Key Quotes from Today’s Hearing on Implementation of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held an Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard Subcommittee hearing today titled Implementation of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Implementation of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act
WASHINGTON, D.C.—First, I want to congratulate Senator Begich, the new Chairman of this subcommittee, Senator Snowe, the returning Ranking Member, and welcome all the new and returning members of this subcommittee. The Coast Guard, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and our oceans are in very good hands here.
Rockefeller Says Balance in America’s Freight Rail Network Must Be Restored
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement after the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) released a report on the quality of service provided to rail shippers:
Chairman Rockefeller Urges NFL, Players to Keep Talks Going
WASHINGTON, D.C.–Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released this statement urging the NFL and players to temporarily extend the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA)–and buy more time for negotiations:
Rockefeller, Lautenberg Lead Effort to Reject Republican Cuts to Passenger Rail Service and Amtrak
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) and Surface Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Frank R. Lautenberg (D-N.J.) today called on Senate Appropriations Committee leaders to protect funding for Amtrak, high-speed rail corridors and intercity passenger rail service, which are under attack by House Republicans. Lautenberg is the author of the 2008 Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act to enhance Amtrak and broaden the passenger rail programs.
Rockefeller Op-Ed Asks NFL to Show Good Faith Effort to Break Labor Impasse
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today encouraged National Football League (NFL) Commissioner Roger Goodell to find a way to give the NFL Player’s Association more information on the league’s finances. In a Washington Post op-ed published today, the senator said this gesture could help avert a strike. Today’s column comes amid new reports of stalled collective bargaining negotiations between team owners and NFL players.
Rockefeller and Lautenberg Statement on Need for Increased Pipeline Safety
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) and Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-N.J.), longtime Chairman of the Surface Transportation Subcommittee, today released a joint statement about the need for increased pipeline safety oversight following two gas pipeline explosions this week: one in Allentown, Pa., that resulted in five deaths, and another in Columbiana County, Ohio. In addition, a September 2010 gas pipeline explosion killed eight people in a San Bruno, Calif. neighborhood.
Rockefeller, Lautenberg Legislation Will Reform America’s Rail, Highway and Waterway Systems
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) and Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-N.J.), longtime Chairman of the Surface Transportation Subcommittee, today will reintroduce legislation to establish a transportation policy to meet America’s 21st century needs. Their bill, the Federal Surface Transportation Policy and Planning Act of 2011, would establish a clear set of goals and objectives for the Department of Transportation (DOT) to develop a surface transportation system that advances our nation’s economic, energy, and national security interests. The bill would accomplish this chiefly by establishing performance criteria to optimize implementation of DOT goals, by improving data collection, and by requiring States to report on the use of their Federal funding.
Rockefeller Applauds Obama Administration High-Speed Rail and Infrastructure Investment Plan
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released the following statement today after Vice President Joe Biden and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced a six year plan to build out America’s high-speed rail network and lay the groundwork for long-term infrastructure investment:
Lautenberg, Rockefeller Introduce Critical Pipeline Safety Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-N.J.), Chairman of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, and Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.), Chairman of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, introduced legislation to improve pipeline safety efforts nationwide. The bill strengthens pipeline safety oversight by the federal government and addresses long-standing safety issues, including the use of automatic shutoff valves and excess flow valves.