S. 911, the Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act.
Press Releases 06/15/2011
Pryor, Rockefeller Introduce Legislation to Protect Consumers' Personal Information and Prevent Identity Theft
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senators Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) and John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) today reintroduced legislation to require businesses and nonprofit organizations that store consumers’ personal information to put in place strong security features to safeguard sensitive data, alert consumers when this data has been breached, and provide affected individuals with the tools they need to protect their credit and finances. Currently, there is no single federal standard for guarding many types of consumer information.
Press Releases 06/15/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Continues Push to Eliminate Waste, Fraud and Abuse in Government Programs
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV wrote the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Inspector General, Alison Lerner, on the importance of protecting taxpayer dollars from misuse. On Thursday, Inspector General Lerner is hosting a workshop to discuss preventing fraud in one of the federal government’s most important advanced technology initiatives, the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.
Press Releases 06/15/2011
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Houston Chronicle Op-ed - Let's Give First Responders Tools Needed to Save Lives
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV and Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison today authored an op-ed in the Houston Chronicle on the urgent need to provide America’s first responders with a nationwide wireless network to help them do their job. Rockefeller and Hutchison are leading the charge in the Senate to pass legislation, the Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act, which would create a nationwide, interoperable public safety broadband network recommended by the 9/11 Commission.
Press Releases 06/14/2011
Key Quotes from Today's Hearing on Emerging Threats to Rail Security
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a full committee hearing today on emerging threats to rail security.
Press Releases 06/14/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Emerging Threats to Rail Security
WASHINGTON, D.C.—When we talk about terrorist attacks on the United States, airplanes are the first image that comes to mind. Why? Because the horrors that took place in New York, Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon on 9/11 all involved deadly attacks involving planes. What we don’t hear much about is maintaining the security of our surface transportation system—specifically, our rail networks. Too often, this gets lost when we talk about security.
Press Releases 06/14/2011
Rockefeller Says White House Public Safety Meeting Will Advance Bipartisan Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV praised the Administration today on its plans to host a White House meeting on Thursday with national, state and local public safety representatives on the need to provide first responders with the first ever nationwide, interoperable communications network.
Press Releases 06/9/2011
Rockefeller Bill Will Help Prevent Kids From Swallowing Hazardous Mini Batteries
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today introduced a bill to reduce the risk of injury or death to children from ingestion of button cell batteries. This common-sense bill would make it harder for children to access these tiny batteries by making battery compartments in consumer products more secure.
Press Releases 06/9/2011
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg Endorses Rockefeller-Hutchison Public Safety Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C.—New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg this week announced that he is supporting efforts by Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV and Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison to give first responders a dedicated nationwide communications network.
Press Releases 06/8/2011
Commerce Committee Approves Public Safety Network Bill - Now Heads to Senate Floor
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV and Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison today led their Commerce Committee colleagues in sending S. 911, the Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act, to the full Senate for consideration. The bill to build a nationwide communications network for first responders was overwhelmingly approved by the Commerce Committee by a 21-4 vote and is now one step closer to becoming law.
Press Releases 06/8/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Today's Executive Session
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Good morning, and welcome to today’s executive session. We have some very important bills on the agenda, and I know my colleagues will spend time speaking about them. I’m going to use my time to talk about one: S. 911, the Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act. As I’ve made clear, passing this bill is my top priority this year. This bill marries smart spectrum policy with good public policy. It is a bipartisan, commonsense bill that will give our first responders the tools they need to do their jobs.
Press Releases 05/31/2011
Rockefeller Says Bus Industry Not Doing Enough on Safety
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today urged swift passage of legislation to improve the safety of buses traveling on America’s roads. This comes in the wake of two fatal bus crashes over the holiday weekend.
Press Releases 05/31/2011
Rockefeller Praises Secretary of Commerce Nominee
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement on the nomination of John Bryson to be Secretary of Commerce:
Press Releases 05/26/2011
Rockefeller Says Children's Online Safety Should Be Top Priority
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement about Facebook:
Press Releases 05/24/2011
Key Quotes from Today's Hearing on Air Traffic Control Safety Oversight
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held an Aviation Operations, Safety and Security Subcommittee hearing today on oversight of air traffic control safety.
Press Releases 05/24/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Air Traffic Control Safety Oversight
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Good afternoon and thank you, Senator Cantwell. This is Senator Cantwell’s first hearing as Chairwoman of the Aviation Subcommittee. She’s picked a timely and important topic.
Press Releases 05/24/2011
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT - Rockefeller: First Responders Need High-Speed Network
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today authored an op-ed in Roll Call on the urgent need to provide America’s first responders with a nationwide wireless network to help them do their job. Rockefeller is currently championing legislation, the Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act, which would create a public safety communications network recommended by the 9/11 Commission.
Press Releases 05/24/2011
Rockefeller Report Concludes That Health Insurance Companies Could Owe Consumers as Much as $2 Billion This Year
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released a new report demonstrating that provisions in last year’s health reform law could save consumers across the country billions of dollars this year. This marks the first time that estimated savings from the medical loss ratio (MLR) provisions of the reform law have been quantified using the insurance companies own data.
Press Releases 05/23/2011
NYT: Congress Should Heed Warnings of 9/11 Commission and Improve Communications for First Responders
WASHINGTON, D.C.—As the tenth anniversary of 9/11 approaches, the New York Times today editorialized on the need for a dedicated, nationwide communications system for first responders.
Press Releases 05/19/2011
Key Quotes from Today's Hearing on Consumer Privacy and Protection in the Mobile Marketplace
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a Consumer Protection, Product Safety and Insurance Subcommittee hearing today on consumer privacy and protection in the mobile marketplace.
Press Releases 05/19/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Consumer Privacy and Protection in the Mobile Marketplace
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Thank you, Chairman Pryor, for holding this important hearing. There are 234 million mobile devices in use today. Seventy five percent of teenagers own a cell phone. And 72 percent of parents say they have slept with their cell phones.
Press Releases 05/18/2011
Rockefeller Questions Tech Companies on Compliance with Children's Online Privacy Law
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today announced that he is asking Apple, Google and Association for Competitive Technology (ACT) executives to show whether the applications running on their mobile platforms are in compliance with children’s online privacy law.
Press Releases 05/18/2011
Key Quotes from Today's Hearing on Contributions of Space to National Imperatives
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a Science and Space Subcommittee hearing today on contributions of space to national imperatives.
Press Releases 05/18/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Contributions of Space to National Imperatives
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Next week is the 50th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s historic address before a special joint session of Congress. In that address, the president famously challenged the nation to send a man to the moon.
Press Releases 05/17/2011
Rockefeller, Schumer, Boxer, Klobuchar, Gillibrand Call for Swift Passage of Public Safety Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Senators John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.), Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) today called on colleagues in the House and Senate to join them in passing legislation to provide America’s first responders with lifesaving communications tools before the tenth anniversary of 9/11.
Press Releases 05/12/2011
Rockefeller, Snowe Release Statements on White House Cyber Proposal
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Senator Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) today released the following statements after the White House released its cybersecurity proposal:
Press Releases 05/12/2011
Rockefeller Says Jobs & Highway Safety Should Come Before Mexican Border Trucking Plan
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today announced that he is asking the Obama Administration to be sure that new regulations on trucks carrying freight from Mexico into the United States do not jeopardize safety or existing jobs in the United States.
Press Releases 05/12/2011
Rockefeller Calls on SEC to Make Corporate Cyber Attacks Public
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) today called on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to clarify corporate disclosure requirements for cybersecurity breaches so that the American public can learn more about when hackers make efforts to penetrate companies’ computer systems.
Press Releases 05/11/2011
Key Quotes from Today's Hearing on Manufacturing Our Way to a Stronger Economy
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a full committee hearing today on manufacturing our way to a stronger economy.
Press Releases 05/11/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Manufacturing Our Way to a Stronger Economy
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Welcome to today’s hearing. Manufacturing has been and will continue to be a focus of this Committee for a simple reason—this country is most innovative and successful when its people are working and its production base is strong.
Press Releases 05/11/2011
Rockefeller & Lautenberg Introduce Bill to Spark Infrastructure Investment, Job-Creation
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) and Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-N.J.) introduced legislation that would use federal investment in transportation infrastructure to create jobs and new opportunities for millions of Americans. The American Infrastructure Investment Fund Act of 2011 would start a $5 billion fund to drive private investment in transportation infrastructure by using a variety of tools, such as loans and loan guarantees, to provide eligible projects financial assistance, thereby incentivizing the private sector to do the same. Senator Lautenberg is Chairman of the Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security Subcommittee.
Press Releases 05/11/2011
Rockefeller Tells FTC That Bogus Billing on Consumer Landline Phones is a Major Problem
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV wrote Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman Jon Leibowitz that unauthorized third-party charges on telephone bills remain a major problem for American consumers and businesses and that further action is needed to put an end to it.
Press Releases 05/10/2011
Key Quotes from Today's Hearing on Are Our Ports Secure? Examining the Transportation Worker ID Credential Program
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a full committee hearing today titled Are Our Nation’s Ports Secure? Examining the Transportation Worker ID Credential (TWIC) Program.
Press Releases 05/10/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Are Our Nation's Ports Secure? Examining the Transportation Worker ID Credential Program
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Good afternoon. One of my top priorities as Chairman of this Committee is to make sure we’re doing everything in our power to protect our nation’s transportation systems and keep them safe from attack.
Press Releases 05/9/2011
Rockefeller Introduces Do-Not-Track Online Act
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today introduced the Do-Not-Track Online Act of 2011, a bill to give consumers the ability to opt out of having their online activities tracked by Internet companies.
Press Releases 05/6/2011
Rockefeller Announces Do-Not-Track Legislation to Protect Consumers When They Are Online
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV announced today that he will introduce legislation to provide consumers with the capability to better protect their personal information from being collected and used by online companies. The announcement comes as the Committee is also working on comprehensive legislation to increase cybersecurity following scores of high-profile hacking incidents against individuals, government and the private sector. Rockefeller said he would introduce his Do-Not-Track Online Act of 2011 next week.
Press Releases 05/5/2011
Executive Session Summary
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held an executive session and favorably reported out the following legislation and nominations:
Press Releases 05/5/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Today's Executive Session
WASHINGTON, D.C.—We have a full docket today, and some very important bills up for consideration: bills that will help save lives, protect property and preserve our oceans and fragile ecosystems. I want to briefly summarize the bills and accepted amendments. We have eight bills and several nominations to consider today.
Press Releases 05/3/2011
Key Quotes from Today's Hearing on America's Natural Disaster Preparedness: Are Federal Investments Paying Off?
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a full committee hearing today titled America's Natural Disaster Preparedness: Are Federal Investments Paying Off?
Press Releases 05/3/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on America's Natural Disaster Preparedness: Are Federal Investments Paying Off?
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Good afternoon. I want to welcome our distinguished panel of witnesses. Thank you for testifying before the Committee. And a special welcome to Bob Ryan, who so many in the Washington, D.C. region depend on for their weather news. Some may not know that his forecasts and alerts are critical to many in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle. Thank you for being here today.
Press Releases 05/2/2011
In Case You Missed It - NYPD: Osama Bin Laden Death Shows Need for Better Network
NYPD Deputy Chief Charles Dowd on Monday welcomed news that Osama Bin Laden “has received justice”—but stressed it only underscores the need for a new, nationwide data network for police officers and firefighters.
Press Releases 05/2/2011
Rockefeller Stresses Need to Make Good on 9/11 Commission Report, Improve Public Safety Communications
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today reiterated America’s need for a nationwide public safety communications network:
Press Releases 05/2/2011
Rockefeller Delivers Major Address on the Importance of Upgrading Our Transportation System
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today spoke at the International Transportation and Economic Development Conference (I-TED) in Charleston, West Virginia. At the conference, he discussed the importance of transportation to West Virginia and the country and the need to make tough choices to upgrade our transportation infrastructure.
Press Releases 04/28/2011
Rockefeller Announces Hearing on Mobile Consumer Protection and Privacy
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today announced the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a hearing on consumer protection and privacy in the mobile marketplace in May:
Press Releases 04/21/2011
Rockefeller Says Restoration Payment Must Be Accompanied By New Legislation to Help Prevent Future Spills
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement today after BP agreed to spend an additional $1 billion for the Gulf Coast region to repair damage caused by the spill. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which is under the jurisdiction of the Commerce Committee, will participate in the restoration by working on behalf of the public to fix the damage done to publicly owned resources.
Press Releases 04/20/2011
Rockefeller Presses for Legislative Action on the One-year Mark of the BP Oil Spill
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released this statement one year after the BP oil spill:
Press Releases 04/18/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Statement on the Confirmation of Ann D. Begeman to the Surface Transportation Board
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released this statement on the Senate confirmation of Ann D. Begeman to be a member of the Surface Transportation Board:
Press Releases 04/18/2011
Commerce Committee Investigation Reveals That Medical Companies Wrongly Deny Patients Critical Tests
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released a report with the findings of a year-long Commerce Committee staff investigation that found a pattern of inappropriate denials for medically necessary advanced imaging tests for Americans suffering from heart disease. Rockefeller started the investigation following news reports in March, 2010 suggesting that Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware (BCBSD) were denying patients critical nuclear cardiac stress tests.
Press Releases 04/13/2011
Key Quotes from Today's Hearing on NOAA's FY 2012 Budget Request and Oversight
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held an Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and the Coast Guard Subcommittee hearing today on NOAA’s FY 2012 budget request and oversight.
Press Releases 04/13/2011
Rockefeller Warns FAA on Sleeping Air Traffic Controllers
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement after an incident at Reno-Tahoe International Airport where another air traffic controller fell asleep while a medical flight carrying a patient was attempting to land:
Press Releases 04/13/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Today's Hearing on NOAA's FY 2012 Budget Request and Oversight
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) touches the lives of every American every day. Businesses, families and communities turn to NOAA for weather forecasts, severe weather warnings, cutting-edge research, coastal management and ocean mapping to conduct business, protect property and save lives.
Press Releases 04/8/2011
Rockefeller Statement on House Net Neutrality Resolution
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released this statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution aimed at negating the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) recent network neutrality rules:
Press Releases 04/5/2011
Key Quotes from Today's Hearing on Closing the Digital Divide for Native Nations and Communities
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a full committee hearing today titled Closing the Digital Divide: Connecting Native Nations and Communities to the 21st Century.
Press Releases 04/5/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Closing the Digital Divide: Connecting Native Nations and Communities to the 21st Century
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Access to modern communications is not a luxury. It's a right. All people, no matter who they are or where they live, deserve access to basic telephone service, wireless service and broadband. Without access to these services, too many of our citizens will be left on the wrong side of the digital divide and denied the kind of job opportunities, educational development, health care options and personal safety that modern communications networks can provide.
Press Releases 04/5/2011
Key Quotes from Today's Hearing on Tourism in America: Removing Barriers and Promoting Growth
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a Competitiveness, Innovation, and Export Promotion Subcommittee hearing today titled Tourism in America: Removing Barriers and Promoting Growth.
Press Releases 04/5/2011
Rockefeller Cautions LaHood on Air Traffic Control at National Airport
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today sent a letter to Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood expressing concern about air traffic controller staffing levels nationwide and the possible threat to passenger safety. This follows a recent incident at Washington National Airport (DCA) where two planes landed without clearance after they experienced radio silence from the DCA control tower.
Press Releases 04/5/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Tourism in America: Removing Barriers and Promoting Growth
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Good morning. I want to thank Senator Klobuchar for holding this important hearing today. Travel and tourism represent a significant part of America’s economy, supporting millions of jobs, and bringing in billions of dollars of revenue. But the U.S. travel industry has taken a hit in the last decade.
Press Releases 04/4/2011
Rockefeller Says FAA Bill Crucial to Airline Safety
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released the following statement regarding cracks found in the fuselages of three Southwest Airlines aircraft:
Press Releases 04/4/2011
Rockefeller, Lautenberg Press for Pipeline Safety Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-N.J.), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security, today urged their colleagues to support legislation to strengthen pipeline safety oversight. Their call for quick legislative action comes on the heels of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Ray LaHood’s launch of a national pipeline safety initiative. The launch of DOT’s pipeline safety action plan dovetails with legislation re-introduced earlier this year by Senators Rockefeller and Lautenberg to address long-standing safety issues in America’s pipeline network.
Press Releases 04/1/2011
Rockefeller Statement on House Passage of FAA Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released this statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2011 (H.R. 658):
Press Releases 03/31/2011
Rockefeller Probe Into Bogus Charges on Consumer Phone Bills Expands
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today sent letters to five additional U.S. telephone companies to better understand their awareness of “cramming,” a deceptive practice that involves placing unauthorized third-party charges on consumers’ telephone bills. These letters are part of an ongoing Commerce Committee investigation into the small charges—generally between $10 and $20—that millions of American consumers and businesses find on their monthly phone bills.
Press Releases 03/30/2011
Rockefeller Welcomes Growing Support for Providing Critical Resources for Public Safety Communications
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released the following statement today after hearings in the House and Senate revealed growing and strong support for his push to set aside spectrum to improve the ability of fire fighters, police officers and other first responders to communicate with one another in an emergency.
Press Releases 03/30/2011
Key Quotes from Today's Hearing on Ensuring the Safety of Our Nation's Motorcoach Passengers
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security Subcommittee hearing today on ensuring the safety of our nation’s motorcoach passengers.
Press Releases 03/30/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on the Safety of Our Nation's Motorcoach Passengers
WASHINGTON, D.C.—When Americans travel to work, visit their families, or conduct business, they expect to arrive at their destinations safely and without incident. And whether they travel by plane, train, or bus, their transportation providers have a responsibility to make sure their equipment is safe and their operators and drivers are trained and rested.
Press Releases 03/30/2011
Rockefeller Statement on FTC-Google Settlement
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released this statement after the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced it reached a settlement with Google over the rollout of its Buzz social network:
Press Releases 03/30/2011
Rockefeller Asks DOT for More Aggressive Child Car Seat Testing
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) today asked U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Ray LaHood to do more “to protect children from injury or death in car crashes.”
Press Releases 03/25/2011
Rockefeller, Cantwell Fight Gas Pricing Fraud
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) today joined Senator Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) in urging the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to fully utilize its authority to make sure that American consumers are paying a fair price for gas. Gas prices have spiked recently, hurting families from coast to coast and threatening economic recovery.
Press Releases 03/24/2011
Rockefeller: DOT IG Report Confirms Flaws in Grassley-Issa Investigation
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today sent a letter to U.S. Transportation Department (DOT) Secretary Ray LaHood expressing new concerns about an investigative report that the offices of Senator Charles Grassley and Chairman Darrell Issa released last September. The Grassley-Issa report alleged that senior Amtrak officials violated various federal laws when they “removed” former Amtrak Inspector General Fred Weiderhold from his post in June 2009. A new independent review of this matter, conducted by the Office of Inspector General, contradicts the central findings of the Grassley-Issa report and reveals other troubling errors and omissions in the report.
Press Releases 03/24/2011
Rockefeller Statement on DCA Silent Air Traffic Control Tower
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement today following an incident at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) where two passenger jets were forced to land without clearance or guidance from the control tower.
Press Releases 03/20/2011
Rockefeller Says Leave No Stone Unturned in Reviewing AT&T's Buyout of T-Mobile
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today issued the following statement following the announcement that AT&T intends to purchase T-Mobile USA:
Press Releases 03/17/2011
Key Quotes from Today's Hearing on Investing in Federal R&D to Spur American Job Growth and Innovation
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a Science and Space Subcommittee hearing today on investing in federal R&D.
Press Releases 03/17/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Investing in Federal R&D
WASHINGTON, D.C. — America’s expertise in science, technology and innovation has made us a leader in the global economy. But our role as a global leader is being challenged, and we need to be smart about how to maintain our competitive edge.
Press Releases 03/16/2011
Key Quotes from Today's Hearing on the State of Online Consumer Privacy
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a full committee hearing today on the state of online consumer privacy.
Press Releases 03/16/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on the State of Consumer Online Privacy
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Welcome to all of our witnesses. Today’s hearing is the first in a series of hearings this Committee will hold on consumer privacy in the 112th Congress.
Press Releases 03/15/2011
Key Quotes from Today's Hearing on Realizing NASA's Potential: Programmatic Challenges in the 21st Century
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a full committee hearing today titled Realizing NASA's Potential: Programmatic Challenges in the 21st Century.
Press Releases 03/15/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Realizing NASA's Potential: Programmatic Challenges in the 21st Century
WASHINGTON, D.C.—I would like to welcome all of our witnesses here this afternoon to discuss NASA’s progress and challenges in implementing the NASA Authorization Act of 2010. No conversation on implementation, however, would be complete without also discussing the destructive impact that sporadic funding is having on NASA’s mission and priorities.
Press Releases 03/15/2011
Rockefeller Urges Insurance Commissioners to Preserve the Strong Consumer Protections in the Health Care Reform Law
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, sent a letter today to the President of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) urging state insurance regulators to oppose giving health insurance agents and brokers a special exemption from an important pro-consumer provision of the health care reform law. The letter provides a detailed analysis of why exempting agent and broker commissions from the law’s “minimum medical loss ratio” requirements could cost individuals and businesses more than a billion dollars in lost rebates and premiums reductions. The National Association of Health Underwriters (NAHU) and Florida Insurance Commissioner Kevin McCarty are lobbying NAIC members to endorse this special agent and broker exemption at the NAIC’s upcoming meeting in Austin, Texas.
Press Releases 03/11/2011
Rockefeller Disappointed By Breakdown of NFL Negotiations
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released the following statement after the National Football League’s Players Association filed to decertify:
Press Releases 03/11/2011
Rockefeller Says Japan Tsunami Is a Reminder That Gutting Essential NOAA Prediction Programs Would Be Disastrous
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today expressed his sorrow and condolences to the people affected by the horrific tsunami in Japan and pressed for continued investments in America’s premier weather prediction and ocean science agency, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA):
Press Releases 03/10/2011
Rockefeller Urges Senators to Support Public Safety Communications Legislation Before the Ten Year Anniversary of 9/11
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today spoke on the floor of the U.S. Senate urging Members of Congress to pass legislation that would provide public safety officials with the spectrum they need to communicate during emergencies. The Chairman’s remarks as prepared for delivery follow:
Press Releases 03/10/2011
Key Quotes from Today's Nominations Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a full committee hearing today on nominations.
Press Releases 03/10/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks at Today's Nominations Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today we will consider four nominations. While normally we would start with the nominees who report to the president, I’ve decided to run today’s hearing a bit differently.
Press Releases 03/9/2011
Rockefeller Praises Locke, Encourages White House to Name Agressive Commerce Secretary
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, released the following statement after President Obama named Commerce Department Secretary Gary Locke to be U.S. Ambassador to China:
Press Releases 03/8/2011
Key Quotes from Today's Hearing to Review the Department of Transportation Fiscal Year 2012 Budget
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a full committee hearing today to review the Department of Transportation fiscal year 2012 budget.
Press Releases 03/8/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks at Hearing to Review the Department of Transportation FY2012 Budget
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Infrastructure development has played an integral part to our nation’s expansion, economic development and growth. I think it is important to note that the federal government has always been the driving force in the development of our transportation networks – from the first outlays of money to build canals in the early days of the Republic, to creating the conditions for the development of railroads in the 19th century, to the development of the interstate highway and aviation system in the 20th century.
Press Releases 03/8/2011
Key Quotes from Today's Hearing on Implementation of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held an Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard Subcommittee hearing today titled Implementation of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
Press Releases 03/8/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Implementation of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act
WASHINGTON, D.C.—First, I want to congratulate Senator Begich, the new Chairman of this subcommittee, Senator Snowe, the returning Ranking Member, and welcome all the new and returning members of this subcommittee. The Coast Guard, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and our oceans are in very good hands here.
Press Releases 03/3/2011
Rockefeller Says Balance in America's Freight Rail Network Must Be Restored
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) released a report on the quality of service provided to rail shippers:
Press Releases 03/3/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Urges NFL, Players to Keep Talks Going
WASHINGTON, D.C.–Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released this statement urging the NFL and players to temporarily extend the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA)–and buy more time for negotiations:
Press Releases 03/3/2011
Rockefeller, Lautenberg Lead Effort to Reject Republican Cuts to Passenger Rail Service and Amtrak
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) and Surface Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Frank R. Lautenberg (D-N.J.) today called on Senate Appropriations Committee leaders to protect funding for Amtrak, high-speed rail corridors and intercity passenger rail service, which are under attack by House Republicans. Lautenberg is the author of the 2008 Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act to enhance Amtrak and broaden the passenger rail programs.
Press Releases 03/2/2011
Quotes from Today's Hearing on the Future of American Manufacturing: Maintaining America's Competitive Edge
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a full committee hearing today titled, The Future of American Manufacturing: Maintaining America's Competitive Edge.
Press Releases 03/2/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on the Future of American Manufacturing: Maintaining America's Competitive Edge
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Welcome to today’s hearing. I’m pleased Commerce Secretary Gary Locke is here to share his ideas on the future of American manufacturing. I’d also like to welcome Congressman Steny Hoyer. As House Minority Whip, Congressman Hoyer has been leading the charge to strengthen America’s middle class by “Making it in America” again.
Press Releases 03/2/2011
Rockefeller Says Budget Should Not Defund Consumer Safety Priorities
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today called a proposal to cut funding for a product safety database not only a “bad idea” but a “bum deal for American consumers.”
Press Releases 02/25/2011
Rockefeller and Hutchison Announce Subcommittee Assignments
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) and Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) today announced the full list of subcommittee assignments for the 112th Congress:
Press Releases 02/25/2011
Rockefeller Op-Ed Asks NFL to Show Good Faith Effort to Break Labor Impasse
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today encouraged National Football League (NFL) Commissioner Roger Goodell to find a way to give the NFL Player’s Association more information on the league’s finances. In a Washington Post op-ed published today, the senator said this gesture could help avert a strike. Today’s column comes amid new reports of stalled collective bargaining negotiations between team owners and NFL players.
Press Releases 02/17/2011
Rockefeller, Hutchison Say FAA Passage Will Create Jobs, Make Air Travel Safer
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Commerce Committee Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) and Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) issued the following statements after Senate passage of the FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 87-8.
Press Releases 02/17/2011
Commerce Expands Deposition Procedures as Part of Aggressive Oversight Role for 112th Session
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today held a business meeting to approve new expedited procedures to conduct witness depositions. Under the new rules, Chairman Rockefeller can now authorize committee staff to interview witnesses under oath during committee investigations. The new rules also give Republican Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison and her staff the right to participate in these depositions.
Press Releases 02/17/2011
Rockefeller and Hutchison Announce Subcommittee Chairs and Ranking Members
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) and Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) today announced the Subcommittee Chairmen and Ranking Members for the 112th Congress.
Press Releases 02/16/2011
Quotes from Today's Hearing on Safeguarding Our Future: Building a Nationwide Network for First Responders
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a full committee hearing today titled, Safeguarding Our Future: Building a Nationwide Network for First Responders.
Press Releases 02/16/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Safeguarding Our Future: Building a Nationwide Network for First Responders
WASHINGTON, D.C.—This fall marks the tenth anniversary of 9/11. Despite the passage of time, the horror and the deep sadness that marks that day has not faded from our national consciousness. And that’s appropriate, because these are wounds that even if they heal will always cause us pain.
Press Releases 02/15/2011
Rockefeller's Bill Gains Support of Every Major National Public Safety Organization
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Support for Chairman Rockefeller’s Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act (S. 28) continues to grow. The Chairman's proposal to allocate 10 megahertz of the 700 MHz spectrum known as the "D-block" to public safety officials for a nationwide, interoperable, wireless broadband network has been embraced by national and local public safety organizations.
Press Releases 02/11/2011
Rockefeller and Lautenberg Statement on Need for Increased Pipeline Safety
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) and Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-N.J.), longtime Chairman of the Surface Transportation Subcommittee, today released a joint statement about the need for increased pipeline safety oversight following two gas pipeline explosions this week: one in Allentown, Pa., that resulted in five deaths, and another in Columbiana County, Ohio. In addition, a September 2010 gas pipeline explosion killed eight people in a San Bruno, Calif. neighborhood.
Press Releases 02/11/2011
Reviews Are in on the Rockefeller Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV recently reintroduced legislation to promote smart and efficient use of the nation’s radio airwaves and provide first responders and public safety officials with additional wireless resources to keep America safe. The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), and Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.).
Press Releases 02/10/2011
Rockefeller Statement Following President Obama's Commitment to Communications for First Responders
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released the following statement today after President Obama committed to developing and deploying a nationwide wireless broadband network for public safety:
Press Releases 02/10/2011
Rockefeller, Lautenberg Legislation Will Reform America's Rail, Highway and Waterway Systems
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) and Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-N.J.), longtime Chairman of the Surface Transportation Subcommittee, today will reintroduce legislation to establish a transportation policy to meet America’s 21st century needs. Their bill, the Federal Surface Transportation Policy and Planning Act of 2011, would establish a clear set of goals and objectives for the Department of Transportation (DOT) to develop a surface transportation system that advances our nation’s economic, energy, and national security interests. The bill would accomplish this chiefly by establishing performance criteria to optimize implementation of DOT goals, by improving data collection, and by requiring States to report on the use of their Federal funding.
Press Releases 02/8/2011
Rockefeller Says NHTSA Efforts to Implement Provisions of His Motor Vehicle Safety Legislation Will Make American Roads Safer
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today applauded the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for taking steps to improve vehicle safety on America’s roadways. NHTSA’s announcement comes after NASA released its findings of an investigation into sudden unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.
Press Releases 02/8/2011
Rockefeller Applauds Obama Administration High-Speed Rail and Infrastructure Investment Plan
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released the following statement today after Vice President Joe Biden and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced a six year plan to build out America’s high-speed rail network and lay the groundwork for long-term infrastructure investment:
Press Releases 02/8/2011
Rockefeller Applauds FCC's Vote to Move Forward on USF Reform
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today issued this statement after the FCC voted to initiate a rulemaking to reform the Universal Service Fund (USF):
Press Releases 02/3/2011
Rockefeller Vows to Fight Any Proposal to End Essential Air Service Program
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today vowed to fight “tooth and nail” to protect the Essential Air Service (EAS) program, a program that provides critical funding to support commercial air service to underserved, rural communities across the country. Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.) has introduced an amendment to end the job-supporting EAS program.
Press Releases 02/3/2011
Lautenberg, Rockefeller Introduce Critical Pipeline Safety Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, and Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.), Chairman of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, introduced legislation to improve pipeline safety efforts nationwide. The bill strengthens pipeline safety oversight by the federal government and addresses long-standing safety issues, including the use of automatic shutoff valves and excess flow valves.
Press Releases 02/1/2011
Rockefeller Says Health Care Reform Vote Should Not Hijack FAA Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, released the following statement today striking back at the Republican plan to repeal the health care reform law on the back of the FAA Reauthorization bill. The FAA Reauthorization bill is the first jobs bill of the 112th Congress.
Press Releases 02/1/2011
Rockefeller Says Consumers Will Benefit from FAA Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Commerce Committee Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today joined several other Senate Democrats and the president of the U.S. Travel Association at a press conference to discuss the benefits the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization bill will provide to consumers. The legislation is the first jobs bill of the 112th Congress.
Press Releases 01/31/2011
Rockefeller's FAA Bill Will Create Jobs and Support Local Communities
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Commerce Committee Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today touted the economic benefits of his FAA bill – the first jobs bill of the 112th Congress. The comprehensive, bipartisan, job-creating legislation passed the U.S. Senate last year, 93-0.
Press Releases 01/28/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Introduces Legislation to Improve Air Safety, Modernize Nation's Air Traffic Control System
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation has introduced the FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act. It is the same bill that passed the U.S. Senate last year, 93-0.
Press Releases 01/27/2011
Rockefeller Bill Provides Relief to Families of Deepwater Horizon Victims
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV introduced legislation to provide relief to families of those killed and injured in the Deepwater Horizon explosion last year. The legislation, known as the Deepwater Horizon Survivors’ Fairness Act, fixes loopholes in liability statutes so that victims’ families can receive the same compensation available to survivors of those injured or killed in accidents on land. The bill is cosponsored by Senators Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.).
Press Releases 01/26/2011
Rockefeller Says His Railroad Reform Bill Will Increase Competition - Helping Consumers and Shippers
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today said that his bill to reform the rail industry will improve rail service, create new jobs and make the industry and U.S. goods more competitive both here and abroad.
Press Releases 01/25/2011
Rockefeller Praises President Obama's State of the Union Priorities
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV tonight praised the priorities outlined in President Obama’s State of the Union address. The Senator also announced the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee will hold a hearing on boosting American manufacturing in the coming weeks as part of a larger effort to emphasize innovation and an economic revival.
Press Releases 01/25/2011
Rockefeller Reintroduces Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today reintroduced the Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act, a bill to promote smart and efficient use of the nation’s radio airwaves and provide first responders and public safety officials with additional wireless resources to keep America safe. The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), and Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.).
Press Releases 01/21/2011
Rockefeller, Waxman Statement on Verizon's Net Neutrality Appeal
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Representative Henry A. Waxman, Ranking Member of the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce, released the following statement after Verizon Communications filed an appeal challenging the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Report and Order on Net neutrality rules:
Press Releases 01/20/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Announces Legislative Agenda for 2011
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today announced his priorities and goals for the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation in the 112th Congress:
Press Releases 01/18/2011
Rockefeller Statement on FCC Approval of Comcast-NBC Universal Merger
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released this statement after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved the merger of Comcast Corporation and NBC Universal:
Press Releases 01/14/2011
Rockefeller and Lautenberg Statements on Rail Safety Technology Report
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security, today responded to the Government Accountability Office (GAO)’s report on rail safety technology. The report assesses the Federal Railroad Administration’s and the rail industry’s progress implementing positive train control (PTC), a system designed to prevent accidents, and evaluates the benefits and challenges of implementing other rail safety technologies.
Press Releases 01/14/2011
Rockefeller Statement on Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison's Decision Not to Seek Reelection
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement after Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison announced her decision not to seek reelection in 2012:
Press Releases 01/12/2011
Senate Commerce Committee Members Respond to NASA Report
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senate Commerce Committee Members, including Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.), Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Senator Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), and Senator David Vitter (R-La.), today issued a joint statement responding to a NASA report this week in which the space agency says it cannot build a capsule and heavy-lift rocket based on the cost and schedule outlined by Congress:
Press Releases 01/12/2011
Rockefeller and Snowe Ask NASA to Eliminate Waste and Fraud in SBIR Program
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Senator Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, today responded to the NASA Inspector General’s audit of its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. The audit found that NASA is wasting more than $2 million a year in SBIR funds because it does not have adequate financial controls in place to safeguard taxpayer dollars.
Press Releases 01/11/2011
Rockefeller Statement on STB Announcement to Hold Public Hearing on Competitiveness in the Rail Industry
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement today following the Surface Transportation Board’s (STB) announcement to hold a public hearing on the state of competition in America’s railroad industry:
Press Releases 12/21/2010
Chairman Rockefeller Statement on FCC Approval of Net Neutrality Rules
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released a statement today following the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) approval of rules governing net neutrality. The rules are aimed at preventing Internet providers from interfering with web traffic.
Press Releases 12/21/2010
Chairman Rockefeller's Statement on Nomination of Ms. Ann Begeman to the Surface Transportation Board
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released this statement following President Obama’s nomination of Ms. Ann Begeman to be a Surface Transportation Board Member:
Press Releases 12/17/2010
Rockefeller & Lautenberg Applaud Proposal to Stop Unsafe Cell Phone Use By Truck and Bus Drivers
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ), Chairman of the Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security Subcommittee, issued the following statements in response to the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) proposed rule to prohibit the use of hand-held mobile telephones by drivers of commercial motor vehicles, including trucks and buses.
Press Releases 12/17/2010
Chairman Rockefeller Hails Senate Passage of America COMPETES Act
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released this statement following Senate passage of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010:
Press Releases 12/17/2010
Chairman Rockefeller Announces Investigation into Telephone "Mystery Charges"
WASHINGTON, DC — Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today announced that the Senate Commerce Committee is conducting an investigation into “cramming,” a deceptive practice that involves placing unauthorized “mystery charges” on telephone bills.
Press Releases 12/16/2010
Rockefeller Statement on Commerce Department Privacy Report
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Commerce released a report that addresses today’s online privacy challenges and offers recommendations to tackle these challenges.
Press Releases 12/15/2010
Chairman Rockefeller's E-Commerce Bill Clears Congress
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today lauded final congressional passage of his legislation to protect consumers from online scams. The legislation, the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act, cleared the U.S. House of Representatives today and now heads to President Obama’s desk.
Press Releases 12/14/2010
Chairman Rockefeller Urges House Passage of Bipartisan, Consumer Protection Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today urged the U.S. House of Representatives to vote in favor of a critical, bipartisan consumer protection bill that would save Americans hundreds of millions of dollars.
Press Releases 12/9/2010
Rockefeller Statement on HHS Guidance on Mini Med Policy Disclosures
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement after the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) issued its guidance for mini med policy disclosures:
Press Releases 12/8/2010
Executive Session Summary
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held an executive session and favorably reported out the following nominations:
Press Releases 12/2/2010
Hearing Summary: International Aviation Screening Standards
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held an Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security Subcommittee hearing today on international aviation screening standards.
Press Releases 12/2/2010
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on International Aviation Screening Standards
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Before we begin, I’d like to acknowledge that this will be the final Commerce Committee hearing chaired by Byron Dorgan. And while Senator Dorgan’s over quarter-century of service certainly entitles him to a career change, the Senate and this Committee will be worse off for it. For me, Senator Dorgan’s departure means the loss of a friend. Through the years, Senator Dorgan has been by my side, in the good times and the bad. He always fights the good fight, and the sheer volume of bills that bear his name is a testament to his tireless advocacy on behalf of North Dakota and this nation. So if everyone would indulge me, I’d like to take a couple minutes today to talk about Senator Dorgan.
Press Releases 12/2/2010
Hearing Summary - Oversight of the Consumer Product Safety Commission: Product Safety in the Holiday Season
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance Subcommittee hearing today titled Oversight of the Consumer Product Safety Commission: Product Safety in the Holiday Season.
Press Releases 12/2/2010
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Oversight of the Consumer Product Safety Commission: Product Safety in the Holiday Season
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Thank you, Senator Pryor, for holding this hearing. I know that consumer product safety is a subject matter near and dear to your heart, and the American people owe you a debt of gratitude for all of the work you’ve done on this issue.
Press Releases 12/1/2010
Hearing Summary: Are Mini Med Policies Really Health Insurance?
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a full committee hearing today titled Are Mini Med Policies Really Health Insurance?
Press Releases 12/1/2010
Chairman Rockefeller's Remarks: Are Mini Med Policies Really Health Insurance?
WASHINGTON, D.C.—More than a million Americans wake up and go to work every day thinking they have health insurance. But they don’t. They don’t have the kind of comprehensive health insurance that most of the people in this hearing room probably have - the kind that protects you from financial ruin if you get sick. Instead, they have something called “limited benefit” or “mini medical” insurance.
Press Releases 12/1/2010
Rockefeller Statement on FTC's Online Privacy Report
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement on the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) report on consumers’ online privacy.
Press Releases 12/1/2010
Hearing Summary - Transition and Implementation: The NASA Authorization Act of 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a full committee hearing today titled Transition and Implementation: the NASA Authorization Act of 2010.
Press Releases 12/1/2010
Chairman Rockefeller's Remarks on Transition and Implementation: The NASA Authorization Act of 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C— The NASA Authorization Act of 2010 was signed into law nearly two months ago. The bill was the culmination of a spirited year-long debate between members of Congress, the Administration, the space community, and the American public on the future of America’s space agency. We were able to find a sensible center, and the resulting bill signed into law will help refocus and reinvigorate NASA, while making key investments in aeronautics, science and human space flight missions.
Press Releases 12/1/2010
Chairman Rockefeller's E-Commerce Bill Passes the Senate
WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today applauded Senate passage of the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act, his bill to protect consumers from deceptive online sales tactics.
Press Releases 11/30/2010
Nominations Hearing Summary
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a hearing today to consider the nominations of Dr. Scott Doney, to be Chief Scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association; and Mr. Mario Cordero and Mrs. Rebecca Dye to be Commissioners at the Federal Maritime Commission.
Press Releases 11/30/2010
Chairman Rockefeller's Remarks on Today's Nominations Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Good afternoon. Today we will consider three nominations – the nominations of Dr. Scott Doney, to be Chief Scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA); and Mr. Mario Cordero and Mrs. Rebecca Dye to be Commissioners at the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC). It is an honor to be selected to serve our country, and all of you are well-qualified for your positions.
Press Releases 11/22/2010
Rockefeller Statement on MLR Standards
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement in response to the Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) regulations standards released today:
Press Releases 11/19/2010
Rockefeller Hails FTC Rule to Protect Families from Mortgage Fraud
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement in response to the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) new rule to prevent predatory companies from taking advantage of Americans on the brink of foreclosure:
Press Releases 11/18/2010
Rockefeller & Dorgan Push for Lame Duck Passage of FAA Reauthorization
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV and Byron Dorgan, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Aviation, Operations, Safety and Security, are pushing their colleagues to pass the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization in the lame duck Congress.
Press Releases 11/17/2010
Hearing Summary: Television Viewers, Retransmission Consent, and the Public Interest
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a Communications, Technology, and the Internet Subcommittee hearing today on television viewers, retransmission consent, and the public’s interest.
Press Releases 11/17/2010
Chairman Rockefeller's Remarks on Television Viewers, Retransmission Consent, and the Public Interest
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Television is a powerful force. But I believe the system we have for developing television content, packaging that content, and distributing it to consumers is broken. It may serve companies well. But it does not serve us well as consumers. And I believe it serves us even less well as citizens. Let me explain why.
Press Releases 11/17/2010
Transportation Security Administration Oversight Hearing Summary
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a full committee hearing today on oversight of the Transportation Security Administration.
Press Releases 11/17/2010
Chairman Rockefeller's Remarks on Today's Transportation Security Administration Oversight Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Turn on the TV. Pick up the newspaper. In the past 48 hours, there’s been a steady stream of stories about airport screening procedures - on pat-downs, and full body scanners. I appreciate people’s concerns. I understand that there is frustration. I realize some of these screening procedures appear invasive.
Press Releases 10/26/2010
Chairman Rockefeller Presses Social Networking Sites Facebook & MySpace on Privacy Rules
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today sent letters to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and MySpace President Michael Jones requesting more information about privacy breaches reported in the Wall Street Journal.
Press Releases 10/14/2010
Rockefeller to NAIC Commissioners: Reject Health Care Industry's 11th Hour Lobbying Effort
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, sent a letter to the members of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ (NAIC) Health and Managed Care (B) Committee urging them to stand strong against the health insurance industry’s last minute attempt to water down key consumer protections included in the health care reform bill.
Press Releases 10/8/2010
Chairman Rockefeller Attends Signing Ceremony for Communications Accessibility Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, attended the signing ceremony for the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010. As Chairman, Senator Rockefeller played a key role in shepherding the bill to Senate passage.
Press Releases 10/1/2010
Chairman Rockefeller Probes McDonald's Health Care Plan
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, sent a letter today to Scott Beacham, the President and Chief Executive of BCS Financial Corporation, asking for more information about the insurance products his company sells to McDonald’s hourly wage employees.
Press Releases 09/30/2010
Rockefeller, Hutchison Applaud Passage of Coast Guard Authorization Act
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV), and Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), today applauded final passage of the Coast Guard Authorization Act (H.R. 3619). The comprehensive legislation authorizes the U.S. Coast Guard’s funding levels, improves management and oversight of the Coast Guard’s Deepwater fleet modernization program, and provides new tools to enhance the Coast Guard’s critical homeland security, marine safety, fisheries and environmental protection missions.
Press Releases 09/30/2010
Rockefeller Statement on Senate Passage of the CALM Act
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement after the Senate passed the CALM Act (S. 2847), a bill to require the FCC to enforce internationally accepted standards of television advertisement volumes to effectively fix a problem that annoys millions of television viewers when commercials are many times louder than regular programming.
Press Releases 09/29/2010
Chairman Rockefeller Praises House Passage of NASA Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV), Chairman of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, issued the following statement after the United States House of Representatives passed S. 3729, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act (NASA) of 2010. The bill now heads to the President to be signed into law.
Press Releases 09/29/2010
Rockefeller Praises House Passage of Bill to Improve Communications Accessibility for People with Disabilities
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement after the House approved the Senate version of the Equal Access to 21st Century Communications Act (S. 3304). The legislation will update existing disabilities law to reflect accessibility to new and emerging technologies. The bill will now be sent to President Obama to be signed into law.
Press Releases 09/28/2010
Hearing Summary - Pipeline Safety: Assessing the San Bruno, California Explosion and Other Recent Accidents
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security Subcommittee hearing today titled Pipeline Safety: Assessing the San Bruno, California Explosion and Other Recent Accidents.
Press Releases 09/28/2010
Lautenberg, Rockefeller Introduce Pipeline Safety Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ), Chairman of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, and U.S. Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV), Chairman of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today introduced legislation to enhance pipeline safety efforts nationwide. The bill strengthens pipeline safety oversight by the federal government and addresses long-standing safety issues, including the use of automatic shutoff valves—which could have reduced the extent of damage caused in the San Bruno, California explosion.
Press Releases 09/28/2010
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Pipeline Safety: Assessing the San Bruno, California Explosion and Other Recent Accidents
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Let me be clear: I believe safety should be the bedrock of any responsible industry. This goes for all companies, big or small, from the coal fields of West Virginia, to the manufacturers of automobiles. Whether you are a worker in a coal mine or live near a pipeline, we must do all that we can to make our industries as safe as possible. And safety must never take a backseat to profit.