Rockefeller Statement on New Pilot Training Rules

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a final rule to strengthen pilot training, which was mandated by Congress in the Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010.

Thune, McCaskill Call on U.S. Negotiators to Hold Line on Aircraft Emission Taxes

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators John Thune (R-S.D.), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.) sent a letter urging the U.S. delegation to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to protect U.S. passengers and airlines from the harmful effects of the European Union Emissions Trading Scheme (EU […]

Rockefeller Statement on Shooting at LAX

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement after the shooting at Los Angeles International Airport.

“My thoughts go out to the victims of today’s shooting at LAX. It’s heartbreaking every time a shooting occurs and today’s horrible event reminds us that aviation security extends all the way from the gates to the skies. TSA agents are at the front lines of protecting our nation and they deserve our support in carrying out risky and sensitive jobs. While some in Congress believe that privatizing our aviation security workforce would be preferable, these brave men and women are proving that the federal TSA agents are highly capable and ready to protect passengers every step of the way.”

Rockefeller Warns Passenger Use of Electronic Devices Must Not Compromise Safety

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) determined that airlines can allow passenger use of Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs) during the entire flight – including taxi, takeoff, and landing. Carriers will have to prove to the FAA that each type of aircraft can function safely while passengers use their devices. Passengers will still have to turn off the cellular service to use their device.

Thune Statement on FAA Electronic Device Recommendation

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator John Thune (R-SD), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today issued the following statement after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced it will work with airlines and other stakeholders to allow the use of electronic devices before and after takeoff following recommendations from the Portable […]

Rockefeller, Udall React to New IOM Report on Sports Equipment and Concussions

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.V.) and Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) today released the following statements after the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academies released a report concluding there is little to no medical evidence that youth equipment protects against risks of concussions. At Rockefeller and Udall’s urging, the IOM studied how best to protect young athletes from sports-related concussions so parents and coaches can make informed decisions about how to keep athletes safe.

Thune Statement on Confirmation of FCC Nominees Wheeler and O’Rielly

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator John Thune (R-SD), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today issued the following statement after the Senate confirmed Thomas Wheeler and Michael O’Rielly to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC): “I am very pleased that the Senate has confirmed both Mr. Wheeler and Mr. O’Rielly today […]