Minority News

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.
Press Releases 02/19/2013
Rockefeller on Sen. Lautenberg's Retirement Announcement
Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today issued the following statement after Senator Frank Lautenberg announced that he would retire at the end of this Congress.
Press Releases 02/14/2013
Rockefeller Concerned for Travellers in Proposed American, US Airways Merger
Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement on the proposed merger of American Airlines and US Airways.
Press Releases 02/12/2013
Rockefeller on President's State of the Union Address
Chairman Rockefeller issued the following statement on President Obama’s State of the Union address this evening.
Press Releases 09/19/2012
Rockefeller Calls on Fortune 500 Companies to Prioritize Cybersecurity
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today wrote to the Chief Executive Officers of Fortune 500 companies, challenging them to play a leading role in reforming cyber security laws and to distinguish their solutions-oriented cybersecurity leadership from the obstructionist politics of beltway lobbying organizations such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. In a series of letters to the CEOs of America’s 500 largest businesses, Rockefeller noted that Congress came close to approving new cyber protections this summer—in response to the urgent requests of the Commanding General of Cyber Command and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.
Press Releases 08/20/2012
Rockefeller Applauds Appointments to FirstNet Board
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today applauded the appointments to the board of the First Responder Network Authority, or FirstNet. The first responder network was established by Rockefeller’s Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act.
Press Releases 08/13/2012
Rockefeller Urges President Obama to Protect Country From Cyber Threats
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today called on President Barack Obama to protect our nation’s economic and national security by issuing an Executive Order to create a voluntary public-private partnership that will address our country’s most pressing cyber vulnerabilities. Rockefeller’s letter comes after Senate Republicans blocked comprehensive cybersecurity legislation that our nation’s top military and national security officials say is necessary to protect against cyber attacks.
Press Releases 08/2/2012
Rockefeller Calls Blocking of Cyber Safety Reform Bill "Reckless"
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement after Republicans voted to block the Senate from moving ahead with a vote on his cybersecurity legislation:
Press Releases 08/1/2012
Rockefeller on Online Sales Tax
WASHINGTON, DC--Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today gave an opening statement at the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing titled "Marketplace Fairness: Leveling the Playing Field for Small Business."
Press Releases 07/30/2012
Rockefeller, Cosponsors Correct Chamber of Commerce Confusion on Cybersecurity
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Commerce Committee Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, D-W.Va., Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) Chairman Joe Lieberman, ID-Conn., HSGAC Ranking Member Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Select Intelligence Committee Chairman Dianne Feinstein, D-Ca., sent a letter to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce responding to the Chamber’s mischaracterizations about the revised Cybersecurity Act of 2012.
Press Releases 07/24/2012
Rockefeller Remarks on Cable Act
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV gave the following prepared opening statement at the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing entitled "The Cable Act at 20" on July 24, 2012:
Press Releases 07/12/2012
Rockefeller Bill Will Reform Forensics
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today introduced legislation to help prevent wrongful convictions by bringing reliable, science-based standards to forensic evidence.
Press Releases 07/6/2012
Rockefeller on Transportation Bill Signing
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement after President Obama signed a reauthorization of the nation’s surface transportation programs into law.
Press Releases 06/29/2012
Rockefeller Says Transportation Bill Will Make Nation's Roads Safer
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today issued the following statement on Senate passage of the surface transportation bill.
Press Releases 06/28/2012
Rockefeller Remarks on Industry Self-Regulation and Privacy Protections
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Two months ago, we held a hearing in this room on the need for Internet privacy protections. We discussed how Americans are tracked each time they visit a website, watch a video, or make a purchase. Both the Obama Administration and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) testified that Americans have very few rights to protect their information online.
Press Releases 06/28/2012
Rockefeller Says Transportation Bill Will Protect Motorists and Save Lives
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today issued the following statement on a reauthorization agreement of the nation’s federal surface transportation programs:
Press Releases 06/26/2012
Rockefeller on Health Care Law Saving Consumers Over $1 Billion
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released a statement today following the release of a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) report showing consumers will save more than $1 billion thanks to health insurance company rebates. The rebates are a result of the “80/20 rule" in the 2010 health care reform law, which requires health insurance companies to spend a larger portion of their customers’ premium dollars on medical care.
Press Releases 06/21/2012
Rockefeller on Supreme Court's Decision on Indecency Standards
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today issued the following statement regarding the Supreme Court’s 8-0 decision today on the Federal Communications Commission's enforcement of its "fleeting expletives" policy:
Press Releases 06/21/2012
Rockefeller on Commerce Secretary John Bryson's Resignation
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement on Commerce Secretary John Bryson resigning as the Secretary of the Department of Commerce:
Press Releases 06/21/2012
Rockefeller Remarks on FAA Administrator Nominee Michael Huerta
Washington, D.C.—I want to congratulate you, Mr. Huerta, on your nomination to be the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). If confirmed, you will be charged with leading the most complex aviation system in the world and an agency that faces several critical challenges.
Press Releases 06/21/2012
Rockefeller Introduces Bill to Protect Soldiers from Foreclosure Abuses
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today said he will fight for passage of legislation to protect service members from losing their homes to banks and other lenders while they are deployed to battlefields in Iraq, Afghanistan or elsewhere.
Press Releases 06/20/2012
Rockefeller Remarks on Future of Commercial Space
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The United States has long been a world leader in using space for societal and commercial benefits. Satellites, for example, provide us with instant communication, the indispensable Global Positioning System – or GPS – for navigation, and weather data to inform forecasts that prevent loss of life and property. While the original investment for each of these examples came from the federal government, the commercial sector went on to make them profitable industries.
Press Releases 06/18/2012
Rockefeller on Bipartisan Call for Cybersecurity Action
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today issued the following statement regarding Senators Olympia Snowe and Mark Warner’s support for full Senate debate on cybersecurity legislation in a letter to Leaders Harry Reid and Mitch McConnell:
Press Releases 06/14/2012
Rockefeller Introduces Telephone Bill Anti-Cramming Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV has introduced S.3291, the Fair Telephone Billing Act of 2012, a bill to protect consumers from unauthorized third-party charges being placed on their telephone bills. This practice, commonly referred to as “cramming,” was the subject of a year-long Senate Commerce Committee investigation which showed that cramming was a problem of epidemic proportions, costing millions of American consumers billions of dollars in unauthorized third-party charges over the past decade.
Press Releases 06/13/2012
Rockefeller on Commerce Secretary John Bryson's Medical Leave of Absence
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement on Commerce Secretary John Bryson taking a medical leave of absence:
Press Releases 06/13/2012
Rockefeller Asks Wireless Carriers for Information on Third-Party Charges
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV sent letters to four U.S. wireless telephone companies to better understand the magnitude of third-party charges on wireless telephone bills and what is being done to protect consumers from unauthorized charges. The practice, known as “cramming,” involves placing unauthorized third-party charges on consumers’ telephone bills.
Press Releases 06/12/2012
Rockefeller, Cummings Provide Summary of Gray Market Investigation
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV and Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, sent a letter about the so-called “gray market” distribution network for short-supply prescription drugs to the House-Senate negotiators on legislation to reauthorize programs within the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Press Releases 06/7/2012
Bipartisan National Security Experts Urge Passage of Senate Cybersecurity Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C.—A bipartisan group of national security experts sent a letter to Leaders Reid and McConnell urging swift action on cybersecurity legislation, writing that “protection of our critical infrastructure is essential in order to effectively protect our national and economic security from the growing cyber threat.”
Press Releases 06/6/2012
Rockefeller Remarks on the EU's Emissions Trading System
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The European Union’s Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) has elicited strong feelings from aviation stakeholders across the globe, which is why it is important that Congress examine its potential impact on international air travel. Secretary LaHood will provide us a much-needed perspective from the Administration. The United States has always led the world on aviation issues. Implementing policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions should not be an exception to our legacy of leadership on aviation.
Press Releases 05/31/2012
Rockefeller Commends Bipartisan Safety Measures in Surface Transportation Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today applauded a group of parents, safety advocates, and pediatricians endorsing the Senate Commerce Committee's bi-partisan safety measures included in the Senate bill. Rockefeller also praised the strong work by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) today to go after unsafe bus operators.
Press Releases 05/24/2012
Rockefeller Asks American Gas Association for Cybersecurity Standards
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today sent a letter to the American Gas Association requesting information on cybersecurity standards that were developed in 2006 and designed to protect industrial control systems from cyber attacks. A recent press report suggested that, although the standards were tested and supported by both government agencies and private organizations, the measures were not implemented because of the costs.
Press Releases 05/22/2012
Rockefeller on Suspicious Security Incident
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released the following statement today after an incident on a U.S. Airways flight from Paris to Charlotte where a passenger was restrained after an on-flight threat that is currently being investigated:
Press Releases 05/18/2012
Rockefeller Asks Drug Distributor for Pricing Information
WASHINGTON, D.C.— 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, today sent a letter to the pharmaceutical drug distributor H. D. Smith, requesting information about certain sales of prescription drugs. These transactions came to the attention of the investigating committees during their review of the distribution of short-supply drugs through so-called “gray market” distribution networks.
Press Releases 05/17/2012
Rockefeller Remarks on Tsunami Generated Marine Debris
WASHINGTON, D.C.— More than a year has passed since Japan suffered the Tuhoku earthquake and tsunami—one of the worst natural disasters of all time. As the devastating tsunami waves hit Japan, they literally swept thousands of people and their belongings tragically out to sea. The remains of some 25 million pounds of debris entered the ocean. Japan’s losses were far reaching.
Press Releases 05/16/2012
Rockefeller Remarks on Oversight of the FCC
WASHINGTON, D.C.—It is a pleasure to welcome our witnesses today – all FIVE members of the Federal Communications Commission. I want to say a special word of welcome to the two newest members of the FCC – Commissioners Rosenworcel and Pai. You are both excellent additions to the Commission, and I know your colleagues share my enthusiasm for having you on board. Today’s hearing gives Committee members an opportunity to convey our priorities and to hear from you about your efforts to protect consumers and carry out the public interest.
Press Releases 05/10/2012
Conservative Legal Scholar Backs Security Standards for Critical Infrastructure
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Leading conservative legal scholar Jack Goldsmith Thursday advocated for security standards for the nation’s most critical infrastructure to protect it from probes or attacks by hostile nations, terrorists, and other bad actors. In an opinion piece published on his blog Lawfare, which explores the intersection of law and national security, Goldsmith said critical infrastructure “is central to the security of the nation,” and noted that the Lieberman, Collins, Rockefeller, Feinstein cybersecurity bill is the only one in Congress that addresses critical infrastructure.