Minority News

Press Releases 12/15/2010
Chairman Rockefeller's E-Commerce Bill Clears Congress
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today lauded final congressional passage of his legislation to protect consumers from online scams. The legislation, the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act, cleared the U.S. House of Representatives today and now heads to President Obama’s desk.
Press Releases 12/14/2010
Chairman Rockefeller Urges House Passage of Bipartisan, Consumer Protection Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today urged the U.S. House of Representatives to vote in favor of a critical, bipartisan consumer protection bill that would save Americans hundreds of millions of dollars.
Press Releases 12/9/2010
Rockefeller Statement on HHS Guidance on Mini Med Policy Disclosures
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement after the Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) issued its guidance for mini med policy disclosures:
Press Releases 12/8/2010
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:
Press Releases 12/2/2010
Hearing Summary: International Aviation Screening Standards
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held an Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security Subcommittee hearing today on international aviation screening standards.
Press Releases 12/2/2010
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on International Aviation Screening Standards
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Before we begin, I’d like to acknowledge that this will be the final Commerce Committee hearing chaired by Byron Dorgan. And while Senator Dorgan’s over quarter-century of service certainly entitles him to a career change, the Senate and this Committee will be worse off for it. For me, Senator Dorgan’s departure means the loss of a friend. Through the years, Senator Dorgan has been by my side, in the good times and the bad. He always fights the good fight, and the sheer volume of bills that bear his name is a testament to his tireless advocacy on behalf of North Dakota and this nation. So if everyone would indulge me, I’d like to take a couple minutes today to talk about Senator Dorgan.
Press Releases 12/2/2010
Hearing Summary - 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 held a Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance Subcommittee hearing today titled Oversight of the Consumer Product Safety Commission: Product Safety in the Holiday Season.
Press Releases 12/2/2010
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Oversight of the Consumer Product Safety Commission: Product Safety in the Holiday Season
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Thank you, Senator Pryor, for holding this hearing. I know that consumer product safety is a subject matter near and dear to your heart, and the American people owe you a debt of gratitude for all of the work you’ve done on this issue.
Press Releases 12/1/2010
Hearing Summary: Are Mini Med Policies Really Health Insurance?
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a full committee hearing today titled Are Mini Med Policies Really Health Insurance?
Press Releases 12/1/2010
Chairman Rockefeller's Remarks: Are Mini Med Policies Really Health Insurance?
WASHINGTON, D.C.—More than a million Americans wake up and go to work every day thinking they have health insurance. But they don’t. They don’t have the kind of comprehensive health insurance that most of the people in this hearing room probably have - the kind that protects you from financial ruin if you get sick. Instead, they have something called “limited benefit” or “mini medical” insurance.
Press Releases 12/1/2010
Rockefeller Statement on FTC's Online Privacy Report
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement on the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) report on consumers’ online privacy.
Press Releases 12/1/2010
Hearing Summary - Transition and Implementation: The NASA Authorization Act of 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a full committee hearing today titled Transition and Implementation: the NASA Authorization Act of 2010.
Press Releases 12/1/2010
Chairman Rockefeller's Remarks on Transition and Implementation: The NASA Authorization Act of 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C— The NASA Authorization Act of 2010 was signed into law nearly two months ago. The bill was the culmination of a spirited year-long debate between members of Congress, the Administration, the space community, and the American public on the future of America’s space agency. We were able to find a sensible center, and the resulting bill signed into law will help refocus and reinvigorate NASA, while making key investments in aeronautics, science and human space flight missions.
Press Releases 12/1/2010
Chairman Rockefeller's E-Commerce Bill Passes the Senate
WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today applauded Senate passage of the Restore Online Shoppers’ Confidence Act, his bill to protect consumers from deceptive online sales tactics.
Press Releases 11/30/2010
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.
Press Releases 11/30/2010
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.
Press Releases 11/22/2010
Rockefeller Statement on MLR Standards
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement in response to the Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) regulations standards released today:
Press Releases 11/19/2010
Rockefeller Hails FTC Rule to Protect Families from Mortgage Fraud
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 in response to the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) new rule to prevent predatory companies from taking advantage of Americans on the brink of foreclosure:
Press Releases 11/18/2010
Rockefeller & Dorgan Push for Lame Duck Passage of FAA Reauthorization
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV and Byron Dorgan, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Aviation, Operations, Safety and Security, are pushing their colleagues to pass the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization in the lame duck Congress.
Press Releases 11/17/2010
Hearing Summary: Television Viewers, Retransmission Consent, and the Public Interest
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a Communications, Technology, and the Internet Subcommittee hearing today on television viewers, retransmission consent, and the public’s interest.
Press Releases 11/17/2010
Chairman Rockefeller's Remarks on Television Viewers, Retransmission Consent, and the Public Interest
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Television is a powerful force. But I believe the system we have for developing television content, packaging that content, and distributing it to consumers is broken. It may serve companies well. But it does not serve us well as consumers. And I believe it serves us even less well as citizens. Let me explain why.
Press Releases 11/17/2010
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.
Press Releases 11/17/2010
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.
Press Releases 10/26/2010
Chairman Rockefeller Presses Social Networking Sites Facebook & MySpace on Privacy Rules
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today sent letters to Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg and MySpace President Michael Jones requesting more information about privacy breaches reported in the Wall Street Journal.
Press Releases 10/14/2010
Rockefeller to NAIC Commissioners: Reject Health Care Industry's 11th Hour Lobbying Effort
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, sent a letter to the members of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners’ (NAIC) Health and Managed Care (B) Committee urging them to stand strong against the health insurance industry’s last minute attempt to water down key consumer protections included in the health care reform bill.
Press Releases 10/8/2010
Chairman Rockefeller Attends Signing Ceremony for Communications Accessibility Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, attended the signing ceremony for the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010. As Chairman, Senator Rockefeller played a key role in shepherding the bill to Senate passage.
Press Releases 10/1/2010
Chairman Rockefeller Probes McDonald's Health Care Plan
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, sent a letter today to Scott Beacham, the President and Chief Executive of BCS Financial Corporation, asking for more information about the insurance products his company sells to McDonald’s hourly wage employees.
Press Releases 09/30/2010
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.
Press Releases 09/30/2010
Rockefeller Statement on Senate Passage of the CALM Act
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement after the Senate passed the CALM Act (S. 2847), a bill to require the FCC to enforce internationally accepted standards of television advertisement volumes to effectively fix a problem that annoys millions of television viewers when commercials are many times louder than regular programming.
Press Releases 09/29/2010
Chairman Rockefeller Praises House Passage of NASA Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C.— U.S. Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV), Chairman of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, issued the following statement after the United States House of Representatives passed S. 3729, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act (NASA) of 2010. The bill now heads to the President to be signed into law.
Press Releases 09/29/2010
Rockefeller Praises House Passage of Bill to Improve Communications Accessibility for People with Disabilities
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement after the House approved the Senate version of the Equal Access to 21st Century Communications Act (S. 3304). The legislation will update existing disabilities law to reflect accessibility to new and emerging technologies. The bill will now be sent to President Obama to be signed into law.
Press Releases 09/28/2010
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.
Press Releases 09/28/2010
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.
Press Releases 09/28/2010
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.
Press Releases 09/28/2010
Hearing Summary - 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 held a Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance Subcommittee hearing today titled NHTSA Oversight: An Examination of the Highway Safety Provisions of SAFETEA-LU.
Press Releases 09/28/2010
Chairman Rockefeller's Remarks on NHTSA Oversight: An Examination of the Highway Safety Provisions of SAFETEA-LU
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Thank you, Senator Pryor, for holding this important hearing. A major focus of our Committee’s work this year has been on oversight of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and legislation to improve vehicle and highway safety.
Press Releases 09/23/2010
Hearing Summary: Keeping Us Safe - The Need for a Nationwide Public Safety Network
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a full committee hearing today titled Keeping Us Safe: The Need for a Nationwide Public Safety Network.
Press Releases 09/23/2010
Chairman Rockefeller Calls for Nationwide Public Safety Network
WASHINGTON, D.C.— September is when we remember. We remember that nine years ago we witnessed the horror of September 11th. We remember that five years ago we watched the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. We remember because even with the passage of time, these are wounds that do not heal and losses we will never forget.
Press Releases 09/22/2010
Hearing Summary: 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 held a Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Insurance Subcommittee hearing today on S.3742, the Data Security and Breach Notification Act of 2010.
Press Releases 09/22/2010
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Today's Legislative Hearing on S.3742, the Data Security Breach and Notification Act of 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Thank you, Senator Pryor, for holding this hearing, and I want to commend you for your continued, excellent stewardship of the Consumer Protection Subcommittee.
Press Releases 09/20/2010
Rockefeller, Baucus Demand Transparency from Insurance Companies on Premium Increases
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-West Va.) and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) sent a letter today to insurance companies with the five largest enrollments in the country demanding more transparency in calculations of premium increases. The Chairmen said today that they planned close oversight of the companies’ assertions about why premium increases might be necessary. The Senate leaders also made clear they would not tolerate false statements about the effects of the new health care law on premiums, especially since non-partisan, independent experts have concluded the Affordable Care Act will not result in large health insurance premium increases.
Press Releases 09/17/2010
Rockefeller, Dorgan Dissatisfied with MWAA Responses at Oversight Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV and Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security Subcommittee Chairman Byron L. Dorgan today announced that they intend to conduct further oversight of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA or Authority) in an effort to provide greater transparency and accountability regarding the Authority’s operation and maintenance of National Airport and Dulles Airport.
Press Releases 09/16/2010
Hearing Summary: Oversight of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, Reagan Washington National Airport and the Perimeter Rule
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held an Aviation Operations, Safety, Security Subcommittee hearing today on oversight of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, Reagan Washington National Airport and the perimeter rule.
Press Releases 09/16/2010
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Oversight of the Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority, Reagan Washington National Airport and the Perimeter Rule
WASHINGTON, D.C—The Metropolitan Washington Airports Authority (MWAA) operates two of the country’s most successful airports – Reagan National Airport and Dulles International Airport. These facilities have been essential to the development of Northern Virginia as one of this country’s high-technology centers. I am proud to have played a central role in the development of Dulles. When some were opposed to providing bonding authority to support its infrastructure needs, my support helped move this effort forward.
Press Releases 09/16/2010
Chairman Rockefeller Praises Export Promotion Provisions in the Senate Small Business Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement today after Senate passage of H.R. 5297, the Small Business Jobs and Credit Act of 2010.
Press Releases 09/15/2010
The Federal Role in National Rail Policy: Hearing Summary
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a full committee hearing today on the Federal role in national rail policy.
Press Releases 09/15/2010
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on the Federal Role in National Rail Policy
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today’s hearing is about progress. It’s about what’s required to modernize our transportation system so our businesses and our workers can stay competitive in the 21st century. It’s about leveling the playing field. And it’s about how when we do that, America is stronger in the global marketplace and that means jobs and economic security.
Press Releases 09/15/2010
Rockefeller Releases Report on the Rail Industry and the Need for Level Playing Field to Create Competition and Boost Economy
WASHINGTON, D.C.—In anticipation of this afternoon’s hearing on federal rail policy, Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today released a Committee staff report, The Current Financial State of the Class I Freight Rail Industry, showing that the largest American freight railroad companies have been earning record profit margins at the expense of their shipper customers.
Press Releases 09/10/2010
Chairman Rockefeller Statement on FAA's Proposed Pilot Fatigue Rulemaking
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, issued the following statement after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced a proposed rulemaking which would allow pilots more rest and replace current work rules with flexible, scientifically based standards to combat pilot fatigue.
Press Releases 08/26/2010
Rockefeller, Klobuchar & Wyden Respond to GAO Report on Wireless Industry
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a report, “Enhanced Data Collection Could Help FCC Better Monitor Competition in the Wireless Industry,” assessing competition in the wireless industry. The report was requested by U.S. Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.), Committee members Senator Dan Inouye (D-Hawaii) and Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore.).