Press Releases

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
VIDEO: Remarks by Senator Hutchison at the Congressional Gold Medal Award Ceremony for Former U.S. Astronauts
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
Hutchison Opening Statement for Universal Service Reform Hearing
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
ICYMI: Regulation Would Only Hamper the Web
Press Releases 11/22/2011
Hutchison: Commend FCC on USF Reform but More Work is Needed
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
Press Releases 05/18/2011
Commerce Committee Announces Minority Subcommittee Ranking Member Assignments
U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today released new minority subcommittee Ranking Member assignments for the 112th Congress.
Press Releases 05/18/2011
Space Experts Highlight Need for Enduring Leadership in Space to Strengthen National Security and Continue Scientific Advancements
.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today pressed space experts on the importance and capability of continued manned spaceflight at a hearing of the Science and Space Subcommittee.
Press Releases 05/16/2011
Hutchison Wishes Endeavor Crew Well as They Embark on Critical Space Mission
As the crew of the Space Shuttle Endeavor launches its final space flight mission -
Press Releases 05/11/2011
Sen. Hutchison: America COMPETES Act Strengthens Competitiveness of Manufacturers
At a Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing, Ranking Member Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) today lauded the American COMPETES Act as a down payment toward reinvigorating America’s manufacturing sector and ensuring that our skilled workforce is strengthened through science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) research and advanced technical training.
Press Releases 05/5/2011
Commerce Committee Approves Brown-Hutchison Legislation to Overhaul Motorcoach Safety
Press Releases 05/3/2011
Hutchison: Destructive Tornadoes & Raging Wildfires Underscore Need for Federal Investments in Disaster Preparedness and Response
During a hearing to probe the impact of federal investments in disaster preparedness and response, U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, stressed the need to aid the tornado ravaged Southeast and portions of Texas scorched by wildfires.
Press Releases 04/8/2011
Sen. Hutchison Applauds Final House Passage of Net Neutrality Resolution
Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today applauded House passage of a resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to repeal net neutrality regulations recently adopted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Press Releases 03/30/2011
Hutchison: Congress Must take Action to Improve Bus Safety, Save Passengers’ Lives
Press Releases 03/30/2011
Hutchison: Congress Must take Action to Improve Bus Safety, Save Passengers’ Lives
Press Releases 03/16/2011
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT – Hutchison Op-Ed on Bus Safety Legislation
Press Releases 03/15/2011
Hutchison Pushes NASA Leadership on Implementation of Law
Press Releases 03/8/2011
Hutchison, Thune Applaud Administration Decision to Revisit PTC Railroad Regulations
Press Releases 03/1/2011
Senators Brown and Hutchison Introduce Bipartisan Motorcoach Safety Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Senators Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) announced that tomorrow, on the 4th anniversary of the Bluffton University motorcoach crash that claimed seven lives, they will reintroduce legislation to strengthen bus safety and improve driver training to reduce the number of motorcoach crashes and related fatalities. Brown and Hutchison have introduced the legislation together in the previous two Congresses. U.S. Congressman John Lewis (GA-5) is introducing a companion bill in the House of Representatives.
Press Releases 02/25/2011
Rockefeller and Hutchison Announce Subcommittee Assignments
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) and Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) today announced the full list of subcommittee assignments for the 112th Congress:
Press Releases 02/17/2011
Rockefeller, Hutchison Say FAA Passage Will Create Jobs, Make Air Travel Safer
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Commerce Committee Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) and Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) issued the following statements after Senate passage of the FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 87-8.
Press Releases 02/17/2011
Rockefeller and Hutchison Announce Subcommittee Chairs and Ranking Members
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) and Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) today announced the Subcommittee Chairmen and Ranking Members for the 112th Congress.
Press Releases 02/16/2011
Republican Leader Joins with Senators Hutchison and Ensign on Resolution of Disapproval to Repeal FCC’s Internet Regulations
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today joined with Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) and Senator John Ensign (R-Nev.) to introduce a resolution of disapproval under the Congressional Review Act (CRA) to repeal net neutrality regulations recently adopted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). A companion measure was introduced in the House by Energy and Commerce Chairman Fred Upton (R-Mich.) and Representative Greg Walden (R-Ore.). The Senate resolution is cosponsored by thirty-nine Republican senators.
Press Releases 02/16/2011
Hutchison Says First Responders Must Have Access to 21st Century Communications
WASHINGTON, D.C. – During a Committee hearing today on building a nationwide public safety network, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, said America’s first responders must have access to 21st century wireless communications.
Press Releases 02/8/2011
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.
Press Releases 02/4/2011
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.
Press Releases 01/28/2011
Hutchison Statement on the 25th Anniversary of Challenger Accident
Press Releases 01/27/2011
Hutchison Welcomes New Republicans to Senate Commerce Committee
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) today welcomed the newly expanded roster of Republicans to the Committee for the 112th Congress. New to the Committee are Senators Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Pat Toomey (R-Pa.), Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) and Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.).
Press Releases 01/12/2011
Senate Commerce Committee Members Respond to NASA Report
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senate Commerce Committee Members, including Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.), Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Senator Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), and Senator David Vitter (R-La.), today issued a joint statement responding to a NASA report this week in which the space agency says it cannot build a capsule and heavy-lift rocket based on the cost and schedule outlined by Congress:
Press Releases 12/21/2010
Hutchison Statement on Nomination of Ms. Ann Begeman to the Surface Transportation Board
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today made the following statement after President Barack Obama nominated Ms. Ann D. Begeman, current Republican Staff Director of the Commerce Committee, to be a member of the Surface Transportation Board. Ms. Begeman was nominated for a Republican slot on the Board that oversees railroad rate and service disputes.
Press Releases 12/21/2010
Hutchison Lauds Measure to Boost Math and Science Education
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today praised Congressional passage of legislation that would reauthorize two science agencies responsible for supporting basic research, while improving math and science education. The measure authorizes $41 billion less in funding than the House of Representatives passed version of the legislation and eliminates duplicate programs within the Departments of Commerce, Energy and Education. The bill also includes a provision sponsored by Senator Hutchison modeled after the highly successful UTeach initiative in Texas. The provision would enable participating colleges and universities to allow students who major in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) to concurrently become certified as elementary and secondary school teachers. In 1997, the University of Texas at Austin started the UTeach program which has become a national benchmark for teaching excellence. The bill passed the Senate last week and is cosponsored by Commerce Committee Chairman John D. Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), Senator Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Senator Jeff Bingaman (D-N.M). It was approved by the U.S. House of Representatives today and now heads to the President to be signed into law.
Press Releases 12/21/2010
VIDEO RELEASE: Hutchison: New FCC Regulations Threaten the Internet
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today said new regulations adopted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) threaten the future economic growth of the Internet. Sen. Hutchison also said she will introduce a resolution of disapproval in an effort to halt the new rules.
Press Releases 12/21/2010
Hutchison Says New FCC Regulations Threaten the Internet
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today said new Internet regulations adopted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) threaten the future economic growth of the Internet. Sen. Hutchison will introduce a resolution of disapproval in an effort to halt the new rules.
Press Releases 12/16/2010
Hutchison Files Amendment to Halt Government Regulation of the Internet
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), the Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today filed an amendment to prevent the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from regulating the Internet. The amendment specifically would prohibit the FCC from using any appropriated funds “to adopt, implement, or otherwise litigate any network neutrality based rules, protocols, or standards.” The amendment is cosponsored by Senators Tom Coburn (Okla.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), John Ensign (R-Nev.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), John Thune (R-S.D), and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).
Press Releases 12/15/2010
Hutchison Praises Passage of E-Commerce Legislation
Press Releases 12/8/2010
Hutchison Calls Successful SpaceX Launch Important Milestone
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today praised the successful launch, re-entry and recovery of SpaceX’s Dragon capsule and called it an important milestone in the development of cargo services, and eventually crew transportation services, needed to support and sustain the International Space Station.
Press Releases 12/1/2010
Hutchison Tells NASA and Administration to Implement New Law
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- During an oversight hearing on NASA’s implementation of the agency’s authorization act enacted earlier this year, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today told NASA and the Obama Administration that it must follow through by implementing the law into policy.
Press Releases 12/1/2010
Hutchison Asks FCC Chief to Stand Down On Net Neutrality Scheme
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today asked Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Julius Genachowski to stand down on implementing net neutrality regulations, as it appears the agency plans to take action on the issue in December before the start of the next session of Congress.
Press Releases 10/7/2010
Hutchison: NASA Bill Provides Clear Direction and a New Path Forward for America’s Space Agency
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today said the NASA reauthorization bill, which the president is expected to sign into law, provides clear direction and a new path forward for America’s space agency. The bill was approved by the Senate in August and by the House in September.
Press Releases 09/30/2010
Hutchison Lauds Final Passage of Bill to Preserve America’s Future in Space
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The House of Representatives today approved legislation negotiated by Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Senator Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Chairman of the Science and Space Subcommittee, to safeguard America’s human spaceflight capabilities while balancing commercial space investment with a robust mission for NASA. The bill now moves on to the President for his signature. The other sponsors of bill are Commerce Committee Chairman John D. Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), David Vitter (R-La.), and George LeMieux (R-Fla.). The bill was unanimously approved by the Senate in August.
Press Releases 08/5/2010
Senate Approves Bill Championed by Senator Hutchison to Preserve America’s Human Spaceflight Capabilities
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate today approved bipartisan legislation championed by Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, to safeguard America’s human spaceflight capabilities while balancing commercial space investment with a robust mission for NASA. The bill is also supported by Committee Chairman John D. Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) and Senators Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), David Vitter (R-La.) and George LeMieux (R-Fla.).
Press Releases 07/30/2010
Senate Passes FAA Funding Extension with Safety Provisions
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Senate today passed a funding extension for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that contained several key safety provisions to make air travel safer. These safety provisions were negotiated by Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, Commerce Committee Chairman John D. Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), Senator Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) and others. The previous extension was set to expire on August 1, 2010. The new extension will expire at the end of the fiscal year on September 30, 2010.
Press Releases 07/26/2010
Chairman Rockefeller and Ranking Member Hutchison Introduce Bipartisan Port Security Bill
WASHINGTON, DC — Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), Ranking Member of the Commerce Committee, have introduced the Maritime Transportation Security Act of 2010 (S. 3639), a bill to strengthen security at our nation’s ports by focusing resources on critical areas, including Especially Hazardous Cargo, small vessel security, and global supply chain security.
Press Releases 07/22/2010
Senate Commerce Committee Approves Oil Spill Preparedness and Response Bill, America COMPETES, and Spectrum Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held an executive session and favorably reported out the following legislation:
Press Releases 07/22/2010
Hutchison: NASA Legislation Embraced by Appropriations Committee Presents Unified Senate Position on Space
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, said the approval of the Commerce, Science, Justice Appropriations legislation by the Senate Appropriations Committee today presents a unified Senate position on NASA and the future of America’s human spaceflight programs.
Press Releases 07/22/2010
Committee Approves Bill with Hutchison Provision to Improve Science, Technology, Engineering and Math Education
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee today approved reauthorization of the America COMPETES Act with a new provision sponsored by Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member on the Committee, to improve math and science education across the nation. The provision, modeled after the highly successful UTeach initiative in Texas, would enable participating colleges and universities to prepare students who major in science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM) to become certified as elementary and secondary school teachers.
Press Releases 07/22/2010
Committee Approves Hutchison Legislation to Improve Oil Spill Response and Mitigation
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee today approved legislation sponsored by Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member on the Committee, to improve oil spill response capabilities by enhancing the United States Coast Guard’s ability to prepare for and respond to offshore oil spills along coastal waterways.
Press Releases 07/21/2010
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.
Press Releases 07/15/2010
Committee Approves Hutchison Cosponsored Bill to Preserve America’s Human Spaceflight Capabilities
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee today unanimously approved legislation cosponsored by Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member on the Committee, to safeguard America’s human spaceflight capabilities while balancing commercial space investment with a robust mission for NASA. The bill was sponsored by Committee Chairman John D. Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) and cosponsored by Senators Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), David Vitter (R-La.) and George LeMieux (R-Fla.).
Press Releases 07/1/2010
Hutchison Pleased with Short-Term Shuttle Extension to 2011
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today said she was pleased to see NASA delay the launch of the space shuttle Discovery to November 1, 2010, and push back the scheduled launch of space shuttle Endeavour to February 26, 2011. Senator Hutchison has consistently stated that the President's NASA proposal should include a short-term stretch out of the shuttle program’s remaining flights in order to protect the nation’s $100 billion investment in the International Space Station.
Press Releases 06/30/2010
Hutchison Calls on President to Temporarily Waive Jones Act to Assist with Gulf Oil Spill
WASHINGTON, D.C. – During a Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing today to consider various legal remedies available for the oil spill in the Gulf, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member on the Committee, called on President Obama to waive the Jones Act to temporarily allow foreign marine vessels to assist with oil cleanup efforts in the Gulf of Mexico. Hutchison noted that it has been more than two months since the oil spill began, and an estimated 140 million gallons of oil have leaked into the Gulf.
Press Releases 06/24/2010
Hutchison: We Must Focus on Safety of Nation’s Oil and Gas Pipelines
Press Releases 06/22/2010
Hutchison Strongly Supports John Glenn Statement on NASA
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today said she strongly supports former Ohio Senator and astronaut John Glenn’s statement highlighting the risks of relying only on the Russian Soyuz vehicles for American access to the International Space Station. Senator Hutchison has consistently stated that any compromise between the Constellation program and the President's budget proposal should include a short-term extension of the shuttle program in order to protect the nation’s $100 billion investment in the space station. She noted that additional shuttle flights would sustain and utilize the space station to conduct ground-breaking research and help maintain the primary justification for continuing America’s human space flight capability.
Press Releases 06/21/2010
Commerce Committee Republicans Oppose Inclusion of Expanded FTC Authority in Financial Services Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Republican members of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee today released a letter to the conferees of the financial services reform legislation recently approved by the Senate, outlining their opposition to the inclusion of expanded Federal Trade Commission (FTC) authority in the Restoring American Financial Stability Act of 2010. The letter was signed by every Republican member of the Committee, including Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), and Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), John Ensign (R-Nev.), Jim DeMint (R-S.C.), John Thune (R-S.D.), George S. LeMieux (R-Fla.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), David Vitter (R-La.), Sam Brownback (R-Kan.), and Mike Johanns (R-Neb.). The FTC expansions were not included in the Senate-passed version of the bill, but were in the legislation approved by the House, and are scheduled to be debated by the conferees.
Press Releases 06/18/2010
Hutchison and LeMieux Introduce Legislation to Provide Assistance to Oil Spill Clean Up Effort
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, Committee member Senator George LeMieux (R-Fla.), and Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas), today introduced legislation that would temporarily allow foreign marine vessels to assist with the oil cleanup effort in the Gulf of Mexico. The bill, titled the WAIVER (Water Assistance from International Vessels for Emergency Response) Act, would temporarily waive the Jones Act, which requires that all goods and people transported by water between United States ports be carried in American flagged, owned, and crewed ships. The waiver would allow foreign flagged vessels with crucial equipment to travel between U.S. ports to provide needed assistance. The Jones Act was put into place in 1920 to ensure that the United States was able to maintain a fleet of merchant ships.
Press Releases 06/17/2010
Hutchison Calls for Bureaucratic Red Tape to be Cut So Foreign Vessels Can Aid in Gulf Cleanup
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) delivered a speech on the U.S. Senate floor calling for an emergency waiver of the Jones Act, which requires many foreign vessels to go through a lengthy bureaucratic approval process in order to assist with the oil cleanup effort in the Gulf of Mexico. Sen. Hutchison, who is the Ranking Republican on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, said she will introduce legislation to temporarily waive the Jones Act to allow foreign marine vessels to help with the cleanup. This extended waiver would be applied for a period of time that is necessary to respond and restore the waters of the Gulf.
Press Releases 06/17/2010
Hutchison: FCC Move Will Stifle Internet’s Growth through Burdensome Regulations
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member on Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today said she was disappointed with the decision by Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to move forward with burdensome regulations after the FCC voted to reclassify broadband as a telecommunications service, the first step in implementing net neutrality rules for the Internet.
Press Releases 06/17/2010
Hutchison Raises Concerns About Proposed Airline Merger
WASHINGTON, D.C. – During a Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing today on the proposed merger between United Airlines and Continental Airlines, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member on the Committee, said she was disappointed with the proposed merger decision.
Press Releases 06/10/2010
Hutchison: NASA Leadership Skirting the Law to Shut Down Space Programs
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today said NASA leadership was skirting the law to shut down the Constellation program after NASA leadership publicly announced a decision to reprioritize work on the program. NASA’s stated justification for these actions is the Anti-Deficiency Act (ADA), which prohibits spending funds beyond levels that are appropriated in a given year, or obligating the government to pay money before funds have been appropriated. There are a number of unanswered questions on whether the ADA would apply in this situation, and if it did, the recently passed Defense Supplemental legislation clarifies that regardless of any provision of law, work must continue on the Constellation program.
Press Releases 06/10/2010
Hutchison Questions TSA Nominee on Need for Flexible Workforce to React Quickly to Emerging Threats
WASHINGTON, D.C. - During a Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee hearing today on John Pistole, the nominee to lead the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) said she had serious concerns with collective bargaining for TSA security screeners. Senator Hutchison said it was critical for the agency to have a flexible workforce that can react quickly to emerging threats.
Press Releases 06/9/2010
Committee Approves Distracted Driving Legislation Sponsored by Rockefeller and Hutchison
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee today approved legislation (S. 1938), sponsored by Commerce Committee Chairman John D. Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) and Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), to offer incentive grants to states that enact laws to combat distracted driving. Hutchison noted that the bill would impose no new mandates and would be funded through existing programs, spending no additional taxpayer dollars.
Press Releases 06/4/2010
Hutchison Statement on SpaceX Test Flight
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Ranking Member Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), today made the following statement after the SpaceX test flight of the Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida:
Press Releases 05/27/2010
Bipartisan Call for Investigation of NASA after “Reassignment” of Constellation Program Manager
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Leaders of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) and Ranking Member Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), today called for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (NASA) Inspector General to launch an investigation into the sudden removal of the Constellation program manager.
Press Releases 05/26/2010
Hutchison Questions Timing of “Reassignment” for Constellation Program Manager
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today questioned the timing of the reassignment of the manager for the Constellation program and called it a “troubling development.”
Press Releases 05/25/2010
Hutchison Statement on Proposed Update to Communications Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today made the following statement after it was announced that the Senate Commerce Committee and the House Energy and Commerce Committee would begin a process to update the Telecommunications Act of 1996:
Press Releases 05/18/2010
Hutchison: “America’s Energy Future Relies on Enhancing the Safety of Offshore Drilling”
During a hearing today on the recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico, Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, said that the nation must enhance the safety of offshore drilling.
Press Releases 05/17/2010
Hutchison Statement on Administration’s Intent to Nominate John S. Pistole to Lead TSA
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas), Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, made the following statement today after the White House announced President Obama’s intent to nominate John S. Pistole to lead the Transportation Security Administration (TSA):
Press Releases 05/17/2010
Senate Approves Rockefeller-Hutchison Amendment to Preserve FTC's Core Consumer Protection
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Senate today approved an amendment sponsored by Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-WV), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX), Ranking Member on the Committee, to preserve the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) core consumer protection functions.