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.
Rockefeller Releases Report on Impacts of the Government Shutdown
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released a report titled, “Impacts of the 2013 Government Shutdown” – a snapshot of the impacts of the government shutdown to the public and the U.S. economy. The report was released during the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing titled, “The Impacts of the Government Shutdown on Our Economic Security,” on Friday, October 11, 2013 at 1:00 p.m.
Rockefeller Says Pilot Flight Hours Rule Builds on his Commitment to Maintaining Safety of the Nation’s Airways
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a rule that requires pilots have six times as many hours of flight experience as currently mandated. Chairman Rockefeller pushed to include the 1,500 hour requirement for first officers in the 2010 FAA Safety Law (P.L. 111-216).
Statement from Chairman Rockefeller on Asiana Flight #214 Crash at San Francisco International Airport
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released the following statement today on the crash of Asiana flight #214 at the San Francisco International
Airport. The Commerce Committee has specific oversight responsibility for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
“My thoughts are with the passengers and crew of Asiana flight #214, and the first
responders on the scene in San Francisco. I am in contact with the NTSB and the FAA as they examine this incident, and I will continue to monitor the situation closely as it unfolds.”
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Rockefeller, Thune Urge FAA to Address Safety in Control Tower Closures
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) and Ranking Member John Thune (R-S.D.) sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation asking that the agency implement sequestration cuts using lower priority spending rather than close air traffic control towers across the country. The bipartisan letter was also signed by Senate Aviation Subcommittee Chairwoman Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Ranking Member Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), as well as Representatives Bill Shuster (R-Penn.), Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.), and Frank LoBiondo (R-N.J.).
Rockefeller Concerned for Travellers in Proposed American, US Airways Merger
Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement on the proposed merger of American Airlines and US Airways.
Rockefeller Remarks on FAA Administrator Nominee Michael Huerta
Washington, D.C.—I want to congratulate you, Mr. Huerta, on your nomination to be the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). If confirmed, you will be charged with leading the most complex aviation system in the world and an agency that faces several critical challenges.
Rockefeller Remarks on the EU’s Emissions Trading System
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The European Union’s Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) has elicited strong feelings from aviation stakeholders across the globe, which is why it is important that Congress examine its potential impact on international air travel. Secretary LaHood will provide us a much-needed perspective from the Administration. The United States has always led the world on aviation issues. Implementing policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions should not be an exception to our legacy of leadership on aviation.
Rockefeller on Suspicious Security Incident
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released the following statement today after an incident on a U.S. Airways flight from Paris to Charlotte where a passenger was restrained after an on-flight threat that is currently being investigated: