Press Releases

Press Releases 03/25/2015
FACT SHEET: The Railroad Safety and Positive Train Control Extension Act (S. 650)
The facts about the benefits and issues surrounding a new railroad safety technology system.
Press Releases 03/19/2015
Thune and Nelson Introduce Bipartisan Freight Rail Reform Bill
Press Releases 03/18/2015
Ayotte Calls Subcommittee Hearing on Key Considerations for Unmanned Aircraft Systems
Press Releases 03/12/2015
Moran Calls Subcommittee Hearing on Cybersecurity Insurance Market
Press Releases 03/11/2015
Ayotte Calls Subcommittee Hearing on TSA Budget and Oversight
Press Releases 03/3/2015
Senate Commerce Committee to Hold First Ever Oversight Hearing on FirstNet
Press Releases 03/2/2015
Thune and Nelson Send Joint Letter on FAA Vulnerabilities
Press Releases 02/26/2015
First Markup of the Year: Nine Bills Approved
Press Releases 02/26/2015
Commerce Committee Approves Bipartisan Motor Vehicle Safety Whistleblower Act
The bill would allow employees or contractors to receive a portion of the monetary penalties resulting from an enforcement action.
Press Releases 02/26/2015
Thune Statement on FCC Vote
Press Releases 02/26/2015
Five FCC Commissioners to Testify on March 18
Press Releases 02/26/2015
Thune Speech at National Journal: Five FCC Commissioners to Testify on March 18
U.S. Sen. John Thune announced an oversight hearing on March 18, 2015, with all five FCC Commissioners, including Chairman Tom Wheeler.
Press Releases 02/25/2015
Sen. Fischer Calls Subcommittee Hearing on Highway Safety Programs
Press Releases 02/25/2015
Two Cabinet Members To Testify on President’s Budget Request for Commerce Department and Transportation Department
Press Releases 02/23/2015
Executive Session Scheduled for 2/26
Press Releases 02/21/2015
Thune Statement on Agreement to End West Coast Ports Dispute
The West Coast ports dispute has harmed businesses and consumers.
Press Releases 02/20/2015
Commerce Committee Leaders: ‘Takata Must Do Everything Possible to Aid Federal Safety Regulators’
Statement on the Dept. of Transportation’s decision to fine Takata for failure to fully cooperate with a safety investigation
Press Releases 02/19/2015
Sen. Cruz Calls Subcommittee Hearing on Space Exploration
Press Releases 02/19/2015
Hearing on Internet Governance
The hearing will examine the potential benefits and preparedness of non-governmental actors to protect Internet governance functions from attempted interference by foreign governments.
Press Releases 02/19/2015
Amid Labor Dispute, Congressional Leaders Urge President Obama to Keep Ports Open to Commerce
Congressional Leaders sent a letter to President Obama urging action on the gridlock of goods at 29 West Coast shipping ports.
Press Releases 02/18/2015
Thune and Nelson Request Financial Management Documents from the National Science Foundation
According to the NSF inspector general, the agency lacked sufficient cost information to ensure that project construction budgets were a fair and reasonable cost billed to taxpayers.
Press Releases 02/12/2015
Remarks of Sen. Thune to “Reboot Congress” technology conference
Sen. Thune delivered a speech on protecting an open Internet to the "Reboot Congress" technology conference.
Press Releases 02/5/2015
Rubio, Thune, and Nelson Introduce Legislation to Set a National Standard for Small Vessel Discharges
Rubio, Thune, and Nelson introduce S.373, the Vessel Incidental Discharge Act.
Press Releases 02/4/2015
Thune Statement on FCC Chairman’s Proposed Internet Power Grab
Chairman Thune responds to FCC Chairman's Internet power grab.
Press Releases 02/4/2015
Sen. Fischer Calls Subcommittee Hearing on U.S. Ports
Press Releases 02/2/2015
Thune and Upton to President Obama: “Working Together to Craft Sustainable Protections Will Have Lasting Benefits for Our Country and Internet Users”
Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) and House Committee on Energy and Commerce Chairman Fred Upton (R-Mich.) have sent a letter to President Barack Obama seeking his partnership to establish permanent protections for an open Internet.
Press Releases 02/2/2015
Thune Announces Commerce Subcommittee Assignments
Chairman Thune today announced subcommittee assignments for Republican committee members for the 114th Congress.
Press Releases 01/30/2015
Sen. Moran to Convene Subcommittee Hearing on Consumer Data Breach Solutions
Sen. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) will convene the Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, Insurance, and Data Security on Thursday, February 5, 2015, at 10:00 a.m.
Press Releases 01/29/2015
Thune and Nelson Reintroduce Legislation to Incentivize Auto Industry Whistleblowers who Bring Serious Safety Defects to Light
U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) and U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) today reintroduced S. 304, the Motor Vehicle Safety Whistleblower Act.
Press Releases 01/29/2015
Subcommittee to Examine Impact of Vessel Discharge Regulations on Shippers and Commercial Fishermen
Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) will convene the Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard on Wednesday, February 4, 2015, at 2:30 p.m.
Press Releases 01/29/2015
Commerce Hearing to Focus on Public-Private Efforts to Improve Cybersecurity
The Senate Commerce Committee will convene for a hearing, “Building a More Secure Cyber Future: Examining Private Sector Experience with the NIST Framework” on Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Press Releases 01/28/2015
Thune Outlines 2015 Tech Agenda in Speech to AEI
Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) delivered a keynote speech on tech policy.
Press Releases 01/27/2015
Thune to Keynote AEI Tech Policy Event
U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) will deliver a keynote speech to the American Enterprise Institute’s day long discussion, “Tech policy 2015: The year ahead.”
Press Releases 01/27/2015
Bipartisan Commerce Committee Letter asks President for TSA Nominee
Senators urge President Barack Obama to, “prioritize the formal nomination of a qualified, experienced, and dedicated individual to serve as Administrator of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).”
Press Releases 01/26/2015
Thune Announces Committee Hearing on ‘Internet of Things’
“By engaging early in this debate, Congress can ensure that any government efforts to protect consumers are tailored for actual problems and avoid regulatory overreach.”
Press Releases 01/26/2015
Subcommittee to Convene Hearing on Surface Transportation Network
U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) will convene the Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security on Thursday, January 29, 2015, at 10:00 a.m.
Press Releases 01/23/2015
Upton, Thune, and Walden Call for Transparency at FCC – Urge Public Release of Open Internet Order
House and Senate leaders urged Federal Communications Commission Chairman Tom Wheeler to release the text of the commission’s draft Open Internet Order.
Press Releases 01/22/2015
House and Senate Begin Review of Draft Legislation to Protect Consumers and the Internet
"Yesterday’s proceedings yielded optimism that there are members on both sides of the aisle who see and support a role for Congress to set a workable long term policy to protect an open Internet."
Press Releases 01/21/2015
Committee Hearing to Examine Freight Rail Transportation Challenges
“Freight Rail Transportation: Enhancing Safety, Efficiency, and Commerce” on Wednesday, January 28, 2015, at 10 a.m.
Press Releases 01/16/2015
Congressional Leaders Unveil Draft Legislation Ensuring Consumer Protections and Innovative Internet
Press Releases 01/14/2015
Thune Announces Hearing on FCC Internet Authority
Press Releases 01/13/2015
Commerce Committee to Convene for Organizational Meeting
Press Releases 01/12/2015
Thune Welcomes President Back to Cybersecurity Discussion
Press Releases 01/8/2015
Thune Officially Designated as Commerce Chairman and Announces Subcommittee Chairmen
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The U.S. Senate today officially ratified U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) as chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee for the 114th Congress.
Press Releases 12/15/2014
Thune Welcomes Commerce Committee Members for the 114th Congress
Press Releases 12/12/2014
Rockefeller, Thune Statement on Passage of Commerce Cybersecurity Bill
Press Releases 12/10/2014
Following Commerce Committee Hearing on Domestic Assault in Pro Sports, NFL Issues New Personal Conduct Policy
Press Releases 12/2/2014
Thune Statement at Hearing on Domestic Violence in Professional Sports
Press Releases 12/1/2014
Congressional Leaders Announce Bicameral, Bipartisan Agreement on Coast Guard Authorization
Press Releases 11/20/2014
Thune, Nelson Introduce Legislation to Help Prevent Auto Injuries, Deaths From Faulty Parts by Incentivizing Whistleblowers
Press Releases 11/20/2014
Thune Opening Statement at Commerce Hearing on Takata Air Bag Defects
Press Releases 11/19/2014
Thune Statement on NHTSA Nomination
Press Releases 11/12/2014
House and Senate Republicans Warn FCC Against Regulating Internet Like a 20th Century Monopoly
Press Releases 11/10/2014
Thune Statement on President’s Net Neutrality Announcement
Press Releases 09/17/2014
Rockefeller, Thune Issue Joint Statement on Committee Passage of the Satellite Television Access and Viewer Rights Act
Press Releases 09/5/2014
Rockefeller, Thune to Introduce Bill to Strengthen the Surface Transportation Board
Press Releases 07/30/2014
Thune Wireless Phone Bill Cramming Hearing Statement
Press Releases 07/17/2014
Thune Questions GM and Delphi Executives on Ignition Switch Recall
Press Releases 07/15/2014
Thune Bipartisan Bill to Permanently Block Taxes on Internet Access Overwhelmingly Passes House
Press Releases 07/10/2014
Thune, Klobuchar Lead Bipartisan Group of Senators in Calling for Consumer-Friendly Labeling of Liquefied Natural Gas Fuel
Press Releases 07/9/2014
Thune Statement Ahead of FCC E-Rate Vote
Press Releases 07/9/2014
Thune Statement on NCAA Sports and Success of College Athletes Hearing
Press Releases 06/25/2014
Thune Calls for 21st Century Updates to Communications and Internet Policy in Speech to Free State Foundation
Press Releases 06/19/2014
Bipartisan Group Presses For Floor Action on Permanent Internet Access Tax Moratorium Bill
Press Releases 06/18/2014
Thune E-Cigarette Youth Marketing Hearing Statement
Press Releases 06/11/2014
Thune Nominations Hearing Statement
Press Releases 06/5/2014
Thune Lauds FCC Rural Call Completion Enforcement
Press Releases 05/22/2014
Thune Calls on Congress to Permanently Stop Taxes on Internet Access
Press Releases 05/21/2014
Thune Medical Loss Ratio Hearing Statement
Press Releases 05/14/2014
Bipartisan Senate Leaders: FCC Must Maximize Spectrum Auction Participation and Revenue
Press Releases 05/13/2014
Senate Republican Leaders to FCC: Leave Internet Open and Free
Press Releases 05/7/2014
Thune Transportation Reauthorization Hearing Statement
Press Releases 05/6/2014
Thune/Klobuchar Lead Letter to FCC on Rural Broadband
Press Releases 04/30/2014
Thune TSA Oversight Hearing Statement
Press Releases 04/9/2014
Commerce Committee Passes Thune, Klobuchar Bill to Address Propane and Heating Fuel Shortages
Press Releases 04/9/2014
Thune Executive Session Opening Statement
Press Releases 04/8/2014
Thune Statement on Commerce Committee Nomination Hearing
Press Releases 04/3/2014
Following Pressure from Thune, EU Delays Illegitimate Tax on International Flights
Press Releases 04/2/2014
Thune, Rubio Demand Answers from Administration on Internet Transition
Press Releases 03/26/2014
Thune Data Breach Hearing Statement
Press Releases 03/15/2014
Thune Statement on NTIA’s Internet Governance Announcement
Press Releases 03/13/2014
Thune Statement on the Aviation Industry Hearing
Press Releases 03/6/2014
Thune Statement on the Rail Safety Hearing
Press Releases 02/19/2014
Thune Statement on Chairman Wheeler’s Announcement
Press Releases 02/12/2014
Thune Introduces Legislation to Protect Olympic and Paralympic Medalists from Federal Tax
Press Releases 02/12/2014
Thune Statement on NIST Cybersecurity Framework
Press Releases 02/12/2014
Rockefeller, Thune Bill Aims to Protect Fishing Habitats, Boost Sport-Fishing Opportunities
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV) and Ranking Member John Thune (R-SD) today introduced legislation to help preserve and restore fishing habitats for the Nation’s sport fishermen, while creating jobs in the recreation industry. The Sport Fish Restoration and Recreational Boating Safety Act of 2014 would direct funding to state agencies for support of fisheries management, habitat conservation, and boating safety programs. Wildlife recreation supports tens of thousands of jobs across the country. In West Virginia, for example, 1.2 million people spent $1.16 billion in 2011 on fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching – money which directly supports local businesses and grows the economy. And in South Dakota, 662,000 people spent more than $966 million on fishing, hunting, and wildlife watching.
Press Releases 01/28/2014
Thune State of the Net Conference Remarks
Press Releases 01/15/2014
Thune Statement on the Future of Unmanned Aviation Hearing
Press Releases 01/14/2014
Thune, Wicker Statement on Net Neutrality Decision
Press Releases 12/18/2013
Thune Statement on Data Broker Hearing
Press Releases 12/10/2013
Thune Statement on Crafting a Successful Spectrum Auction
Press Releases 12/5/2013
Transportation Leaders Request Overdue In-Flight Communications Report
Press Releases 11/25/2013
Thune Praises Spectrum Progress
Press Releases 11/22/2013
Congressional Transportation Leaders Question DOJ Proposed Airline Merger Settlement
Press Releases 11/21/2013
Thune Statement on Commerce Committee Nomination Hearing
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
Thune Statement on Unfair Business Practices Facing Military Servicemembers
Press Releases 11/13/2013
Thune Statement on Manufacturing in an Innovation Economy
Press Releases 11/6/2013
Thune Statement on America COMPETES
Press Releases 11/5/2013
Thune, McCaskill Call on U.S. Negotiators to Hold Line on Aircraft Emission Taxes
Press Releases 10/31/2013
Thune Statement on FAA Electronic Device Recommendation
Press Releases 10/29/2013
Thune Statement on Confirmation of FCC Nominees Wheeler and O’Rielly
Press Releases 10/28/2013
Thune Applauds FCC Efforts on Call Completion Problems
Press Releases 09/24/2013
Thune Statement on Improving Transportation Infrastructure
Press Releases 09/23/2013
Thune Calls on U.S. Delegation to Oppose European Emission Tax
Press Releases 09/18/2013
Thune Statement on McSweeny and O’Rielly Nomination Hearing
Press Releases 08/1/2013
Thune Reacts to Federal Communications Commission Nominee
Press Releases 08/1/2013
Thune Introduces Positive Train Control Extension
Press Releases 07/31/2013
Thune Statement on Energy Drink Hearing
Press Releases 07/31/2013
Thune Executive Session Opening Statement
Press Releases 07/25/2013
Thune Statement on Cybersecurity Hearing
Press Releases 07/25/2013
Thune Statement on State of Wireline Hearing
Press Releases 07/24/2013
Thune Statement on Cruise Industry Oversight
Press Releases 07/17/2013
Thune Statement on Future of E-Rate
Press Releases 06/26/2013
Thune Forensics Hearing Opening Statement
Press Releases 06/18/2013
Thune Statement on Wheeler Confirmation Hearing
Press Releases 06/6/2013
Thune Statement on Scheduled Nomination Markup
Press Releases 06/4/2013
Thune Statement on State of Wireless Hearing
Press Releases 05/23/2013
Thune Statement on Secretary of Commerce Confirmation Hearing
Press Releases 05/22/2013
Thune Statement on Secretary of Transportation Confirmation Hearing
Press Releases 05/16/2013
Thune Meets with Cabinet Nominees
Press Releases 05/15/2013
Thune Statement on Advanced Vehicle Technology
Press Releases 05/8/2013
Thune Statement on Immigrants in America’s Innovation Economy
Press Releases 05/2/2013
Thune Statement on Pritzker Nomination
Press Releases 04/29/2013
Thune Statement on Foxx Nomination
Press Releases 04/24/2013
Thune Statement on Do-Not-Track Standards
Press Releases 04/17/2013
Thune Questions FAA Administrator on Safety, Flexibility on Sequester
Press Releases 04/16/2013
Thune Statement on Aviation Safety
Press Releases 04/10/2013
Thune Statement on Panama Canal Widening
Press Releases 04/9/2013
Thune Highlights Value of Rural Broadband
Press Releases 03/22/2013
Thune and Shuster Question Administration’s Choice to Close Contract Towers
Press Releases 03/21/2013
Thune Calls for More Cleared Wireless Spectrum
Press Releases 03/12/2013
Thune Calls For More Spectrum, Update of Communications Laws
Press Releases 03/7/2013
Opening Statement of Ranking Member Thune On Cybersecurity Partnership Between Private Sector and Government
Press Releases 03/7/2013
Thune and Shuster Question Whether FAA Has Explored All Cost Savings Before Punishing Employees and Traveling Public
Press Releases 02/26/2013
Thune and Shuster Request Immediate Information on FAA’s Sequester Plans
Press Releases 02/22/2013
Thune, Shuster, LoBiondo Critical of Administration’s Stance on Sequestration Impacts on Aviation
Press Releases 02/13/2013
Thune Announces Commerce Subcommittee Assignments and Ranking Members
Press Releases 11/14/2012
Sen. Hutchison Discusses SECURE IT, Better Path Forward on Cybersecurity Bill
Press Releases 11/13/2012
Sen. Hutchison Praises Final Passage of Bill to Prohibit European Carbon Taxes on U.S. Consumers, Airlines
Press Releases 10/3/2012
Sen. Hutchison Statement on Bipartisan Report Detailing Problems with DHS Fusion Centers Information Sharing
Press Releases 09/12/2012
Senator Hutchison Statement at Hearing on Nation’s Path from LEO to Mars
Press Releases 08/2/2012
Sen. Hutchison Expresses Disappointment with Senate Process on Cybersecurity
Press Releases 07/26/2012
Sen. Hutchison: We are working towards a solution on cybersecurity
Press Releases 07/25/2012
Sen. Hutchison Statement at Hearing Highlighting Research, Discovery aboard the International Space Station
Press Releases 06/27/2012
Senators Renew Push to Strengthen Cybersecurity
Press Releases 06/20/2012
Sen. Hutchison Stresses Importance of Continued Progress on both Commercial and Government Space Launch Vehicles
Press Releases 06/6/2012
Statement from Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison on Future of NASA
Press Releases 05/22/2012
Sen. Hutchison Statement on Successful Launch of Commercial Spacecraft
Press Releases 05/16/2012
Sen. Hutchison Questions FCC Chairman on Timetable for Texas Emergency Responder Network
Press Releases 05/16/2012
Sen. Hutchison Urges FCC to Bring Spectrum to Market Quickly
Press Releases 03/14/2012
Sen. Hutchison Wins Passage of Landmark Bus Safety Bill
Press Releases 03/1/2012
Senators Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Cybersecurity
Washington, DC - U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ), Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Saxby Chambliss (R-GA), Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Dan Coats (R-IN), Ron Johnson (R-WI), and Richard Burr (R-NC) today introduced the Strengthening and Enhancing Cybersecurity by Using Research, Education, Information, and Technology Act (SECURE IT), their proposal to protect and secure our nation against cybersecurity attacks.
Press Releases 02/15/2012
Senator Hutchison Remarks at NASA Reception Honoring International Space Station Crew
Press Releases 02/14/2012
Senators Call on Senate Majority Leader Reid to Allow Hearings, Debate on Cybersecurity Legislation
Press Releases 02/14/2012
Senate Committee Leaders Offer Bipartisan, Comprehensive Bill to Secure Federal and Critical Private Sector Cyber Systems
WASHINGTON, D.C.—To guard against the nation’s increasing vulnerability to cyber attack, a group of Senate Committee leaders introduced bipartisan legislation Tuesday to secure the cyber systems of essential services that keep our nation running.
Press Releases 02/14/2012
Senator Hutchison to Work with Colleagues to Restore NASA Human Exploration Funding
Press Releases 02/6/2012
Senator Hutchison Lauds Passage of Milestone Long-term FAA Funding Bill
Press Releases 01/31/2012
Senator Hutchison Applauds Senate, House Agreement on Long-term FAA Reauthorization
Press Releases 01/26/2012
Senator Hutchison Honors Service and Memory of NASA Heroes
Press Releases 01/13/2012
Sen. Hutchison Applauds Texas’ Leadership in Innovation & Science at 9th Annual TAMEST Conference
Press Releases 01/4/2012
Hutchison bill on expedited airport screening for troops now law
Press Releases 12/20/2011
Sen. Hutchison Lauds House Passage of Expedited Airport Screening for Military
Press Releases 12/14/2011
Sen. Hutchison Discusses Her "Trust the Troops Act" with Host Michael Castner on The Wall Street Journal’s Radio Show “The Daily Wrap”
Press Releases 12/13/2011
Hutchison, Rockefeller, Burr Win Passage of Bill Giving Expedited Airport Screening to Armed Forces Members
Press Releases 11/30/2011
Sen. Hutchison Statement at FCC Nominations Hearing
Press Releases 11/30/2011
Sen. Hutchison Applauds House JOBS Act’s Focus on Public Safety Spectrum
Press Releases 11/29/2011
Sen. Hutchison Statement on FTC/Facebook Agreement
Press Releases 11/29/2011
Sen. Hutchison Comments on American Airlines Bankruptcy Filing
Press Releases 11/22/2011
VIDEO: Sen. Hutchison: Internet Regulation Will Hurt the Economy and Innovation
Press Releases 11/22/2011
ICYMI: Regulation Would Only Hamper the Web
Press Releases 11/22/2011
VIDEO: Sen. Hutchison: We must preserve the openness of the Internet as a platform for innovation and economic growth
Press Releases 11/22/2011
Hutchison Opening Statement for Universal Service Reform Hearing
Press Releases 11/22/2011
Hutchison: Commend FCC on USF Reform but More Work is Needed
Press Releases 11/22/2011
VIDEO: Sen. Hutchison Opening Statement at Commerce Hearing: NASA’s Human Space Exploration: Direction, Strategy, and Progress
Press Releases 11/22/2011
VIDEO: Remarks by Senator Hutchison at the Congressional Gold Medal Award Ceremony for Former U.S. Astronauts
Press Releases 11/16/2011
Senator Hutchison Opening Statement atCommerce, FTC Nominations Hearing
Press Releases 11/2/2011
ICYMI: Hutchison: Senate may vote on net neutrality next week
Press Releases 09/23/2011
Hutchison: FCC Imposing Unnecessary and Harmful Regulations on Internet
Press Releases 09/14/2011
Key Senators Comment on NASA Announcement of Space Launch System Design
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senators John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Kay Bailey Hutchison, Bill Nelson, John Boozman, and Barbara Mikulski today made the following remarks in reaction to NASA’s announcement on their Space Launch System design:
Press Releases 09/8/2011
Sen. Hutchison, Sen. Nelson Issue Statement on Campaign to Undermine America's Manned Space Program
Press Releases 08/31/2011
ICYMI: Let the Games Begin
Press Releases 08/29/2011
Rockefeller and Hutchison to FCC: Take Necessary Steps to Secure Communications Infrastructure During Emergencies
WASHINGTON, D.C.—As the East Coast braced for the impending landfall of Hurricane Irene, Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV and Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison asked that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) work to make sure the nation’s communications infrastructure is secure during emergencies. In the letter sent Friday to FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski, Rockefeller and Hutchison noted that police and firefighters nationwide are still without a dedicated interoperable communications network putting lives at undue risk. The letter was sent on the heels of a 5.8 magnitude earthquake that shook most of the eastern seaboard and caused significant communications failures.
Press Releases 08/25/2011
Failure of Russian Resupply Mission Underscores Need to Sustain America’s Leadership in Space
Press Releases 08/4/2011
Sen. Hutchison Applauds Deal to End FAA Shutdown
Press Releases 07/29/2011
Hutchison Statement on Universal Service Fund Proposal
Press Releases 07/21/2011
Hutchison Opening Statement for Building American Transportation Infrastructure through Innovative Funding Hearing
Press Releases 07/20/2011
Rockefeller, Hutchison Statement on Public Safety Bill CBO Score
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV and Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison released a joint statement today after the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) released its score of their bill to create a nationwide public safety communications network for first responders:
Press Releases 07/14/2011
Senators Announce Key Industry Support for Bus Safety Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) and Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) today held a press conference to urge their colleagues to support passage of the bipartisan bill, Motorcoach Enhanced Safety Act of 2011, introduced by Senators Hutchison and Brown. Greyhound CEO, David Leach, was also at the press conference to announce his company’s support of this important legislation.
Press Releases 07/13/2011
Senator Hutchison Calls for Immediate Action on NASA Space Launch System
Press Releases 06/21/2011
Hutchison Presses Commerce Department Nominee on Commitment to Jobs, Tax Reform
Press Releases 06/15/2011
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Houston Chronicle Op-ed - Let's Give First Responders Tools Needed to Save Lives
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV and Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison today authored an op-ed in the Houston Chronicle on the urgent need to provide America’s first responders with a nationwide wireless network to help them do their job. Rockefeller and Hutchison are leading the charge in the Senate to pass legislation, the Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act, which would create a nationwide, interoperable public safety broadband network recommended by the 9/11 Commission.
Press Releases 06/14/2011
Sen. Hutchison Probes Top Transportation Security Officials on Threats to Rail Security
In a Senate Commerce Committee hearing on Tuesday, Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) called for greater emphasis on rail security and pressed John Pistole, the Administrator of the Transportation Security Agency, as to whether sufficient resources were being made available to secure America’s rail system. After the recent killing of Osama Bin Laden, American intelligence officials have obtained information indicating Al Qaeda has considered possible attacks on U.S. rail systems.
Press Releases 06/9/2011
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg Endorses Rockefeller-Hutchison Public Safety Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C.—New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg this week announced that he is supporting efforts by Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV and Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison to give first responders a dedicated nationwide communications network.
Press Releases 06/8/2011
Statement of Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison on Commerce Committee Markup of S.911
Press Releases 06/8/2011
Commerce Committee Approves Public Safety Network Bill - Now Heads to Senate Floor
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV and Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison today led their Commerce Committee colleagues in sending S. 911, the Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act, to the full Senate for consideration. The bill to build a nationwide communications network for first responders was overwhelmingly approved by the Commerce Committee by a 21-4 vote and is now one step closer to becoming law.
Press Releases 05/31/2011
Following Two Deadly Tour Bus Crashes This Holiday Weekend, Brown, Hutchison Call For Swift Passage Of Bipartisan Tour Bus Safety Legislation
Press Releases 05/24/2011
Sen. Hutchison: System Needs to Catch Weaknesses in Air Traffic Control to Prevent Safety Lapses
During an Aviation Subcommittee hearing today on air traffic control safety, U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, reiterated the need for Congress to approve a long-term FAA reauthorization bill. Sen. Hutchison also raised concerns about the recent sleeping lapses and increase in operational errors among the air traffic controller workforce.
Press Releases 05/23/2011
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT - Sen. Hutchison’s Politico Op-Ed on the Need to Strengthen Bus Safety Laws