Minority News

Press Releases 12/18/2013
Rockefeller Releases Staff Report on Data Broker Investigation
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Ahead of a Senate Commerce Committee hearing today at 2:30 p.m. on how data broker industry practices may impact consumers, Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released a majority staff report summarizing the Commerce Committee’s investigation into how data brokers collect, compile, and sell consumer information. In spite of the key role they play in determining what advertisements and offers consumers receive, data brokers remain largely invisible to the consumers whose data populate their databases.
Press Releases 12/16/2013
Rockefeller Wants Port Authority to Account for George Washington Bridge Closure
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today is asking the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to answer for an unannounced closure in September 2013 of a major access point to the George Washington Bridge, which spans the Hudson River and connects New Jersey and New York City. Rockefeller was alarmed by the agency's sudden action and its subsequent consequences on interstate commerce and safety, and believes it further highlights his concerns about a lack of oversight at the Port Authority.
Press Releases 12/10/2013
Rockefeller: There is Too Much at Stake with the Incentive Auction to be Complacent
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Below are Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV opening statement at today's U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing titled, "Crafting a Successful Incentive Auction: Stakeholders' Perspectives," as prepared for delivery.
Press Releases 11/22/2013
Rockefeller: Wireless Carriers' Decision to End "Cramming" Puts Consumers First
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement today after it was announced this week that AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and Sprint made the decision to stop “cramming” or placing third-party charges for Premium Short Messaging Services – also known as PSMS or premium text messages – on customers’ wireless telephone bills.
Press Releases 11/22/2013
Congressional Transportation Leaders Question DOJ Proposed Airline Merger Settlement
Press Releases 11/21/2013
Rockefeller: Evidence is Overwhelming that Railroads are Financially Strong
WASHINGTON, D.C.--Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today gave opening remarks at a U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing on several nominations. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:
Press Releases 11/21/2013
Rockefeller: Bad Actors Preying on Military Need to be Stopped
WASHINGTON, D.C.—During a hearing yesterday about abusive and illegal business practices aimed at members of the military, Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV implored state and federal officials to continue their "all-of-the-above" efforts to stop bad actors from attempting to make a quick buck at the expense of service men and women and their families.
Press Releases 11/21/2013
Rockefeller Releases Report Concluding Freight Railroads Are Setting New Records in Financial Performance
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today issued an update to the 2010 Committee Majority Staff Report that examined the financial state of the rail industry, concluding that the financial performance of dominant Class I freight rail companies is at its strongest since the passage of the Staggers Act of 1980.
Press Releases 11/21/2013
Rockefeller, Thune, Carper, Coburn Introduce Resolution to Condemn LAX Shooting, Honor Victims and Those Who Responded to the Attack
Washington, D.C. – Senator Jay Rockefeller (D-WV), Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Ranking Member John Thune (R-SD), along with Senators Tom Carper (D-DE) and Tom Coburn (R-OK), Chairman and Ranking Member of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, today introduced a resolution to condemn the tragic shooting at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on November 1, 2013. The resolution also honors victims of the shooting and praises those who helped with the response including Transportation Security Administration (TSA) officers, first responders, and law enforcement and medical personnel. The shooter killed Gerardo Hernandez, a TSA officer, wounded two other TSA officers, James Speer and Tony Grigsby, and injured a member of the traveling public, Brian Ludmer.
Press Releases 11/20/2013
Rockefeller: We Owe Servicemembers Protection From Unscrupulous Business Practices
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today gave opening remarks at the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing titled, "Soldiers as Consumers: Predatory and Unfair Business Practices Harming the Military Community”. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:
Press Releases 11/18/2013
Rockefeller Says Compounding Bill Brings Accountability to Prescription Drug Market
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today praised final congressional passage of the Drug Quality and Security Act (H.R. 3204), bipartisan legislation with major consumer and life-saving benefits that President Obama will now sign into law. The bill was developed with critical information uncovered during Rockefeller’s joint Senate-House investigation into the prescription drug “gray market”, which found that unscrupulous operators can make enormous profits by buying hard-to-find drugs and then marking them up and re-selling at astronomical price points.
Press Releases 11/14/2013
Rockefeller: National Academies Report Calls for Investing in Scientific Talent Nationwide
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator Jay Rockefeller today released the following statement on the National Academies report released today on Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR), a federal initiative focused on building science and technological research capacity. Since 2000, EPSCoR has spurred more than $900 million in federal academic research and development investments in the state. In West Virginia these funds are being used to build research capacity to compete in federal science and technology competitions. In 2010, West Virginia received a $20 million EPSCoR grant which is the largest in state history.
Press Releases 11/13/2013
Rockefeller: We Must Prioritize Investments that Create Jobs or Risk Losing our Competitiveness
WASHINGTON, D.C.—During a Commerce Committee hearing today on U.S. innovation and manufacturing today, Chairman Jay Rockefeller called on his colleagues to prioritize investments that are proven to create jobs and boost our economy.
Press Releases 11/13/2013
Rockefeller: The U.S. Must Continue to Invest in Innovation, Strengthen Manufacturing Sector
WASHINGTON, D.C.--Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today gave an opening statement at the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing titled, "The Role of Manufacturing Hubs in a 21st Century Innovation Economy". Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery.
Press Releases 11/12/2013
Rockefeller Statement on Commerce Committee Approving McSweeny's FTC Nomination
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement after the nomination of Ms. Terrell McSweeny to be a Commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) was favorably reported out of the Commerce Committee.
Press Releases 11/12/2013
Rockefeller Introduces Bill to Promote a Consumer-Centric Video Marketplace
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Because consumers are paying ever-increasing television bills with little control over the channels and programming they purchase, Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today introduced groundbreaking legislation to promote a consumer-centric video marketplace titled, the Consumer Choice in Online Video Act.
Press Releases 11/7/2013
Rockefeller Letter on Shark Conservation Act Implementation
Press Releases 11/6/2013
Rockefeller: Does Congress Have the Will to Protect Our Lead in Science and Research?
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Jay Rockefeller today called on his colleagues to make the critical investments in innovation and science that lead to high paying jobs and a growing economy. Rockefeller, the chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, convened a hearing with researchers, scientific experts and educators to discuss how an increase in federal investments would benefit U.S. innovation and research and development (R&D).
Press Releases 11/6/2013
Rockefeller: Investing in R&D and STEM Education Will Create Jobs and Grow Economy
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today gave opening remarks at the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing titled, "America COMPETES: Science and the U.S. Economy". Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery.
Press Releases 11/5/2013
Rockefeller Statement on New Pilot Training Rules
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a final rule to strengthen pilot training, which was mandated by Congress in the Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010.
Press Releases 11/1/2013
Rockefeller Statement on Shooting at LAX
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement after the shooting at Los Angeles International Airport. "My thoughts go out to the victims of today's shooting at LAX. It's heartbreaking every time a shooting occurs and today's horrible event reminds us that aviation security extends all the way from the gates to the skies. TSA agents are at the front lines of protecting our nation and they deserve our support in carrying out risky and sensitive jobs. While some in Congress believe that privatizing our aviation security workforce would be preferable, these brave men and women are proving that the federal TSA agents are highly capable and ready to protect passengers every step of the way."
Press Releases 10/31/2013
Rockefeller Welcomes Senator Booker to the Senate Commerce Committee
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement welcoming Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) to the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Press Releases 10/31/2013
Rockefeller Warns Passenger Use of Electronic Devices Must Not Compromise Safety
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) determined that airlines can allow passenger use of Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs) during the entire flight – including taxi, takeoff, and landing. Carriers will have to prove to the FAA that each type of aircraft can function safely while passengers use their devices. Passengers will still have to turn off the cellular service to use their device.
Press Releases 10/30/2013
Rockefeller, Udall React to New IOM Report on Sports Equipment and Concussions
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.V.) and Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) today released the following statements after the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National Academies released a report concluding there is little to no medical evidence that youth equipment protects against risks of concussions. At Rockefeller and Udall’s urging, the IOM studied how best to protect young athletes from sports-related concussions so parents and coaches can make informed decisions about how to keep athletes safe.
Press Releases 10/29/2013
Rockefeller Statement on Confirmation of Tom Wheeler and Mike O'Rielly to the FCC
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today issued the following statement after Tom Wheeler and Mike O’Rielly were confirmed to be Chairman and Commissioner, respectively, of the Federal Communications Commission.
Press Releases 10/24/2013
Rockefeller's Latest Letter to Experian Requests Information on Reported Data Disclosures to Identity Theft Services
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV yesterday sent a letter to Experian as part of his ongoing investigation into the data broker industry. Thus far, Experian has refused to fully respond to questions about identities of customers who purchase its data and specific sources of its data, as requested by Rockefeller’s October 9, 2012 letter to nine data brokers when he launched the investigation.
Press Releases 10/21/2013
Rockefeller Announces Departure of Chief of Staff Kerry Ates; James Reid Will Succeed Ates as Chief of Staff
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today announced that Kerry A. Ates, who has served as his long-time Chief of Staff, will be departing in mid-December to assume the role of vice president and chief of staff at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD, beginning in January 2014.
Press Releases 10/18/2013
Rockefeller Statement on Homeland Security Secretary Nominee Jeh Johnson
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement on the president’s nomination of Jeh Johnson to be Secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security:
Press Releases 10/11/2013
Rockefeller Says Government Shutdown is "Doing Great Harm to Our Country"
WASHINGTON, DC -- Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV gave opening remarks at today's U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing titled, "The Impacts of the Government Shutdown on Our Economic Security."
Press Releases 10/11/2013
Rockefeller Releases Report on Impacts of the Government Shutdown
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released a report titled, “Impacts of the 2013 Government Shutdown” – a snapshot of the impacts of the government shutdown to the public and the U.S. economy. The report was released during the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing titled, “The Impacts of the Government Shutdown on Our Economic Security,” on Friday, October 11, 2013 at 1:00 p.m.
Press Releases 08/1/2013
Rockefeller Introduces Tax Bills to Make Sure Cruise Lines Are Paying Their Fair Share
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today introduced legislation today to close a tax loophole, currently exploited by the cruise industry, that has given cruise lines the ability to avoid paying U.S. income tax. For the past seven years, Carnival and Royal Caribbean – which represent 71 percent of the global cruise industry – paid an effective worldwide tax rate of just 1.3 percent on more than $17 billion in profits. Because this figure includes foreign taxes, the cruise industry’s effective U.S. tax rate is actually much lower than 1.3 percent. Rockefeller’s legislation would eliminate this outrageous exemption by requiring cruise lines to pay their fair share of taxes and support the federal resources on which they heavily rely.
Press Releases 07/30/2013
Rockefeller Statement on Bipartisan Commerce Committee Votes
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement after the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation concluded the executive session:
Press Releases 07/25/2013
Rockefeller Says NIST's Mission Should Include Cybersecurity
WASHINGTON, D.C.-- Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today gave an opening statement at the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing titled, "The Partnership Between NIST and the Private Sector: Improving Cybersecurity". Below are his prepared remarks:
Press Releases 07/25/2013
Rockefeller Statement on Wireline Communications
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller iV today submitted a prepared statement at the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing titled, "State of Wireline Communications".
Press Releases 07/24/2013
Rockefeller Releases Cruise Crime Report that Shows Gaps in Accessibility of Safety Data
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released a report that exposes critical barriers to public access of important cruise ship crime and safety data. The reality is, according to the report, the number of alleged crimes cruise lines have reported to the FBI since 2011 is 30 times higher than the number of crimes the FBI is required to report publicly.
Press Releases 07/24/2013
Rockefeller, Thune Introduce Bipartisan Cyber Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV) and Ranking Member John Thune (R-SD) today introduced bipartisan cyber legislation that would help strengthen and protect the nation’s economic and national security. The Cybersecurity Act of 2013, S. 1353, would give the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) authority to facilitate and support the development of voluntary, industry-led cyber standards and best practices for critical infrastructure. The bill would also make sure the federal government supports cutting edge research, raises public awareness of cyber risks, and improves the nation’s workforce to better address cyber threats.
Press Releases 07/24/2013
Rockefeller Puts Cruise Industry on Notice that Passenger Safety and Security is Number One Priority
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today gave opening remarks at the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing titled, "Cruise Industry Oversight: Recent Incidents Show Need for Stronger Focus on Consumer Protection". Below are his prepared remarks:
Press Releases 07/23/2013
Rockefeller's Cruise Bill Puts Consumer Awareness and Protection at the Forefront
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today introduced the Cruise Passenger Protection Act of 2013, a bill that would close gaps in cruise industry consumer awareness and crime reporting. Serious incidents continue to occur on cruise ships, yet the industry has not prioritized consumer awareness, safety, and security. Rockefeller’s bill would provide the nearly 21 million Americans who plan to take a cruise this year with critical information about the limited scope of their current consumer protections and would take steps to improve accountability in the industry.
Press Releases 07/19/2013
Rockefeller Asks GAO to Assess Effectiveness of Oil and Gas Transportation
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today requested the Government Accountability Office (GAO) examine the impact of current shale oil and gas development on the nation’s existing transportation infrastructure. The boom in domestic shale oil and gas production has raised questions about the ability of existing infrastructure to safely transport these hazardous products, and the capacity of safety standards as production increases. Recent events, including the tragic Quebec train derailment earlier this month, and the December 2012 pipeline explosion in Sissonville, WV, have raised concerns about potential gaps in safety standards.
Press Releases 07/19/2013
Rockefeller Commends FCC on E-Rate Vote
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to formally begin the rulemaking process on expanding the E-Rate program to give students access to next-generation educational technology.
Press Releases 07/17/2013
Rockefeller Welcomes Senator Markey to Commerce Committee
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement welcoming Senator Ed Markey (D-MA) to the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Press Releases 07/10/2013
Rockefeller Says Pilot Flight Hours Rule Builds on his Commitment to Maintaining Safety of the Nation's Airways
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a rule that requires pilots have six times as many hours of flight experience as currently mandated. Chairman Rockefeller pushed to include the 1,500 hour requirement for first officers in the 2010 FAA Safety Law (P.L. 111-216).
Press Releases 07/6/2013
Statement from Chairman Rockefeller on Asiana Flight #214 Crash at San Francisco International Airport
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released the following statement today on the crash of Asiana flight #214 at the San Francisco International Airport. The Commerce Committee has specific oversight responsibility for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). "My thoughts are with the passengers and crew of Asiana flight #214, and the first responders on the scene in San Francisco. I am in contact with the NTSB and the FAA as they examine this incident, and I will continue to monitor the situation closely as it unfolds." ###
Press Releases 06/28/2013
Rockefeller Commends Acting Chairwoman Clyburn on Important Step to Strengthen E-Rate
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller today released the following statement on Acting Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairwoman Mignon Clyburn’s announcement that she intends to circulate a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that would strengthen the E-Rate program to give students and teachers access to high-speed Internet in schools and libraries. Rockefeller first called on the FCC to update E-Rate at an FCC oversight hearing this March, where he received public commitments from all five FCC Commissioners to work with him to strengthen this already successful program. Rockefeller also received Mr. Tom Wheeler’s public commitment to update E-Rate at his nomination hearing this month.
Press Releases 06/27/2013
Rockefeller Praises Foxx's Superb Qualifications as DOT Secretary after Unanimous Confirmation Vote
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller released the following statement today after the Senate voted 100-0 to confirm Mayor Anthony Foxx as Secretary of Transportation. Earlier today, Rockefeller spoke on the Senate floor about Mayor Foxx’s experience and skills that will make him a highly effective Secretary.
Press Releases 06/26/2013
Rockefeller Says Stronger Forensic Standards Necessary to Prevent Wrongful Convictions
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today gave an opening statement at the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing titled, "From the Lab Bench to the Courtroom: Advancing the Science and Standards of Forensics." Below are his prepared remarks.
Press Releases 04/12/2013
Rockefeller, Thune Urge FAA to Address Safety in Control Tower Closures
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) and Ranking Member John Thune (R-S.D.) sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Transportation asking that the agency implement sequestration cuts using lower priority spending rather than close air traffic control towers across the country. The bipartisan letter was also signed by Senate Aviation Subcommittee Chairwoman Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Ranking Member Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.), as well as Representatives Bill Shuster (R-Penn.), Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.), and Frank LoBiondo (R-N.J.).
Press Releases 04/10/2013
Rockefeller Says Infrastructure Investment Will Benefit Future Generations
Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today reiterated the need to invest in the country’s transportation network after President Obama released his budget that includes $50 billion in upfront transportation infrastructure investments. Rockefeller and Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) recently introduced legislation that would leverage federal investment to rebuild and expand transportation infrastructure and create American jobs.
Press Releases 04/10/2013
Rockefeller Calls for Long-Term Transportation Strategy
Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today gave an opening statement at the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing titled "Expanding the Panama Canal: What Does it Mean for American Freight and Infrastructure?"
Press Releases 04/5/2013
Rockefeller Says Latest Pipeline Accident is Part of Dangerous Trend
Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today called on federal regulators to quickly and efficiently implement pipeline safety reforms in the wake of a rupture in ExxonMobil’s “Pegasus” pipeline that spilled thousands of barrels of crude oil and forced the evacuation of nearly two-dozen homes near Mayflower, Arkansas. These reforms are vital to avoiding future accidents and keeping the public out of harm’s way.