Rockefeller and Lautenberg Statement on Need for Increased Pipeline Safety
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) and Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-N.J.), longtime Chairman of the Surface Transportation Subcommittee, today released a joint statement about the need for increased pipeline safety oversight following two gas pipeline explosions this week: one in Allentown, Pa., that resulted in five deaths, and another in Columbiana County, Ohio. In addition, a September 2010 gas pipeline explosion killed eight people in a San Bruno, Calif. neighborhood.
Reviews Are in on the Rockefeller Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV recently reintroduced legislation to promote smart and efficient use of the nation’s radio airwaves and provide first responders and public safety officials with additional wireless resources to keep America safe. The legislation is cosponsored by Senators Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), and Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.).
Rockefeller Statement Following President Obama’s Commitment to Communications for First Responders
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released the following statement today after President Obama committed to developing and deploying a nationwide wireless broadband network for public safety:
Rockefeller, Lautenberg Legislation Will Reform America’s Rail, Highway and Waterway Systems
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) and Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-N.J.), longtime Chairman of the Surface Transportation Subcommittee, today will reintroduce legislation to establish a transportation policy to meet America’s 21st century needs. Their bill, the Federal Surface Transportation Policy and Planning Act of 2011, would establish a clear set of goals and objectives for the Department of Transportation (DOT) to develop a surface transportation system that advances our nation’s economic, energy, and national security interests. The bill would accomplish this chiefly by establishing performance criteria to optimize implementation of DOT goals, by improving data collection, and by requiring States to report on the use of their Federal funding.
Rockefeller Says NHTSA Efforts to Implement Provisions of His Motor Vehicle Safety Legislation Will Make American Roads Safer
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today applauded the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for taking steps to improve vehicle safety on America’s roadways. NHTSA’s announcement comes after NASA released its findings of an investigation into sudden unintended acceleration in Toyota vehicles.
Rockefeller Applauds Obama Administration High-Speed Rail and Infrastructure Investment Plan
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released the following statement today after Vice President Joe Biden and Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced a six year plan to build out America’s high-speed rail network and lay the groundwork for long-term infrastructure investment:
Rockefeller Applauds FCC’s Vote to Move Forward on USF Reform
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today issued this statement after the FCC voted to initiate a rulemaking to reform the Universal Service Fund (USF):
Hutchison Introduces Bill to Reform Rail Regulations, While Maintaining System Safety
WASHINGTON, D.C. –Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today introduced legislation that would reform the Positive Train Control (PTC) regulatory mandate to reduce compliance costs, while maintaining a safe rail system. The legislation is cosponsored by Senators John Thune (R-S.D.), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Tom Coburn (R-Okla.). PTC is an automated technology that is capable of preventing train collisions, overspeed derailments and injuries to railroad employees. In 2008, Congress required the railroads to implement PTC technology on rail lines that carry passengers or certain types of very toxic chemicals by December 2015.
Hutchison: TSA Decision on Collective Bargaining Will Hurt Security Mission
WASHINGTON, D.C. –Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today said that the Transportation Security Administrator’s decision to allow collective bargaining for airport screeners would hurt the agency’s fundamental security mission.
Rockefeller Vows to Fight Any Proposal to End Essential Air Service Program
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today vowed to fight “tooth and nail” to protect the Essential Air Service (EAS) program, a program that provides critical funding to support commercial air service to underserved, rural communities across the country. Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.) has introduced an amendment to end the job-supporting EAS program.