Hearings

Hearings 11/21/2013
Nomination Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today announced the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a nominations hearing on Thursday, November 21, 2013, at 2:30 p.m.
Hearings 11/20/2013
Soldiers as Consumers: Predatory and Unfair Business Practices Harming the Military Community
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today announced the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a hearing on Wednesday, November 20, 2013 at 2:30 p.m. on aggressive business practices that some soldiers and their families face, as well as ways to protect service members from abusive behavior.
Hearings 11/14/2013
Southeast Regional Perspectives on Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today announced the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation’s Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard will hold a hearing on Thursday, November 14, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. titled, “Southeast Regional Perspectives on Magnuson-Stevens Reauthorization.” This hearing is the second in a series of regionally-focused hearings regarding the upcoming reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. This second hearing is examining the progress made to-date and the ongoing challenges faced in transitioning to sustainable fisheries management in the South Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean since the Act was last reauthorized in 2007. Testimony from managers, fishermen, academics, and other stakeholders is expected to address the impacts the latest reauthorization has had on U.S. fisheries and the communities that rely on them in these regions, as well as explore potential legislative changes for Congress’s consideration.
Hearings 11/13/2013
The Role of Manufacturing Hubs in a 21st Century Innovation Economy
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today announced the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a hearing on Wednesday, November 13, 2013 at 2:30 p.m. on how to strengthen U.S. innovation and manufacturing.
Hearings 11/12/2013
Executive Session
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today announced the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold an off the floor Executive Session on Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at 5:40 p.m. to vote on several nominations.
Hearings 11/7/2013
Demand Letters and Consumer Protection: Examining Deceptive Practices by Patent Assertion Entities
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today announced the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance will hold a hearing on Thursday, November 7, 2013, at 10:00 a.m. to examine the impact of demand letters — sent by patent assertion entities (PAEs) or “patent trolls” — on small businesses, consumers, and innovators. The hearing will consider whether legislation is needed to provide increased protection for these individuals and groups.
Hearings 11/6/2013
America COMPETES: Science and the U.S. Economy
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today announced the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a hearing on Wednesday, November 6, 2013, at 2:30 p.m. to begin the committee’s work on the reauthorization of the America COMPETES Act, which funds government research and development initiatives that are critical to maintaining the country’s global advantage in these important areas. This hearing will examine why the federal government must invest in research and development and STEM education, and how these investments drive innovation and the U.S. economy.
Hearings 11/5/2013
POSTPONED: The U.S. Aviation Industry and Jobs: Keeping American Manufacturing Competitive
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation is announcing the postponement of the Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety and Security hearing scheduled for Tuesday, November 5, 2013 at 2:30 p.m. titled, “The U.S. Aviation Industry and Jobs: Maintaining U.S. Leadership in the Global Marketplace”.
Hearings 10/29/2013
Broadband Adoption: The Next Mile
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation’s Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet will hold a hearing on Tuesday, October 29 at 10:30 a.m., titled, “Broadband Adoption: The Next Mile.” The Subcommittee will examine how to increase broadband adoption in the United States; explore challenges to broadband adoption among various demographic groups and regions; and strategies to overcome those barriers.
Hearings 10/28/2013
Power Outage on Metro-North's New Haven Line: How to Prevent Future Failures Along Passenger Rail's Busiest Corridor
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation’s Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security will hold a field hearing in Bridgeport, Connecticut on Monday, October 28 at 10:00 a.m., titled, “Power Outage on Metro-North’s New Haven Line: How to Prevent Future Failures Along Passenger Rail’s Busiest Sector.” This hearing will explore the causes of the recent power outage on Metro-North’s New Haven Line, which resulted in significant delays and service reductions for nearly two weeks. The purpose of the hearing is to understand what went wrong, how it could have been prevented, and the economic impact of this major service disruption.
Hearings 10/11/2013
The Impacts of the Government Shutdown on Our Economic Security
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation will hold a hearing entitled, “The Impacts of the Government Shutdown on Our Economic Security” on Friday, October 11 at 1:00 p.m. in SR-253.
Hearings 09/24/2013
Rebuilding the Nation's Infrastructure: Leveraging Innovative Financing to Supplement Federal Investment
Hearings 09/24/2013
The Role of Certification in Rewarding Sustainable Fishing
Hearings 09/19/2013
Nomination Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a nominations hearing on Thursday, September 19, 2013, at 10:00 a.m.
Hearings 09/18/2013
Nomination Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a hearing on the nominations of Mr. Michael O’Rielly, to be a Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission, and Ms. Terrell McSweeny, to be a Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission.
Hearings 08/19/2013
Connecting Urban and Rural America: The State of Communications on the Ground
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet will hold a field hearing on Monday, August 19, 2013 at 9:00 a.m. in Little Rock, Arkansas, entitled, “Connecting Urban and Rural America: The State of Communications on the Ground”. Testimony will focus on the state of communications in Arkansas, including issues facing telecommunications and media companies that provide service in the state. In addition, the hearing will focus on how broadband can improve consumer welfare by expanding opportunity and access to services like telemedicine, education and business development.
Hearings 08/13/2013
Effects of Water Flows on Apalachicola Bay: Short and Long Term Perspectives
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation will hold a field hearing on Tuesday, August 13, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in Apalachicola, Florida, titled, “Effects of Water Flows on Apalachicola Bay: Short and Long Term Perspectives”. The hearing will examine the impacts of decreased water flows on Apalachicola Bay and area industries. It will also address the effects that chronic drought and upstream water withdrawals have had on the Apalachicola Bay oyster industry, which has typically represented about 10 percent of the Nation’s overall oyster supply.
Hearings 07/31/2013
Energy Drinks: Exploring Concerns About Marketing to Youth
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation will hold a hearing on Wednesday, July 31, 2013 at 2:30 p.m. titled, “Energy Drinks: Exploring Concerns About Marketing to Youth”. Chairman Rockefeller is interested in learning more about the concerns expressed by pediatricians and other public health experts about the health risks energy drinks could pose to children and teenagers. Among the leading voices concerned about the marketing of energy drinks to kids is the American Medical Association (AMA). Last month, the organization voted to support a ban on the marketing of energy drinks to children and teens under the age of 18.
Hearings 07/30/2013
Executive Session
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation will hold an executive session on Tuesday, July 30, 2013 at 2:30 p.m to markup several bills and nominations.
Hearings 07/25/2013
The Partnership Between NIST and the Private Sector: Improving Cybersecurity
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation will hold a hearing on Thursday, July 25, 2013 at 2:30 p.m. titled, “The Partnership Between NIST and the Private Sector: Improving Cybersecurity”. The hearing will explore the public-private partnership that the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is convening to allow private sector companies to promote cybersecurity standards and best practices to protect the nation’s most critical systems. The hearing will also explore proposals to improve cybersecurity research and development, workforce training and education, and public awareness.
Hearings 07/25/2013
State of Wireline Communications
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation today announced that the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet will hold a hearing on Thursday, July 25, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. titled, “State of Wireline Communications.”
Hearings 07/24/2013
Cruise Industry Oversight: Recent Incidents Show Need for Stronger Focus on Consumer Protection
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a hearing on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 2:30 p.m. titled, “Cruise Industry Oversight: Recent Incidents Show Need for Stronger Focus on Consumer Protection.” At the hearing, Rockefeller will review the current state of consumer protection in the cruise industry in light of recent safety and security incidents that endangered thousands of Americans travelling aboard cruise ships.
Hearings 07/24/2013
Nomination Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation will hold a hearing on Wednesday, July 24, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. on the nomination of Dr. Mark E. Schaefer, to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere, U.S. Department of Commerce.
Hearings 07/23/2013
New England and Mid-Atlantic Perspectives on Magnuson-Stevens Act Reauthorization
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard will hold a hearing on Tuesday, July 23, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. titled, “New England and Mid-Atlantic Perspectives on Magnuson-Stevens Act Reauthorization.” The hearing will explore the progress made to date and the ongoing challenges faced in transitioning to sustainable fisheries management in New England and the Mid-Atlantic since the 2006 reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA). Testimony from managers, fishermen, academics, and other stakeholders is expected to explore the impacts the MSA amendments have had on U.S. fisheries in these regions, as well as recommend potential changes to the Act for Congress to consider.
Hearings 07/17/2013
E-Rate 2.0: Connecting Every Child to the Transformative Power of Technology
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation will hold a hearing on strengthening E-Rate and expanding access to the latest digital technology and learning tools in our schools and libraries. The hearing will be held on Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at 2:30 p.m. and is titled, “E-Rate 2.0: Connecting Every Child to the Transformative Power of Technology.”
Hearings 07/17/2013
The Expansion of Internet Gambling: Assessing Consumer Protection Concerns
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance will hold a hearing on Wednesday, July 17, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. titled, “The Expansion of Internet Gambling: Assessing Consumer Protection Concerns.” The hearing will explore the consumer protection implications of the legalization of intrastate online gaming.
Hearings 07/10/2013
Stopping Fraudulent Robocall Scams: Can More Be Done?
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety and Insurance will hold a hearing on Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. titled, “Stopping Fraudulent Robocall Scams: Can More Be Done?” The hearing will examine the consumer harm associated with fraudulent robocalls; the effectiveness of regulations and law enforcement in stopping these calls; and the feasibility of technological solutions aimed at preventing fraudulent robocalls from reaching vulnerable consumers.
Hearings 06/26/2013
From the Lab Bench to the Courtroom: Advancing the Science and Standards of Forensics
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV announced the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a hearing on Wednesday, June 26, 2013 at 2:30 p.m. titled, “From the Lab Bench to the Courtroom: Advancing the Science and Standards of Forensics.” The hearing will focus on the need to advance forensic research and standards, the challenges faced by the forensic science community, and the need for federal legislation in addressing these issues.
Hearings 06/19/2013
Airline Industry Consolidation
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security will hold a hearing that focuses on the merger of US Airways and American Airlines.
Hearings 06/19/2013
Staying on Track: Next Steps in Improving Passenger and Freight Rail Safety
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a hearing on improving passenger and freight rail safety, and highlight recent high-profile rail accidents (Metro-North commuter train collision in Bridgeport, CT; freight train collision in Chaffee, MO). Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), the newly appointed chair of the Subcommittee on Competitiveness, Innovation, and Export Promotion, will chair this hearing.
Hearings 06/18/2013
Nominations Hearing
Hearings 06/11/2013
Deep Sea Challenge: Innovative Partnerships in Ocean Observation
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today announced the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard will hold a hearing on Tuesday, June 11, 2013 at 2:30 p.m. titled, “Deep Sea Challenge: Innovative Partnerships in Ocean Observation.” This hearing will examine ways to expand and leverage public and private partnerships for ocean science and observation.
Hearings 06/6/2013
Gulf Restoration: A Progress Report Three Years after the Deepwater Horizon Disaster
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a hearing on Thursday, June 6, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. titled, “Gulf Restoration: A Progress Report Three Years after the Deepwater Horizon Disaster.” This hearing will be chaired by Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) and Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS) will serve as ranking member. It will examine the progress and challenges thus far in restoring the Gulf of Mexico’s ecosystem and coastal communities following the disastrous 2010 explosion and subsequent oil spill.
Hearings 06/4/2013
State of Wireless Communications
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet will hold a hearing titled "State of Wireless Communications."
Hearings 05/23/2013
Nominations Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today announced the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a hearing on the nomination of Ms. Penny Pritzker, to be Secretary of Commerce.
Hearings 05/22/2013
Nominations Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today announced the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a hearing on the nominations of Mayor Anthony Foxx, to be Secretary of Transportation.
Hearings 05/21/2013
S. 921, The Raechel and Jacqueline Houck Safe Rental Car Act of 2013
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today announced the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance will hold a legislative hearing on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. to consider S. 921, The Raechel and Jacqueline Houck Safe Rental Car Act of 2013.
Hearings 05/16/2013
Partnerships to Advance the Business of Space
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Science and Space today announced it will hold a hearing on Thursday, May 16, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. titled “Partnerships to Advance the Business of Space.”
Hearings 05/15/2013
The Road Ahead: Advanced Vehicle Technology and its Implications
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a hearing on Wednesday, May 15, 2013 at 2:30 p.m. titled “The Road Ahead: Advanced Vehicle Technology and its Implications.” The hearing will explore the safety benefits, potential risks, and policy implications from the development and implementation of advanced vehicle technologies. These include advanced driver assistance systems such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping systems, partially and fully self-driving vehicles, vehicle-to-vehicle communication, as well as communications and entertainment devices for drivers.
Hearings 05/14/2013
State of Video
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet will hold a hearing on Tuesday, May 14, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. titled "State of Video."
Hearings 05/8/2013
The Role of Immigrants in America's Innovation Economy
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a hearing on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at 2:30 p.m. titled “The Role of Immigrants in America’s Innovation Economy.” The hearing will examine current U.S. immigration policies and their impact on economic growth. Immigration reforms proposed by a bipartisan group of Senators would have implications for the U.S. technology sector and universities offering science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) degrees.
Hearings 05/7/2013
Credit Reports: What Accuracy and Errors Mean for Consumers
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance will hold a hearing on Tuesday, May 7, 2013 at 2:30 p.m. titled "Credit Reports: What Accuracy and Errors Mean for Consumers."
Hearings 05/7/2013
Live Briefing with Astronaut Onboard International Space Station
Hearings 04/24/2013
A Status Update on the Development of Voluntary Do-Not-Track Standards
This hearing will examine what steps, if any, industry stakeholders have taken to fulfill their public commitment to honor Do-Not-Track requests from consumers.
Hearings 04/23/2013
Challenges and Opportunities for Human Space Exploration
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Science and Space will hold a hearing titled "Challenges and Opportunities for Human Space Exploration."
Hearings 04/23/2013
Oversight of the President's Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Requests for Coast Guard and NOAA
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard will hold a hearing titled "Oversight of the President's Fiscal Year 2014 Budget Requests for Coast Guard and NOAA."
Hearings 04/17/2013
The Future of Passenger Rail: What's Next for the Northeast Corridor?
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a hearing on April 17, 2013 at 2:30 p.m. titled, “The Future of Passenger Rail: What's Next for the Northeast Corridor?”
Hearings 04/16/2013
Aviation Safety: FAA's Progress on Key Safety Initiatives
Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today announced the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation has rescheduled the hearing titled “Aviation Safety: FAA’s Progress on Key Safety Initiatives” on April 16, 2013 at 2:30 p.m. This hearing will examine the consequences of sequestration on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the agency’s efforts to implement safety provisions in recent FAA reauthorizations, and the status of the FAA and National Transportation Safety Board’s ongoing investigation of the Boeing 787.
Hearings 04/10/2013
Expanding the Panama Canal: What Does it Mean for American Freight and Infrastructure?
The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a hearing on April 10, 2013 at 2:30 p.m. titled “Expanding the Panama Canal: What Does it Mean for American Freight and Infrastructure?” The hearing will explore how the Panama Canal expansion will change the movement of freight into and throughout the U.S., and explore the public and private infrastructure investment needed to meet these changing freight patterns.
Hearings 04/9/2013
State of Rural Communications
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announced the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet will hold a hearing on April 9, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. titled “State of Rural Communications.” This hearing will examine the current state of rural communications and challenges facing companies serving rural consumers.
Hearings 03/27/2013
Assessing U.S. Preparedness and Response in the Arctic: The Opportunities and Challenges of Increased Marine Activity
The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announced the Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard will hold a hearing on March 27, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. Alaska Daylight Saving Time titled “Assessing U.S. Preparedness and Response in the Arctic: The Opportunities and Challenges of Increased Marine Activity.” This hearing will examine U.S. preparedness for increased commercial maritime activity in the Arctic.
Hearings 03/20/2013
Assessing the Risks, Impacts, and Solutions for Space Threats
The U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Science and Space will hold a hearing on March 20, 2013 at 10:00 a.m. titled “Assessing the Risks, Impacts, and Solutions for Space Threats.”
Hearings 03/19/2013
Developments and Opportunities in U.S. Fisheries Management
The U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard will hold a hearing on March 19, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. titled “Developments and Opportunities in U.S. Fisheries Management.”
Hearings 03/12/2013
Oversight of the Federal Communications Commission
The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a hearing on March 12, 2013 at 2:45 p.m. titled “Oversight of the Federal Communications Commission.”
Hearings 03/7/2013
The Cybersecurity Partnership Between the Private Sector and Our Government: Protecting our National and Economic Security
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today announced that he will chair a hearing, along with Senator Tom Carper, Chairman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, on March 7, 2013 at 2:30 p.m. entitled “The Cybersecurity Partnership Between the Private Sector and Our Government: Protecting our National and Economic Security.”
Hearings 02/27/2013
The Power of Transparency: Giving Consumers the Information They Need to Make Smart Choices in the Health Insurance Marketplace
The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a hearing on February 27, 2013 at 2:30 p.m. entitled “The Power of Transparency: Giving Consumers the Information They Need to Make Smart Choices in the Health Insurance Market.”
Hearings 02/13/2013
Executive Session
The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold an executive session to consider and approve the Rules and Budget Resolution for the Committee and to ratify Subcommittee assignments.
Hearings 01/28/2013
Pipeline Safety: An On-The-Ground Look At Safeguarding the Public
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV announced that the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a field hearing on “Pipeline Safety: An On-the-Ground Look at Safeguarding the Public.”
Hearings 01/1/2013
Executive Session
The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation discharged the following nominations by unanimous consent, which were subsequently confirmed by the U.S. Senate:
Hearings 12/6/2012
Superstorm Sandy: The Devastating Impact on the Nation's Largest Transportation Systems
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security, chaired by Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ), will hold a hearing next week on “Superstorm Sandy: The Devastating Impact on the Nation’s Largest Transportation Systems.” This hearing will examine the impact of Superstorm Sandy on the Northeast region’s transportation systems, including the extensive damage and operational disruptions to the region’s rail and port infrastructure, the response in the wake of the storm, and the need to reinvest in the region’s transportation networks.
Hearings 12/4/2012
Nominations Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announced a hearing on the nominations of Dr. Mark Doms, to be Under Secretary of Commerce for Economic Affairs, Department of Commerce; Ms. Polly Ellen Trottenberg, to be Under Secretary of Transportation for Policy, Department of Transportation; Ms. Mignon L. Clyburn, to be a Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission (reappointment); and Dr. Joshua D. Wright, to be a Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission.
Hearings 10/11/2012
Preparing for Offshore Drilling in the Arctic: Lessons Learned From the First Season
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a field hearing in Alaska on “Preparing for Offshore Drilling in the Arctic: Lessons Learned from the First Season.” This hearing will examine the operational lessons to be learned following the first season of exploratory drilling activity in the Arctic.
Hearings 09/20/2012
Taking Consumers for a Ride: Business Practices in the Household Goods Moving Industry
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a hearing and release a staff report on how online moving companies have successfully taken advantage of many consumers. The hearing will explore complaints that some “moving” companies quote a low dollar rate to move goods but then charge a sharp markup in order to physically deliver and unload the goods.
Hearings 09/19/2012
Five Years of the America COMPETES Act: Progress, Challenges, and Next Steps
WASHINGTON, D.C.--The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a hearing on “Five Years of the America COMPETES Act: Progress, Challenges, and Next Steps.” This hearing will examine implementation of the COMPETES Act and challenges in maintaining the United States’ leadership in innovation and technology.
Hearings 09/12/2012
The Path from LEO to Mars
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a hearing on “The Path From LEO to Mars.” This hearing will examine NASA's exploration portfolio — both robotic and human — beyond low-Earth orbit (LEO) to the surface of Mars.
Hearings 08/1/2012
Marketplace Fairness: Leveling the Playing Field for Small Business
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a hearing to examine the rule that allows many online retailers to be exempt from state sales tax laws. Based on the Supreme Court’s decision in Quill Corp. v. North Dakota, states are prohibited from collecting sales taxes from online retailers who do not have a physical presence in their state. As a consequence, local retailers who compete with online companies are at the mercy of a 6-10% price disadvantage, and state and local governments are deprived of billions of dollars in revenue. Bipartisan legislation co-sponsored by Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller is pending in the Senate that would eliminate this price disadvantage on local retailers and would provide states with the ability to enforce their existing state and local sales and use tax laws in a manner that does not unduly burden e-commerce.
Hearings 07/31/2012
Executive Session
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces an executive session scheduled for Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at 2:30 p.m. in 253 Russell Senate Office Building.
Hearings 07/25/2012
Short-Supply Prescription Drugs: Shining a Light on the Gray Market
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a hearing examining the so-called “gray market” drug companies who drive up the cost of short-supply prescription drugs. The hearing will explore how and why hospitals and other health care providers sometimes struggle to obtain short-supply prescription drugs they need to treat patients suffering from cancer and other life-threatening conditions. This hearing is the result of a joint Congressional investigation by Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Senator Tom Harkin, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, and Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Hearings 07/25/2012
The International Space Station: A Platform for Research, Collaboration, and Discovery
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a hearing on “The International Space Station: A Platform for Research, Collaboration, and Discovery.” With assembly of the International Space Station complete as of May 2011, the focus has now shifted from construction to full scientific utilization through 2020 and beyond. This hearing will examine research progress, the potential for scientific breakthroughs, and any impediments to maximizing the utilization of this orbiting national laboratory.
Hearings 07/24/2012
The Cable Act at 20
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a hearing next week on “The Cable Act at 20.” This hearing is a follow-up to the Commerce Committee hearing on April 24, 2012, which examined the future of online video. The Committee will consider the impact of the Cable Television and Consumer Protection Act of 1992 on the television marketplace and consumers twenty years after its passage.
Hearings 07/18/2012
The Global Competitiveness of the U.S. Aviation Industry: Addressing Competition Issues to Maintain U.S. Leadership in the Aerospace Market
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security will hold a hearing on “The Global Competitiveness of the U.S. Aviation Industry: Addressing Competition Issues to Maintain U.S. Leadership in the Aerospace Market.” This hearing will address critical competition issues facing the U.S. aviation industry, including workforce development, regulatory issues, and access to foreign markets.
Hearings 07/12/2012
Medication and Performance Enhancing Drugs in Horse Racing
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a hearing next week on “Medication and Performance Enhancing Drugs in Horse Racing.” This hearing will examine the prevalence and use of medications and performance enhancing drugs in horse racing.
Hearings 06/28/2012
The Need for Privacy Protections: Is Industry Self-Regulation Adequate?
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV announced that the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a hearing on “The Need for Privacy Protections: Is Industry Self-Regulation Adequate?”. This hearing is a follow-up to the Commerce Committee hearing on May 9, 2012, which examined the privacy reports issued by the Obama Administration and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The Committee will hear testimony on the current state of industry self-regulation in providing consumers with adequate tools to protect their personal information.
Hearings 06/21/2012
Nomination Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following hearing on the nomination of Mr. Michael P. Huerta to be Administrator, Federal Aviation Administration.
Hearings 06/20/2012
Risks, Opportunities, and Oversight of Commercial Space
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Science and Space will hold a hearing on the “Risks, Opportunities, and Oversight of Commercial Space.” This hearing will examine the commercial space industry, its role in the nation’s space program, and its contribution to U.S. global competitiveness. The hearing will also review progress of commercial efforts to transport cargo and crew to the International Space Station which are key components of the overall approach to U.S. human space flight established by the NASA Authorization Act of 2010.
Hearings 06/6/2012
The European Union's Emissions Trading System
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a hearing on the European Union (EU) Emissions Trading System (ETS). This hearing will examine issues associated with the inclusion of the airline sector in the ETS, a program that caps greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) for certain industries in the EU, and its potential impact on U.S. air carrier operations.
Hearings 05/17/2012
Stemming the Tide: The U.S. Response to Tsunami Generated Marine Debris
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Sen. John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV announced today that the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard will hold a hearing next week on “Stemming the Tide: The U.S. Response to Tsunami Generated Marine Debris.”
Hearings 05/16/2012
Oversight of the Federal Communications Commission
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Sen. John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV announced that the Senate Commerce Committee will hold a hearing on “Oversight of the Federal Communications Commission.”
Hearings 05/10/2012
Nominations Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following hearing on the nominations of Dr. Patricia K. Falcone, to be Associate Director of National Security and International Affairs, Office of Science and Technology Policy, Executive Office of the President, Ms. Marietta S. Robinson, to be a Commissioner of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Mr. Richard A. Lidinsky, Jr., to be a Commissioner at the Federal Maritime Commission, and Mr. William P. Doyle, to be a Commissioner at the Federal Maritime Commission.
Hearings 05/9/2012
The Need for Privacy Protections: Perspectives from the Administration and the Federal Trade Commission
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces a full committee hearing on “The Need for Privacy Protections: Perspectives from the Administration and the Federal Trade Commission”. This hearing will examine the recent privacy reports that were released by the Obama Administration and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Both of these reports highlighted the need for federal legislation that provides baseline privacy protections to consumers.
Hearings 04/24/2012
The Emergence of Online Video: Is It The Future?
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces a full committee hearing on on “The Emergence of Online Video: Is It The Future?”. This hearing will consider the future of online video. It will explore the migration of viewing from traditional television to Internet and broadband-enabled video content. It will examine the role that disruptive technologies play in facilitating this transition, and the business and legal models that foster the growth of this sector.
Hearings 04/18/2012
Protecting Commuters: Ensuring Accountability and Oversight in Tolling
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security announces a hearing entitled, “Protecting Commuters: Ensuring Accountability and Oversight in Tolling.” This hearing will explore the use of tolls on the nation’s bridges and tunnels, the need for transparency and accountability by the entities that set toll rates, and the need for equity among commuters, businesses, and the traveling public who use tolled facilities.
Hearings 04/17/2012
Promoting American Competitiveness: Filling Jobs Today And Training Workers For Tomorrow
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Competitiveness, Innovation, and Export Promotion announces a hearing on promoting American competitiveness: filling jobs today and training workers for tomorrow.
Hearings 04/11/2012
Shale Gas Development: Meeting The Transportation, Pipeline, And Rail Needs To Renew American Manufacturing
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces a field hearing in West Virginia on shale gas development, and the transportation, pipeline, and rail needs to renew American manufacturing.
Hearings 03/28/2012
The Science and Standards of Forensics
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces a full committee hearing on the science and standards of forensics. As the Committee develops forensics legislation, this hearing will serve as an opportunity to examine the role of federal science agencies in improving science and standards, including the longstanding work of the National Institute of Standards and Technology in advancing forensic science and ways the National Science Foundation could provide opportunities for basic research and graduate education in forensic fields.
Hearings 03/20/2012
Commercial Airline Safety Oversight
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security announces an oversight hearing on commercial airline safety.
Hearings 03/7/2012
The President's FY2013 Budget Proposals for the Coast Guard and NOAA
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, abd Coast Guard announces an upcoming hearing on the president's fiscal year 2013 budget proposal for the Coast Guard and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Witnesses will adddress the administration's FY 2013 budget request for NOAA and the Coast Guard as well as outline the agency budget and programmatic priorities for the upcoming year.
Hearings 03/7/2012
Priorities, Plans, and Progress of the Nation's Space Program
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces a full committee hearing on priorities, plans, and progress of the nation's space program.
Hearings 03/6/2012
Keeping America Competitive Through Investments in R&D
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Science and Space announces an upcoming hearing on keeping America competitive through investments in R&D.
Hearings 03/1/2012
Cruise Industry Oversight: Are Current Regulations Sufficient to Protect Passengers & Environment
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces a full committee hearing to review whether current cruise ship industry regulations sufficiently protect passengers and the environment.
Hearings 12/15/2011
Environmental Risks of Genetically Engineered Fish
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard announces a hearing on the environmental risks of genetically engineered (GE) fish. The hearing will examine the environmental safety issues surrounding genetically engineered fish, focusing on risks to wild fish stocks, fisheries, and aquatic ecosystems should these fish escape into wild habitats. In their testimony, witnesses will address the potential environmental impacts from the escapement of AquAdvantage salmon and other GE fish; the information required for conducting a scientifically rigorous environmental risk assessment of GE fish; and what improvements can be made to the Federal government’s current review and compliance processes to minimize the environmental risks.
Hearings 12/14/2011
Executive Session
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announced today that an executive session has been scheduled for Wednesday, December 14, 2011 to consider pending transportation safety reauthorization bills. The Committee will also consider additional surface transportation reauthorization bills at the first markup in the next session of this Congress.
Hearings 12/8/2011
ICANN's Expansion of Top Level Domains
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announced today a full committee hearing on ICANN’s (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) expansion of top level domains. In January 2012, ICANN will begin allowing interested organizations and companies to apply for additional top level domains. This hearing will examine the merits and implications of this new program and ICANN’s continuing efforts to address concerns raised by the Internet community.
Hearings 12/8/2011
Executive Session
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announced today that an executive session has been scheduled for Thursday, December 8, 2011 following the first roll call vote on the Senate floor. Details on the exact time and place are forthcoming.
Hearings 12/7/2011
Turning the Investigation on the Science of Forensics
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announced today a full committee hearing on advancing the science of forensics. While the criminal justice system relies heavily on forensic science to identify and prosecute criminals, many forensic tests lack scientific validation. The hearing will examine the science of forensic disciplines, the need for scientific research and enforceable national standards, and other challenges faced by the forensic science community.
Hearings 12/6/2011
Contaminated Drywall: Current Health, Housing and Product Safety Issues Facing Homeowners
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance announced today a hearing to examine the current health, housing and product safety issues contaminated drywall poses for homeowners. Specifically, the hearing will review the Federal and local responses to the contaminated drywall problem and ongoing homeowner concerns since the Subcommittee’s initial drywall hearing in May 2009.
Hearings 11/30/2011
Nominations Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announced today a hearing to consider the nominations of Ms. Jessica Rosenworcel and Mr. Ajit Varadaraj Pai, to be Commissioners of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Hearings 11/17/2011
Tourism in America: Moving Our Economy Forward
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Competitiveness, Innovation, and Export Promotion announces a hearing titled Tourism in America: Moving Our Economy Forward.
Hearings 11/17/2011
NASA's Human Space Exploration: Direction, Strategy, and Progress
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Science and Space will hold a hearing on NASA's human space exploration.
Hearings 11/16/2011
Weathering Change: Need for Continued Innovation in Forecasting and Prediction
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard will hold a hearing on the need for continued innovation in weather forecasting and prediction. The hearing comes following a summer of extreme weather events across the United States and after a massive storm of “epic proportion” that recently hit the coastal communities in Alaska.
Hearings 11/15/2011
Nominations Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today announced a full committee hearing on the nominations of Jon Leibowitz and Maureen Ohlhausen, to be Federal Trade Commissioners. Mr. Leibowitz’s nomination is for reappointment.
Hearings 11/9/2011
Securing Our Nation's Transportation System: Oversight of TSA's Current Efforts
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today announced a hearing on current Transportation Security Administration (TSA) efforts to secure the Nation’s transportation system. Ten years after the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the Nation still faces significant security threats, especially to the transportation system. The TSA has made progress in addressing these threats, but terrorists’ tactics and targets continue to change. The hearing will examine the progress of TSA’s programs and operations in adapting to evolving threats, and the extent to which the agency has implemented statutory mandates, including those from the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act.
Hearings 11/2/2011
Executive Session
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces an executive session scheduled for Wednesday, November 2, 2011 at 2:30 p.m. in 253 Russell Senate Office Building.
Hearings 10/24/2011
The Aviation Workforce: Industry and Labor Perspectives on Training Needs and Challenges
WASHINGTON, D.C.-The U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Aviation Operations, Safety and Security announces a field hearing titled The Aviation Workforce: Industry and Labor Perspectives on Training Needs and Challenges.
Hearings 10/19/2011
Concussions and the Marketing of Sports Equipment
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today announced a full committee hearing to review the issue of concussions in sports and the marketing of “anti-concussion” or “concussion-reducing” sports equipment to athletes and their parents.
Hearings 10/18/2011
Pipeline Safety Since San Bruno and Other Recent Incidents
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security today announced a hearing on the state of pipeline safety since the San Bruno, California explosion and other recent pipeline incidents. The hearing will focus on the findings of the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation into the San Bruno accident and pending pipeline safety legislation.
Hearings 10/12/2011
Universal Service Reform-Bringing Broadband to All Americans
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today announced a hearing on reforming the Universal Service Fund. This hearing will provide a forum for discussing efforts to reform the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) universal service policy, in particular the high-cost universal service system.
Hearings 10/3/2011
Hearing to Review Massachusetts Fishery Management Plans
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today announced a hearing to review Massachusetts' fishery management plans.
Hearings 09/14/2011
Moving Intercity Passenger Rail Into the Future
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Senate Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security today announced a hearing to review the Federal Railroad Administration’s and Amtrak’s implementation of the Passenger Rail Investment and Improvement Act of 2008, including the intercity and high-speed rail grant programs.
Hearings 08/12/2011
Keeping the Coast Guard 'Always Ready' in Alaska
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard Subcommittee announces a hearing titled Keeping the Coast Guard 'Always Ready' in Alaska.
Hearings 08/10/2011
Fighting Drunk Driving: Lessons Learned in New Mexico
WASHINGTON, D.C - The U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee announces the hearing titled Fighting Drunk Driving: Lessons Learned in New Mexico.
Hearings 07/28/2011
Aviation Fuels: Needs, Challenges, and Alternatives
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Senate Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security Subcommittee today announced a hearing on the needs, challenges, and alternatives of aviation fuels. The hearing will examine the impact of fuel prices on the industry, current efforts to develop alternative aviation fuels, and obstacles that must be overcome to facilitate their commercialization and adoption throughout the industry. Key issues that will be addressed at the hearing will include: research and development needs; infrastructure concerns; and actions the government should consider to minimize the impact of fuel costs on the aviation sector.
Hearings 07/27/2011
Improving Highway and Vehicle Safety: Reauthorization of NHTSA
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Senate Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance Subcommittee today announced a hearing on reauthorizing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The hearing will examine the reauthorization of the highway and vehicle safety aspects of the NHTSA in the context of the Senate-wide highway trust fund reauthorization efforts. Senator Pryor has draft legislative language that will be considered at the hearing.
Hearings 07/27/2011
Defending U.S. Economic Interests in the Changing Arctic: Is There a Strategy?
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Senate Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard Subcommittee today announced a hearing on defending U.S. economic interests in the changing arctic. The hearing will examine how the United States can better position itself to take advantage of emerging economic opportunities in the Arctic region and assess whether federal agencies are proactively positioning themselves to promote US Arctic interests, and whether they have adequate capacity to meet their goals in the Arctic.
Hearings 07/21/2011
Making Our Roads Safer: Reauthorization of the Motor Carrier Safety Programs
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today announced a Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security Subcommittee hearing on the reauthorization of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration programs.
Hearings 07/20/2011
Looking to the Future: Lessons in Prevention, Response, and Restoration from the Gulf Oil Spill
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Senate Commerce Committee today announced an Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard Subcommittee hearing on lessons in prevention, response and restoration from the Gulf oil spill. The hearing will examine the ongoing response to and lessons learned from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. In addition, the hearing will focus on the continuing challenges relevant agencies and stakeholders face in the wake of the spill, the state of progress of damage assessment and restoration activities, and recommendations for improving the nation’s oil spill prevention and response capacity, and ensuring the long term successful restoration in the Gulf.
Hearings 07/20/2011
Building American Transportation Infrastructure Through Innovative Funding
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Senate Commerce Committee today announced a full committee hearing on building American transportation infrastructure through innovative funding. This hearing will examine the means by which federal funds can be used to leverage and partner with private sector capital to supplement existing transportation funding and increase overall investment into transportation projects. In addition, the hearing will look at the effects investing in infrastructure projects can have on job creation.
Hearings 07/14/2011
National Nanotechnology Investment: Manufacturing, Commercialization & Job Creation
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today announced a Science and Space Subcommittee hearing on national nanotechnology investment. As the Commerce Committee considers a reauthorization of the National Nanotechnology Initiative, the hearing will examine the potential of nanotechnology, federal initiatives to coordinate research investments, barriers to commercialization, possible environmental and health risks, and steps Congress can take to improve the return on federal nanotechnology investments.
Hearings 07/13/2011
Unauthorized Charges on Telephone Bills: Why Crammers Win and Consumers Lose
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today announced a full committee hearing to examine reports of unauthorized mystery charges being placed on landline telephone bills, a practice commonly referred to as “cramming.” The hearing comes after a yearlong Commerce Committee investigation into cramming and its impact on American consumers.
Hearings 06/29/2011
Privacy and Data Security: Protecting Consumers in the Modern World
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today announced a full committee hearing on privacy and data security. The hearing will examine how entities collect, maintain, secure, and use personal information in today’s economy and whether consumers are adequately protected under current law. The Commerce Committee will hear from representatives from relevant government agencies as well as business and consumer advocate stakeholders.
Hearings 06/27/2011
Making It In America: Innovate Locally, Export Globally
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today announced a full committee field hearing on manufacturing jobs and export opportunities. Please note the hearing will also be webcast live via the Senate Commerce Committee website at http://commerce.senate.gov. Refresh the Commerce Committee homepage 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time to view the webcast.
Hearings 06/23/2011
U.S. Coast Guard Budget and Oversight
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today announced an Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard Subcommittee hearing on U.S. Coast Guard budget and oversight. Please note the hearing will also be webcast live via the Senate Commerce Committee website at http://commerce.senate.gov. Refresh the Commerce Committee homepage 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time to view the webcast.
Hearings 06/21/2011
Nominations Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following hearing on the nominations of Mr. John Bryon, to be Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce, and Mr. Terry Garcia, to be Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Commerce. Please note the hearing will also be webcast live via the Senate Commerce Committee website at http://commerce.senate.gov. Refresh the Commerce Committee homepage 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time to view the webcast.
Hearings 06/14/2011
Emerging Threats to Rail Security
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today announced a hearing on the emerging threats to rail security. Please note the hearing will also be webcast live via the Senate Commerce Committee website at http://commerce.senate.gov. Refresh the Commerce Committee homepage 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time to view the webcast.
Hearings 06/8/2011
Executive Session
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces an executive session scheduled for Wednesday, June 8, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. in 253 Russell Senate Office Building.
Hearings 05/24/2011
Air Traffic Control Safety Oversight
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today announced an Aviation Operations, Safety and Security Subcommittee hearing on air traffic control safety oversight.
Hearings 05/19/2011
Consumer Privacy and Protection in the Mobile Marketplace
WASHINGTON, D.C.--Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today announced a Consumer Protection, Product Safety and Insurance Subcommittee hearing on consumer privacy and protection in the mobile marketplace.
Hearings 05/18/2011
Contributions of Space to National Imperatives
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today announced a Science and Space Subcommittee hearing on the contributions of space to national imperatives.
Hearings 05/11/2011
Manufacturing Our Way to a Stronger Economy
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today announced a second in a series of Commerce Committee hearings focusing on manufacturing in America and the ways in which the government and industry can strengthen the sector and promote job growth.
Hearings 05/10/2011
Are Our Nation’s Ports Secure? Examining the Transportation Worker ID Credential Program
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today announced a full committee hearing to review the Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) program. The TWIC program is a nationwide ID program intended to address security vulnerabilities within America’s ports by providing government security officials the ability to conduct background checks and verify the identity of transportation workers with access to secure port areas.
Hearings 05/5/2011
Executive Session
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces an executive session scheduled for May 5, 2011 at 10:00 a.m. in 253 Russell Senate Office Building.*
Hearings 05/3/2011
America's Natural Disaster Preparedness: Are Federal Investments Paying Off?
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today announced a hearing to review America’s natural disaster preparedness and response plans.
Hearings 04/13/2011
FY 2012 NOAA Budget Request and Oversight
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and the Coast Guard Subcommittee hearing on NOAA’s FY 2012 budget request and oversight.
Hearings 04/5/2011
Closing the Digital Divide: Connecting Native Nations and Communities to the 21st Century
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following full committee hearing titled Closing the Digital Divide: Connecting Native Nations and Communities to the 21st Century.
Hearings 04/5/2011
Tourism in America: Removing Barriers and Promoting Growth
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following Competitiveness, Innovation, and Export Promotion Subcommittee hearing titled Tourism in America: Removing Barriers and Promoting Growth.
Hearings 03/30/2011
Ensuring the Safety of Our Nation's Motorcoach Passengers
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security Subcommittee hearing on ensuring the safety of our nation’s motorcoach passengers.
Hearings 03/17/2011
Investing in Federal R&D
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following Science and Space Subcommittee hearing on investing in R&D.
Hearings 03/16/2011
The State of Online Consumer Privacy
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today announced the Committee will hold a hearing to examine online consumer privacy on Wednesday, March 16 at 10:00 a.m. The hearing will kick off the 112th Congress’ deliberations on consumer privacy, an issue that is front and center on the Commerce Committee’s agenda, and a top priority for Chairman Rockefeller.
Hearings 03/15/2011
Realizing NASA's Potential: Programmatic Challenges in the 21st Century
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following full committee hearing titled, Realizing NASA's Potential: Programmatic Challenges in the 21st Century.
Hearings 03/10/2011
Nominations Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following nominations hearing on nominations.
Hearings 03/8/2011
Hearing to Review the Department of Transportation Fiscal Year 2012 Budget
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following full committee hearing to review the Department of Transportation FY2012 budget.
Hearings 03/8/2011
Implementation of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard Subcommittee hearing on implementation of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act. Witness List Panel I Dr. Douglas DeMaster, Acting Director of Scientific Programs and Chief Science Advisor, National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) Mr. Eric C. Schwaab, Assistant Administrator, NMFS Panel II Mr. William R. Bird, Attorney at Law and Private Angler Mr. Vito Giacalone, Policy Director, Northeast Seafood Coalition Dr. William C. Hogarth, Interim Director, Florida Institute of Oceanography, University of South Florida Ms. Stephanie Madsen, Executive Director, At Sea Processors Association *Not necessarily in order of appearance.
Hearings 03/2/2011
The Future of American Manufacturing: Maintaining America's Competitive Edge
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following full committee hearing titled The Future of American Manufacturing: Maintaining America's Competitive Edge.
Hearings 02/17/2011
Executive Session
WAHSINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV intends to hold an executive session to consider and approve the Rules and Budget Resolution for the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Hearings 02/16/2011
Safeguarding Our Future: Building a Nationwide Network for First Responders
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following full committee hearing titled Safeguarding Our Future: Building a Nationwide Network for First Responders.
Hearings 12/2/2010
International Aviation Screening Standards
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security Subcommittee hearing international aviation screening standards.
Hearings 12/2/2010
Oversight of the Consumer Product Safety Commission: Product Safety in the Holiday Season
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance Subcommittee hearing titled Oversight of the Consumer Product Safety Commission: Product Safety in the Holiday Season.
Hearings 12/1/2010
Are Mini Med Policies Really Health Insurance?
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following full committee hearing titled Are Mini Med Policies Really Health Insurance?
Hearings 12/1/2010
Transition and Implementation: The NASA Authorization Act of 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following full committee hearing titled Transition and Implementation: The NASA Authorization Act of 2010.
Hearings 11/30/2010
Nominations Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following nominations hearing.
Hearings 11/17/2010
Television Viewers, Retransmission Consent, and the Public Interest
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following Communications, Technology, and the Internet Subcommittee hearing on television viewers, retransmission consent, and the public interest.
Hearings 11/17/2010
Transportation Security Administration Oversight Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following full committee hearing on Transportation Security Administration oversight.
Hearings 09/28/2010
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 announces the following Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security Subcommittee hearing titled Pipeline Safety: Assessing the San Bruno, California Explosion and Other Recent Accidents.
Hearings 09/28/2010
NHTSA Oversight: An Examination of the Highway Safety Provisions of SAFETEA-LU
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance Subcommittee hearing titled NHTSA Oversight: An Examination of the Highway Safety Provisions of SAFETEA-LU.
Hearings 09/23/2010
Keeping Us Safe: The Need for a Nationwide Public Safety Network
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following full committee hearing titled Keeping Us Safe: The Need for a Nationwide Public Safety Network.
Hearings 09/22/2010
Legislative Hearing on S.3742, The Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance Subcommittee hearing on S.3742, The Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2010.
Hearings 09/16/2010
Oversight of MWAA, Reagan Washington National Airport and the Perimeter Rule
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security Subcommittee hearing titled Oversight of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, Reagan Washington National Airport and the Perimeter Rule.
Hearings 09/15/2010
The Federal Role in National Rail Policy
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following full committee hearing on the Federal role in national rail policy.
Hearings 09/13/2010
The Integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs) into the National Airspace System (NAS): Fulfilling Imminent Operational and Training Requirements
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following field hearing titled The Integration of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UASs) into the National Airspace System (NAS): Fulfilling Imminent Operational and Training Requirements.
Hearings 08/19/2010
The Changing Arctic: Implications for Federal Resources and Local Communities
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following field hearing titled The Changing Arctic: Implications for Federal Resources and Local Communities.
Hearings 08/12/2010
Protecting Consumers from Deceptive Debt Settlement Schemes
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following field hearing titled Protecting Consumers from Deceptive Debt Settlement Schemes.
Hearings 07/27/2010
Consumer Online Privacy
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following full committee hearing on consumer online privacy.
Hearings 07/22/2010
Executive Session
Hearings 07/21/2010
SAFE Port Act Reauthorization: Securing Our Nation's Critical Infrastructure
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following full committee hearing titled SAFE Port Act: Securing Our Nation's Critical Infrastructure.
Hearings 07/21/2010
Turning Ideas into Action: Ensuring Effective Clean Up and Restoration in the Gulf
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard Subcommittee hearing titled Turning Ideas into Action: Ensuring Effective Clean Up and Restoration in the Gulf.
Hearings 07/15/2010
Protecting Youths in an Online World
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance Subcommittee hearing on protecting youths in an online world.
Hearings 07/15/2010
Executive Session
During the Executive Session, Committee members will consider the following legislation and nominations*:
Hearings 06/30/2010
Deepwater Horizon Tragedy: Holding Responsible Parties Accountable
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following full committee hearing titled The Deepwater Horizon Tragedy: Holding Industry Accountable.
Hearings 06/24/2010
Ensuring the Safety of Our Nation's Pipelines
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security Subcommittee hearing on ensuring the safety of our nation's pipelines.
Hearings 06/24/2010
Universal Service: Transforming the High-Cost Fund for the Broadband Era
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following full committee hearing entitled Universal Service: Transforming the High-Cost Fund for the Broadband Era.
Hearings 06/22/2010
Innovation in America: Opportunities and Obstacles
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following Competitiveness, Innovation, and Export Promotion Subcommittee hearing entitled Innovation in America: Opportunities and Obstacles.
Hearings 06/17/2010
The Financial State of the Airline Industry and the Implications of Consolidation
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following full committee hearing on the financial state of the airline industry and the implications of consolidation.
Hearings 06/10/2010
Nomination Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following full committee hearing on the nomination of Mr. John S. Pistole, to be Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration and an Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Hearings 06/9/2010
Executive Session
During the Executive Session, Committee members will consider the following legislation and nominations*:
Hearings 05/26/2010
Innovation and Inclusion: The Americans with Disabilities Act at 20
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following Communications, Technology, and the Internet Subcommittee hearing on Innovation and Inclusion: The Americans with Disabilities Act at 20.
Hearings 05/20/2010
Nomination Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following full committee hearing on nominations.
Hearings 05/19/2010
S. 3302, The Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following full committee hearing on S. 3302, The Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 2010.
Hearings 05/18/2010
Response Efforts to the Gulf Coast Oil Spill
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following full committee hearing on response efforts to the Gulf Coast oil spill.
Hearings 05/12/2010
The Future of U.S. Human Space Flight
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following full committee hearing on the future of U.S. human space flight.
Hearings 05/6/2010
America Wins When America COMPETES: Building a High-Tech Workforce
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following full committee hearing entitled America Wins When America COMPETES: Building a High-Tech Workforce.
Hearings 04/29/2010
Examining Children's Privacy: New Technologies and the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act
Hearings 04/28/2010
Oversight of Motor Carrier Safety Efforts
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security Subcommittee hearing on Oversight of Motor Carrier Safety Efforts.
Hearings 04/27/2010
America the Beautiful: Promoting Our National Parks as Travel Destinations
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following Competitiveness, Innovation, and Export Promotion Subcommittee hearing on America the Beautiful: Promoting Our National Parks as Travel Destinations.
Hearings 04/22/2010
The Debt Settlement Industry: The Consumer's Experience
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following full committee hearing on The Debt Settlement Industry: The Consumer's Experience.
Hearings 04/22/2010
The Environmental and Economic Impacts of Ocean Acidification
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard Subcommittee hearing on The Environmental and Economic Impacts of Ocean Acidification.
Hearings 04/21/2010
Securing the Nation's Rail and Other Surface Transportation Networks
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following full committee hearing on Securing the Nation's Rail and Other Surface Transportation Networks.
Hearings 04/15/2010
S. 817, The Pacific Salmon Stronghold Conservation Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard Subcommittee hearing on S. 817, The Pacific Salmon Stronghold Conservation Act.
Hearings 04/14/2010
Reviewing the National Broadband Plan
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following full committee hearing to review the National Broadband Plan.
Hearings 03/24/2010
Executive Session
During the Executive Session, Committee members will consider the following legislation and nominations*:
Hearings 03/23/2010
Nomination Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following full committee hearing on nominations.
Hearings 03/18/2010
Assessing Commercial Space Capabilities
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following Science and Space Subcommittee hearing on Assessing Commercial Space Capabilities.
Hearings 03/18/2010
Nominations Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following full committee hearing on nominations.
Hearings 03/17/2010
Financial Services and Products: The Role of the FTC in Protecting Consumers, Part II
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance Subcommittee hearing on Financial Services and Products: The Role of the Federal Trade Commission on Protecting Consumers, Part II*.
Hearings 03/11/2010
Consumers, Competition, and Consolidation in the Video and Broadband Market
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following full committee hearing on Consumers, Competition, and the Proposed Comcast-NBC Merger.
Hearings 03/10/2010
Advancing American Innovation and Competitiveness
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following full committee hearing on Advancing American Innovation and Competitiveness.
Hearings 03/4/2010
Hearing to Review the Department of Transportation Fiscal Year 2011 Budget
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following full committee hearing to review the Department of Transportation Fiscal Year 2011 Budget.
Hearings 03/3/2010
NOAA's FY 2011 Budget Request and Fisheries Enforcement Programs and Operations
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard Subcommittee hearing on The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's FY 2011 Budget Request and Fisheries Enforcement Programs and Operations.
Hearings 03/2/2010
Toyota's Recalls and the Government's Response
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation is holding a full Committee hearing on Toyota’s recently announced safety recalls.
Hearings 02/25/2010
Aviation Safety: One Year After the Crash of Flight 3407
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security Subcommittee hearing on Aviation Safety: One Year After the Crash of Flight 3407.
Hearings 02/24/2010
Challenges and Opportunities in the NASA FY 2011 Budget Proposal
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following Science and Space Subcommittee hearing on Challenges and Opportunities in the NASA FY 2011 Budget Proposal.