Chairman Rockefeller Introduces Landmark Railroad Reform Legislation

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 after the Committee held an Executive Session and favorably reported out S. 2889, the Surface Transportation Board (STB) Reauthorization Act of 2009. The STB Reauthorization Act of 2009 (STB Act), cosponsored by Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison, Senator Frank Lautenberg, Senator John Thune, and Senator Byron Dorgan, will comprehensively update and improve the railroad industry and address longstanding competitive imbalances for shippers by increasing rail competition, strengthening federal oversight, and improving shipper’s access to regulatory relief.

Rockefeller Encouraged by National Maritime Announcement of Improved Mariner Applicant Processing

WASHINGTON, D.C.—John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement today regarding the U.S. Coast Guard’s recent revamping of its licensing process to certify mariners through its overseeing agency, the National Maritime Center, by launching an automated status notification program for mariner applicants.

Rockefeller, Boxer Applaud Funding for Rail Safety Grants

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and John D. Rockefeller IV (D-WV) lauded the Senate Appropriations Committee for fully funding a new railroad safety technology grant program, created by the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008.     The committee passed the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations bill, which includes $50 […]

Chairman Rockefeller Applauds Senate Commerce Committee’s Extension of Critical Highway Programs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, worked today to extend critical highway and vehicle safety programs authorized by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU).    The Senate Commerce Committee approved a bill to extend […]