Hutchison: Port Security is a Critical Element of National Security

WASHINGTON, D.C. – During a hearing today on reauthorization of the SAFE Port Act in the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), the Committee’s Ranking Member, said that port security plays a crucial role in America’s national security efforts. In 2006, Senator Hutchison was a cosponsor of the original SAFE Port Act, which strengthened port security across the nation by establishing innovative programs to enhance the ability to protect our borders and preserve the flow of commerce.

Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Turning Ideas into Action: Ensuring Effective Clean Up and Restoration in the Gulf

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Good morning. I want to thank our witnesses for joining us today. You are at the forefront of developing systems to prevent and respond to oil spills, and we thank you for offering your ideas today. The Gulf oil spill has been a terrible disaster, painfully upending the lives and livelihoods of millions of Americans. I want all of us to do all that we can to make sure something like this never happens again.

Chairman Rockefeller Fights for Proper Implementation of Health Care Law as Health Insurers Try to Weaken Consumer Provisions

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 Commissioner Jane Cline, President of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), expressing several concerns about implementation of the medical loss ratio (MLR) provision in the health care reform law. The letter follows more than three months of discussions between state insurance officials, consumer representatives, and insurance industry lobbyists about how the new law will take effect.

Rockefeller Statement on Findings of TARP Watchdog Auto Dealership 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 regarding the findings of a report by the special inspector general for the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) on the Obama Administration’s handling of auto dealer closings in the wake of GM and Chrysler’s bankruptcy last year:

Chairman Rockefeller Introduces Commerce Committee’s Contribution to Important America COMPETES Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today announced the introduction of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010 (S. 3605), a joint effort with the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions and the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. The bill invests in research and development (R&D), and in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education – drivers of America’s economy and keys to our competitiveness in the global marketplace.

Chairman Rockefeller Introduces Coastal Oil Spill Prevention, Preparedness, and Response Legislation

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, & Transportation has introduced legislation, the Securing Health for Ocean Resources and Environment (SHORE) Act, to bolster the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s and the U.S. Coast Guard’s ability to prevent and respond to oil spills, and to help the agencies and coastal states protect fragile coastal ecosystems. The legislation comes on the heels of the worst oil spill in U.S. history. The bill will improve federal and state prevention, response, and restoration efforts.