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.

Thune Statement on FAA Electronic Device Recommendation

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator John Thune (R-SD), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today issued the following statement after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced it will work with airlines and other stakeholders to allow the use of electronic devices before and after takeoff following recommendations from the Portable […]

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.

Thune Statement on Confirmation of FCC Nominees Wheeler and O’Rielly

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator John Thune (R-SD), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today issued the following statement after the Senate confirmed Thomas Wheeler and Michael O’Rielly to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC): “I am very pleased that the Senate has confirmed both Mr. Wheeler and Mr. O’Rielly today […]

Thune Applauds FCC Efforts on Call Completion Problems

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Senator John Thune (R-SD), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today issued the following statement on the Federal Communications Commission’s newly adopted rules to combat call completion problems that disproportionately impact rural areas of the country: “This is a welcome action for rural consumers and rural […]

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.