Rockefeller & Lautenberg Applaud Proposal to Stop Unsafe Cell Phone Use By Truck and Bus Drivers
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ), Chairman of the Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security Subcommittee, issued the following statements in response to the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) proposed rule to prohibit the use of hand-held mobile telephones by drivers of commercial motor vehicles, including trucks and buses.
Executive Session Summary
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held an executive session and favorably reported out the following nominations:
Nominations Hearing Summary
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a hearing today to consider the nominations of Dr. Scott Doney, to be Chief Scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association; and Mr. Mario Cordero and Mrs. Rebecca Dye to be Commissioners at the Federal Maritime Commission.
Chairman Rockefeller’s Remarks on Today’s Nominations Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Good afternoon. Today we will consider three nominations – the nominations of Dr. Scott Doney, to be Chief Scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA); and Mr. Mario Cordero and Mrs. Rebecca Dye to be Commissioners at the Federal Maritime Commission (FMC). It is an honor to be selected to serve our country, and all of you are well-qualified for your positions.
Transportation Security Administration Oversight Hearing Summary
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a full committee hearing today on oversight of the Transportation Security Administration.
Chairman Rockefeller’s Remarks on Today’s Transportation Security Administration Oversight Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Turn on the TV. Pick up the newspaper. In the past 48 hours, there’s been a steady stream of stories about airport screening procedures – on pat-downs, and full body scanners. I appreciate people’s concerns. I understand that there is frustration. I realize some of these screening procedures appear invasive.
Rockefeller, Hutchison Applaud Passage of Coast Guard Authorization Act
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV), and Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), today applauded final passage of the Coast Guard Authorization Act (H.R. 3619). The comprehensive legislation authorizes the U.S. Coast Guard’s funding levels, improves management and oversight of the Coast Guard’s Deepwater fleet modernization program, and provides new tools to enhance the Coast Guard’s critical homeland security, marine safety, fisheries and environmental protection missions.
Hearing Summary – Pipeline Safety: Assessing the San Bruno, California Explosion and Other Recent Accidents
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security Subcommittee hearing today titled Pipeline Safety: Assessing the San Bruno, California Explosion and Other Recent Accidents.
Lautenberg, Rockefeller Introduce Pipeline Safety Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ), Chairman of the Commerce, Science and Transportation Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, and U.S. Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV), Chairman of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today introduced legislation to enhance 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—which could have reduced the extent of damage caused in the San Bruno, California explosion.
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Pipeline Safety: Assessing the San Bruno, California Explosion and Other Recent Accidents
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Let me be clear: I believe safety should be the bedrock of any responsible industry. This goes for all companies, big or small, from the coal fields of West Virginia, to the manufacturers of automobiles. Whether you are a worker in a coal mine or live near a pipeline, we must do all that we can to make our industries as safe as possible. And safety must never take a backseat to profit.