Commerce Committee Advances Bipartisan Cantwell-Wicker Aircraft Safety Reform Bill

TV-Quality Video | Audio | Transcript WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation passed bipartisan aviation safety reform legislation introduced by U.S. Senators Maria Cantwell (D-WA) and Roger Wicker (R-MS), the committee’s ranking member and chairman, respectively. The Aircraft Safety and Certification Reform Act of 2020 would require new […]

Cantwell Delivers Remarks at Commerce Subcommittee Hearing on Aviation Safety

Today, U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell (D-WA), ranking member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, delivered the following remarks before a hearing of the Committee’s subcommittee on Aviation and Space titled, “The State of Airline Safety: Federal Oversight of Commercial Aviation.” Senator Cantwell: Thank you, Mr. Chairman. And thank you for holding this important […]

Nelson Speaks on FAA Reauthorization on the Senate Floor

U.S. Sen. Bill NelsonRemarks on the Senate floor on FAA reauthorizationApril 6, 2016 Sen. Nelson: Mr. President, I think the Chairman, Senator Thune, has pointed out that what we have tried to exhibit, is the way the Senate is supposed to work in a bipartisan way to forge consensus in order to be able to […]

Rockefeller Has Serious Concerns About In-Flight Mobile Phone Calls

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Tom Wheeler in which he expresses opposition to the possibility of allowing in-flight mobile phone calls. In particular, Rockefeller believes that allowing calls during flights would compromise the overall safety of a flight.

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.

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.