Rockefeller: Congress Must Find Long-Term Solution for Funding Surface Transportation Programs
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today gave an opening statement at the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing titled, “Surface Transportation Reauthorization: Progress, Challenges, and Next Steps.” Below are his prepared remarks:
Rockefeller Statement on the Passing of Rep. James Oberstar
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today issued the following statement on the passing of Representative James Oberstar.
“I am deeply saddened by the passing of my friend and former colleague, James Oberstar. Jim was a devoted public servant, who was a visionary and passionate about improving the lives of people in Minnesota and across the nation. For three decades, Jim was a tireless champion for investments that would lead to major improvements and advancements in our transportation system and infrastructure. Every major transportation bill that Jim worked on reflected his vision for the future, and because of his unrelenting courage and hard work, our nation’s skies, ports and roads are remarkably safer. Jim came to West Virginia to help us fight for the continuation of the Appalachian Regional Commission, which has funded so many of our roads and highways, including Corridor H, Corridor D and Corridor G. Beyond his incredible record of accomplishment, I admired Jim for his character and deep moral compass that always guided him.
“Sharon and I send my condolences to Jim’s wife, Jean, his four children and all of his grandchildren. Jim will be missed.”
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Rockefeller Statement on DOT Surface Transportation Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement after Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Anthony Foxx released the Administration’s surface transportation reauthorization proposal, the “GROW AMERICA Act”, that, if enacted, would create millions of jobs and invest in rebuilding the nation’s infrastructure.
Rockefeller: Crude Oil Industry Commitment to Safety Seems to be “Lip Service”
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement after the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) reported that the crude oil industry has not kept its promise to share testing data with the agency. Last month, the American Petroleum Institute (API) pledged to Congress to share this data with the Department of Transportation as part of the agency’s work to ensure the safe transportation of crude.
Rockefeller: I Remain Unconvinced Cruise Industry Is Doing Enough to Protect Passengers
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today submitted a prepared statement to the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) public forum on cruise ship safety. Rockefeller released a cruise crime report in July 2013 which exposed critical barriers to public access of important cruise ship crime and safety data. He also held a hearing in July 2013 titled, “Cruise Industry Oversight: Recent Incidents Show Need for Stronger Focus on Consumer Protection”, that focused on the consumer protection challenges the cruise industry faces in light of recent safety and security incidents.
Rockefeller Statement on NTSB Chair Debbie Hersman’s Appointment to the National Safety Council
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement on the announcement that Deborah Hersman, chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), will be the next president and CEO of the National Safety Council (NSC):
Rockefeller: Shale Oil Boom Raises Serious Rail Safety Concerns
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Below are the prepared remarks of Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV at today’s Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security hearing titled, “Enhancing Our Rail Safety: Current Challenges for Passenger and Freight Rail”.
Rockefeller Announces New Subcommittee Chairs
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement today announcing Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) as chairman of the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security, and Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) as chairman of the new U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Tourism, Competitiveness, and Innovation.
Port Authority Response Contains ‘Zero Evidence’ of Legitimate Traffic Study
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today issued the following statement on the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s letter responding to his questions about the unannounced closure in September 2013 of a major access point to the George Washington Bridge.
Rockefeller and Wyden Demand Investigation, Review of Crude Oil Transportation Safety Practices and Regulations
WASHINGTON, D.C.— In the wake of a series of explosive train derailments containing crude oil – including two in the last two weeks – Senators John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.), Chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, wrote a letter to Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx and Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz urging prompt and decisive action on crude oil transportation.