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:

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.

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.

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.

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.