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Whistleblower

Congress: 113

2013-2014

ICYMI: NY Times Editorial Highlights Rockefeller Report on Data Brokers

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The New York Times today published an editorial on providing consumers with stronger controls over their personal information collected online, which highlighted Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV’s majority staff report that revealed the breadth and scope of the sensitive data – including financial, health, and other personal information – that is routinely amassed by data brokers on consumers without their knowledge or consent.

Chairman Rockefeller recently introduced legislation that would prohibit data brokers from collecting or soliciting consumer information in deceptive ways, and would allow consumers to access and correct their information to help ensure maximum possible accuracy. The Committee also held a hearing on Dec. 18, 2013, to examine the privacy and accountability concerns with the data broker industry.

Thune Statement on Chairman Wheeler’s Announcement

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator John Thune (R-SD), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, released the following statement on Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler’s announcement today: “Chairman Wheeler’s announcement today is a bit of déjà vu and is an unnecessary overreaction to the D.C. Circuit striking down most […]

Rockefeller Statement on FCC Chairman Wheeler’s Open Internet Announcement

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement on Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler’s announcement that he will propose new Open Internet rules.

“I am happy that Chairman Wheeler has decided to move forward quickly to respond to the D.C. Circuit court’s net neutrality decision. The court made clear that Congress has spoken: the FCC has ample statutory authority to protect consumers and competition online. I have always supported the FCC’s use of its full authority under the Communications Act to accomplish these goals, and appreciate that Chairman Wheeler has kept all options on the table. I look forward to examining the Chairman’s plan in more detail.”

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Thune Introduces Legislation to Protect Olympic and Paralympic Medalists from Federal Tax

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator John Thune (R-SD), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today introduced bipartisan legislation (S. 2026) to exempt Olympic and Paralympic medalists from being taxed by the Internal Revenue Service on the medals and cash prizes they win at the Olympics. “Too often the U.S. tax […]

Thune Statement on NIST Cybersecurity Framework

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator John Thune (R-SD), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, released the following statement on the Cybersecurity Framework developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) today: “I applaud the work NIST has done over the past year to solicit input from private sector […]

Rockefeller, Markey Introduce Data Broker Bill to Ensure Accuracy, Accountability for Consumers

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV) and Senator Edward Markey (D-MA) today introduced legislation that would require data brokers to be accountable and transparent about the information they collect and sell about consumers.

“Consumers deserve to know what information about their personal lives is being collected and sold to marketers by data brokers,” Rockefeller said. “This booming shadow industry, that generated more than $150 billion in 2012 and operates with very little scrutiny and oversight, is making tremendous profits off practices that can be disturbing and totally unfair to consumers. As I said during the Committee’s recent hearing on data brokers, I would be taking action to protect consumers and hold data brokers accountable. This legislation is a strong step in that direction. It will give consumers important protections like the ability to access files a data broker compiles of their personal information; the ability to correct inaccuracies in those files; and, importantly, choose whether they want to allow their personal information to be sold to other companies.”

Rockefeller, Thune Bill Aims to Protect Fishing Habitats, Boost Sport-Fishing Opportunities

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV) and Ranking Member John Thune (R-SD) today introduced legislation to help preserve and restore fishing habitats for the Nation’s sport fishermen, while creating jobs in the recreation industry.

The Sport Fish Restoration and Recreational Boating Safety Act of 2014 would direct funding to state agencies for support of fisheries management, habitat conservation, and boating safety programs. Wildlife recreation supports tens of thousands of jobs across the country. In West Virginia, for example, 1.2 million people spent $1.16 billion in 2011 on fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching – money which directly supports local businesses and grows the economy. And in South Dakota, 662,000 people spent more than $966 million on fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching.

Rockefeller Introduces Bill to Advance Forensic Science Reform

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today reintroduced legislation to strengthen the criminal justice system, by prioritizing scientific research and supporting the development of science-based standards in the forensic disciplines.

Rockefeller’s bill, The Forensic Science and Standards Act of 2014, aims to bolster forensic science reform efforts and to maintain long-term cooperation between scientists, the legal community, law enforcement, forensic practitioners, and advocacy groups.