Chairman Rockefeller Applauds Senate Commerce Committee’s Extension of Critical Highway Programs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, worked today to extend critical highway and vehicle safety programs authorized by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU).    The Senate Commerce Committee approved a bill to extend […]

Chairman Rockefeller Calls for Further Investigation into Seafood Inspection Practices

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV) sent a letter to the Acting Comptroller General of the United States calling for further investigation of government seafood inspection practices. This follows concern that there is fragmentation occurring among the federal agencies that have […]

Hearing Summary: Freight Transportation In America: Options For Improving The Nation’s Network

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held the following subcommittee hearing on Freight Transportation in America: Options for Improving the Nation’s Network.   Witness List   Mr. Richard Roper, Director, Planning Department, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey   Mr. Matt Rose, Commissioner, National Surface Transportation Policy […]

Commerce Committee Takes Lead On Railroad Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator John D (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, issued the following statement: “I appreciate Senator Kohl’s willingness to withdraw the pending cloture motion and join the Commerce Committee’s broader efforts to reform surface transportation, improve rail competition and provide real solutions for […]

Chairman Rockefeller’s Statement on The Future of National Surface Transportation Policy

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security Subcommittee hearing today on The Future of National Surface Transportation Policy.  Senator John D (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV), Chairman of the U.S. Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, was unable to attend today’s […]

Senate Passes Rail Safety and Amtrak Bills

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate today passed H.R. 2095, which includes the Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008 and the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008. The vote was 74 to 24. The bill will now be sent to the President. H.R. 2095 reauthorizes both the Federal rail safety programs and Amtrak for […]

Senate Passes Maritime Administration Reauthorization

WASHINGTON, D.C. –The Maritime Administration Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009 was passed by the Senate today as Title XXXV of the National Defense Authorization Act (S. 3001). The bill was passed by unanimous consent. “I am pleased that the Senate passed the Maritime Administration’s reauthorization for 2009,” said Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye […]

Senate Gives Coast Guard Increased Authority to Interdict Submarines Smuggling Drugs into the United States

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate last night passed by unanimous consent S.3598, the Drug Trafficking Vessel Interdiction Act. S. 3598 is sponsored by Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii), and co-sponsored by Senators Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), Gordon Smith (R-Oregon), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Mark Pryor (D-Ark.), […]