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.

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 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:

Rockefeller on FAA Whistleblower Claims

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller today released the following statement on the letter from the Office of Special Counsel about Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) whistleblower claims:

Rockefeller Remarks on Commercial Airline Safety Oversight

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Safety has always been the principal goal of the aviation community, and my primary focus since I joined the Commerce Committee more than 20 years ago. Every member of the aviation community begins their workday focused first and foremost on safety. For commercial airline and federal employees—from the pilots, flight attendants and the air traffic controllers, to the mechanics and the technicians, safety is paramount throughout their daily work. And this emphasis has paid off—the last U.S. fatal passenger accident was February 12, 2009. The past few years have been the safest in the history of the U.S. aviation industry. The reason we have been successful is that we are constantly striving to make even the smallest safety improvements. It is a continual effort, and that is why we are here today.