Press Releases

Press Releases 12/8/2011
Lautenberg, Rockefeller Introduce Bus & Truck Safety Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Frank R. Lautenberg, Chairman of the Senate Commerce Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and John D. (Jay) Rockfeller IV, Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee announced today that they introduced the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Enhancement Act, a bill that reauthorizes the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and makes important improvements to federal truck and bus safety standards.
Press Releases 12/7/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Advancing the Science of Forensics
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Good afternoon. We are here today to investigate the science of forensics. The criminal justice system is intimately tied to the practice of forensic science. Attorneys, judges, and juries all rely on the forensic evidence presented in a courtroom to determine the guilt or innocence of the accused. For many in the public, their understanding of forensic science comes from the world of entertainment. Popular television shows like “CSI” and “NCIS” give the impression that forensic science is nearly infallible, always conclusive, and very high tech; however, the reality is far from this depiction.
Press Releases 11/30/2011
Sen. Hutchison Statement at FCC Nominations Hearing
Press Releases 11/30/2011
Rockefeller Remarks on FCC Nominations
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Good afternoon. Welcome and congratulations to you both. Being a Commissioner at the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is one of the most difficult jobs in Washington. Everyone in this room knows about the wide-ranging authority the FCC has over everything from broadband to cell phones to television content to public safety communications.
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
Rockefeller Statement on American Airlines Bankruptcy
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released this statement following American Airlines’ announcement to seek bankruptcy protection:
Press Releases 11/29/2011
Rockefeller Says Facebook Must Take Stronger Steps on Protecting Privacy
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released this statement following the announcement of the Federal Trade Commission's (FTC) enforcement action against Facebook:
Press Releases 11/29/2011
Sen. Hutchison Comments on American Airlines Bankruptcy Filing
Press Releases 11/22/2011
Rockefeller Disappointed by NAIC Decision to Deny Consumers Full Rebates Under Health Reform Law
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement after the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) voted by a margin of 26-20 to support exempting health insurance agents and brokers fees from one of the health care reform law’s most important consumer protection provisions Under this so-called “medical loss ratio” law, which Chairman Rockefeller championed during the debate over health care reform, insurers are required to spend at least 80 percent of their customers’ premium dollars on providing health care and improving quality of care.
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
ICYMI: Regulation Would Only Hamper the Web
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
VIDEO: Sen. Hutchison: Internet Regulation Will Hurt the Economy and Innovation
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 11/21/2011
Rockefeller Disappointed by Supercommittee Inaction
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement today after the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction announced that it will not meet its deadline to recommend a proposal to reduce America’s debt marking another lost opportunity to pass public safety communications legislation:
Press Releases 11/21/2011
Rockefeller Says Don't Deny Consumers Full Health Reform Law Rebates Ahead of NAIC Vote
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller voiced concern today ahead of a vote by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to support exempting health insurance agents and brokers fees from one of the health care reform law’s most important consumer protection provisions. Under this so-called “medical loss ratio” law, which Chairman Rockefeller championed during the debate over health care reform, insurers are required to spend at least 80 percent of their customers’ premium dollars on providing health care and improving quality of life.
Press Releases 11/18/2011
ICYMI: Rockefeller Column in the Washington Post - A New Line of Defense in Cybersecurity, with Help from the SEC
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV and former Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff today authored an op-ed in the Washington Post on the urgent need to shore up the Nation’s cyber defenses. Rockefeller is a leading advocate for cybersecurity legislation in the Senate and supports Leader Reid’s latest plans to bring a bill to the Senate floor early next year.
Press Releases 11/17/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Tourism in America: Moving Our Economy Forward
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Thanks to all of our witnesses for participating in this important discussion about travel and how it affects our economy. I want to start by complimenting Senator Klobuchar for her focus on this issue. The timing couldn’t be better. With the launch of Brand USA, a public-private partnership that is marketing travel to America, our country will finally start aggressively competing for international travelers. The goal is to create and support jobs that will boost the U.S. economy at a time when our country so desperately needs visitors and the revenue they bring. This will result in more international travelers coming to places like West Virginia and Minnesota and everywhere in between.
Press Releases 11/17/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Direction, Strategy & Progress of NASA's Human Space Exploration
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Yesterday, we honored John Glenn, Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Buzz Aldrin with the Congressional Gold Medal—four men who changed the course of space exploration; four men who walked into the unknown and fueled America’s quest to advance scientific discovery; and four men who showed us, and the world, that anything is possible.
Press Releases 11/16/2011
Rockefeller Statement on Reports of Invasive Facebook Tracking
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement today after a USA Today report that Facebook is tracking user data even after they have logged off of the social networking site:
Press Releases 11/16/2011
Rockefeller Remarks on the Need for Continued Innovation in Weather Forecasting & Prediction
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today we will be examining the many important weather programs of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). From the streams of data provided by environmental satellites, to the severe weather alerts of the National Weather Service, the products, services, and warnings that NOAA provides benefit all Americans. Every day, decisions are made based on NOAA weather information, whether it helps one decide to carry an umbrella, or to seek life-saving shelter during a storm.
Press Releases 11/16/2011
Rockefeller Celebrates Astronauts' Legacy at Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement today congratulating former NASA astronauts John Glenn, Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Buzz Aldrin who are to be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal:
Press Releases 11/16/2011
Senator Hutchison Opening Statement atCommerce, FTC Nominations Hearing
Press Releases 11/15/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Today's Nominations Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C.—I want to welcome and congratulate the three nominees who are appearing before the Commerce Committee today. I value your commitment to public service and look forward to a speedy confirmation process for each of you.
Press Releases 11/14/2011
Rockefeller to Challenge Airline Industry to Push for FAA Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV will address the Aero Club of Washington today about the need for Congress to pass a comprehensive Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) authorization bill. Rockefeller will discuss the persistent inaction on the bill as well as the impacts this has had on the industry.
Press Releases 11/10/2011
Rockefeller Says Senate Vote to Protect Open Internet Is Win for Consumers
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement today after the Senate voted not to proceed with its consideration of S.J.Res.6, a Republican effort to overturn the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) rules that ensure a free and open Internet for Americans:
Press Releases 11/9/2011
Rockefeller Pleased Amtrak Privatization Plan is Shelved
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement today after House Transportation Committee Chairman John Mica (R-Fla.) announced that he will no longer pursue a plan to privatize Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor (NEC) train line:
Press Releases 11/9/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on TSA's Effort to Secure Our Nation's Transportation System
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Ten years ago this month, the Senate Commerce Committee created the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). I have seen firsthand how extremely difficult it is to lead the agency. There is no margin for error, and no shortage of criticism.
Press Releases 11/9/2011
Rockefeller Applauds Effort to Offer Low-Income Families High-Speed Internet
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released the following statement today after tech companies, nonprofits and Internet service providers announced a $4 billion in-kind contribution toward broadband adoption for eligible schools and families across the country.
Press Releases 11/9/2011
Rockefeller to Rise Against Republican Attempt to Stifle Free and Open Access to the Internet
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today will rise against a Republican attempt to eliminate the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) rules that maintain a free and open Internet for Americans. The Senate floor debate on S.J.Res. 6 is scheduled to begin at approximately 10:45 a.m. ET. Watch live on C-SPAN2.
Press Releases 11/8/2011
Rockefeller to Make the Case for Keeping Internet Free & Open to All Users
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV is scheduled to take to the Senate floor tomorrow to make the case for keeping the Internet free and open for Americans. Under the Congressional Review Act, some Republicans are pushing to overturn a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rule that ensures online users are able to go where they want and do what they want on the Internet without interruption from the business interests of their broadband providers. The White House has threatened to veto the measure if it passes.
Press Releases 11/2/2011
Executive Session Summary
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held an executive session today and favorably reported out the following legislation and nominations:
Press Releases 11/2/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Today's Executive Session
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Good afternoon, and welcome to today’s executive session. We have a full docket today and some very important bills up for consideration: bills that will help grow our economy, secure our waterways, and preserve the health of our marine ecosystems.
Press Releases 11/2/2011
ICYMI: Hutchison: Senate may vote on net neutrality next week
Press Releases 11/1/2011
Rockefeller Statement on Jessica Rosenworcel Named as FCC Commissioner Nominee
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement today regarding the nomination of Jessica Rosenworcel to be a Commissioner of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Ms. Rosenworcel currently serves as the Senior Counsel for the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which has jurisdiction over the FCC.
Press Releases 10/31/2011
Rockefeller Seeks Reassurance from DOT Secretary LaHood that Mexican Truck Program is Safen
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today sought reassurance from the Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Ray LaHood that his agency is doing all that it can to ensure applicants to the U.S.-Mexico cross-border trucking program are adhering to the highest standards of safety. Two recent events in DOT’s administration of the program involving Mexican-based trucking companies have raised concerns that there has been insufficient scrutiny of applicants to the program.
Press Releases 10/27/2011
Rockefeller Commends FCC Action to Reform Universal Service Fund
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today commended the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) vote to approve plans that will reform the Universal Service Fund to refocus the system on America’s communications challenges of the current digital age:
Press Releases 10/27/2011
Rockefeller Questions Alarming Plans by VISA, MasterCard to Use Consumers' Personal Information for Targeted Advertisements
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today asked Visa and MasterCard to provide the Commerce Committee with more information about the companies’ plans to use customer purchasing habits to target behavioral advertisements on the Internet. A recent Wall Street Journal article reported on the planned marketing initiatives and some of the potential privacy implications for the credit card companies’ customers.
Press Releases 10/20/2011
Rockefeller Applauds Bipartisan Senate Confirmation of Bryson as Commerce Secretary
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller issued the following statement after the Senate approved John Bryson’s nomination to be Secretary of Commerce:
Press Releases 10/19/2011
Rockefeller, Udall Raise Red Flags on Concussions in Sports and Questionable Marketing of Sports Safety Equipment
WASHINGTON, D.C.—At a Commerce Committee hearing today, Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller and Senator Tom Udall (D-N.M.) highlighted two important points about sports concussions that are often overlooked: that concussions are a serious problem even for young athletes; and that sports equipment is often marketed as “anti-concussion” without sufficient proof.
Press Releases 10/19/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Concussions and the Marketing of Sports Equipment
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Every afternoon at the end of the school day, millions of our children head to playing fields, gymnasiums, or hockey rinks to participate in team sports. Playing sports doesn’t just make our kids stronger and healthier. It also teaches them important values. They learn about hard work, about leadership, and about working together for a common goal. Most of our young athletes will not end up playing sports at the collegiate or professional levels, but we hope they will all carry the positive lessons they learned on the playing fields into their adult lives.
Press Releases 10/19/2011
Rockefeller Asks FTC for Report on Implications of Facial Recognition Technology on Consumer Privacy
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today asked the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to provide a report to the Commerce Committee on the growing use of facial recognition technology, what it means for consumers, and the prospect of less privacy for Internet users.
Press Releases 10/18/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Pipeline Safety since San Bruno and Other Recent Incidents
WASHINGTON, D.C.—On a normal day, massive amounts of oil or natural gas flow through pipelines all across the country without any incident. The system powers our economy and is impressive in its efficiency. But when something goes wrong, the consequences are deadly. Explosions. Fires. Noxious fumes. And of course environmental damage.
Press Releases 10/17/2011
Senate Approves Rockefeller, Lautenberg Pipeline Safety Act
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate has unanimously approved pipeline safety legislation introduced by Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV and Surface Transportation Subcommittee Chairman Frank R. Lautenberg. The Pipeline Transportation Safety Improvement Act of 2011 would strengthen pipeline safety oversight by the federal government and address long-standing safety issues.
Press Releases 10/14/2011
Rockefeller Releases Commerce Committee Recommendation to Deficit Reduction Panel
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the Commerce Committee’s recommendation to the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction regarding changes in law to reduce the Nation’s deficit. Chairman Rockefeller and Ranking Member Kay Bailey Hutchison requested that the Committee on Deficit Reduction consider inclusion of S. 911, the Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act, in its recommended legislation.
Press Releases 10/13/2011
Rockefeller Says SEC Guidance Fundamentally Changes the Future of Cybersecurity
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released the following statement after the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) issued guidance on its views regarding company disclosure obligations relating to cybersecurity risks and cyber incidents:
Press Releases 10/12/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Universal Service Reform
WASHINGTON, D.C.—As far back as the Communications Act of 1934, this country has had a proud history of making sure that all of us have the opportunity that comes with access to modern communications networks. That is why universal service is a cherished principle. In years past, universal service has meant that we connect every community with basic telephone service. In the years ahead, it must mean that we connect our communities with broadband.
Press Releases 10/12/2011
Rockefeller Bill Would Protect Fishing Habitat, Boost Sport-Fishing Opportunities
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV announced this week that he is seeking to reauthorize a federal program that preserves and restores fishing habitats for the Nation’s sport fishermen while creating jobs in the recreation industry.
Press Releases 10/6/2011
Rockefeller Statement on Committee Approval of Commerce Secretary Nominee
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement today after Secretary of Commerce nominee John Bryson was favorably voted out of the Commerce Committee:
Press Releases 10/6/2011
Executive Session Summary
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held an executive session and favorably reported out the following nominations:
Press Releases 10/4/2011
Rockefeller Urges FCC to Follow Through on CALM Act
WASHINGTON, D.C.—In a letter to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today urged the Commission to implement rules that would fix the decades-old issue of excessively loud television commercials. Rockefeller’s action comes as some parties have suggested that only a small fraction of commercials are subject to the Commercial Advertisement Loudness Mitigation Act signed into law last year.
Press Releases 10/4/2011
Rockefeller Commends Administration's Efforts to Improve Cybersecurity
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV commended the Departments of Commerce and Homeland Security today for requesting information from Internet providers on how to keep consumers informed of computer infections in order to minimize their impact:
Press Releases 09/23/2011
Rockefeller Disappointed by Efforts to Undercut Open Internet Rules
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement today after the net neutrality regulations adopted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) were published in the Federal Register:
Press Releases 09/16/2011
Rockefeller Praises Clean Extension of FAA, Calls on House to Appoint Conferees
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement today after the Senate cleared a “clean” extension of funding for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) keeping the agency operational through the end of the year:
Press Releases 09/15/2011
Rockefeller Says COPPA Rule Update is Vital to Kids Safety
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement today after an announcement by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that they are seeking public comment on proposed revisions to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection (COPPA) Rule to account for changing online technologies and practices.
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 09/14/2011
Rockefeller Remarks on Moving Intercity Passenger into the Future
WASHINGTON, D.C.—For more than a century, intercity passenger rail has been the backbone of our transportation network, capably moving people throughout our nation to drive economic growth. And for more than four decades, Amtrak has been our one and only national intercity passenger rail carrier—which Congress created to make this essential function continue when other railroads were shedding their passenger rail operations.
Press Releases 09/14/2011
Rockefeller Makes Appeal for First Responders at 9/11 Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C.—In a statement for today’s Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee hearing titled “Ten Years After 9/11: Are We Safer?”, Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV urged his colleagues to take action on one of the last major recommendations of the 9/11 Commission by passing his bill to create a nationwide, interoperable radio network for first responders.
Press Releases 09/14/2011
Rockefeller Statement on House FAA & Surface Transportation Extensions
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement today after the House passed a "clean" extension of surface transportation programs for six months and also made certain funding for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) would continue into next year:
Press Releases 09/12/2011
Rockefeller Praises First Responder Proposal in White House Jobs Plan
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today said that President Obama’s jobs plan includes proposals to spark job growth and economic development by creating a new interoperable radio network for first responders—similar to legislation awaiting consideration by the full Senate.
Press Releases 09/9/2011
Rockefeller Statement on President Obama's Job Creation Plan
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today issued this statement following President Obama’s joint address to Congress:
Press Releases 09/8/2011
Rockefeller Urges House to Approve "Clean" FAA Extension to Help Avoid Another Shutdown & More Gridlock
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today issued the following statement urging the House of Representatives to approve a clean extension of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) before the agency’s funding runs out on September 16th.
Press Releases 09/8/2011
Rockefeller Honors First Responders
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today submitted the following statement into the Congressional Record to commemorate the 10-year anniversary of 9/11 and to urge Members of Congress to pass legislation that would provide the nation’s brave first responders with the spectrum they need to communicate during emergencies:
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
Rockefeller Statement on 9/11 Unfinished Business Cited by Bipartisan Policy Center
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released the following statement on the "Tenth Anniversary Report Card: The Status of the 9/11 Commission Recommendations," which was released today from the Bipartisan Policy Center. The report card details nine major unfinished recommendations of the 9/11 Commission, including the need for public safety spectrum and interoperability.
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 08/19/2011
Hutchison Calls on NASA to Announce SLS Design Immediately
Press Releases 08/15/2011
Rockefeller Commends Enforcement Action Against COPPA Violator, Calls on FTC to Complete Revision of Kids Online Privacy Rule
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today commended the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on its enforcement action against W3 Innovations after the Commission determined the mobile application company was in violation of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The company has agreed to pay a $50,000 fine for collecting and maintaining over 30,000 emails containing email addresses and the personal information from nearly 1,000 users of its online services directed to children under the age of 13.
Press Releases 08/9/2011
Rockefeller Tells Boehner to Appoint FAA Conferees - Prevent Another FAA Shutdown
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Democratic Senators Harry Reid (D-Nev.), Max Baucus (D-Mont.), John Rockefeller (D-W.Va.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) and Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) sent a letter today to Speaker John Boehner asking him to appoint conferees to devise a bipartisan, long-term solution to keep the 74,000 air travel, construction and contract workers employed when the current extension expires on September 16th.
Press Releases 08/4/2011
Rockefeller Statement on Deal to End FAA Shutdown and Get Americans Back to Work
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement today:
Press Releases 08/3/2011
Rockefeller Calls Upon House Speaker to End FAA Shutdown
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement today:
Press Releases 08/2/2011
Rockefeller Statement on Republican Refusal to Extend FAA Funding
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement regarding the ongoing impasse over FAA reauthorization negotiations:
Press Releases 08/1/2011
Rockefeller Statement on Republicans Once Again Objecting to Clean FAA Extension
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today went to the Senate floor to request unanimous consent that a clean extension of the Federal Aviation System (FAA) be passed. After Republicans objected, Rockefeller expressed disappointment and frustration as they continue to keep thousands of FAA workers furloughed without pay and stall important airport improvement projects. He said that the GOP in the House and Senate have now made it clear that the FAA dispute is clearly about an anti-worker agenda.
Press Releases 08/1/2011
Rockefeller More Committed Than Ever to Public Safety Network Plan
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement after provisions to authorize the Federal Communications Commission to conduct voluntary incentive auctions and create a public safety communications network for first responders were dropped from a final debt relief deal:
Press Releases 07/29/2011
Rockefeller Statement on Industry Plan to Refocus USF Subsidies Toward Broadband Deployment
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement after six of the nation’s largest telecommunications providers submitted a proposal to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that directs subsidies from the Universal Service Fund toward broadband deployment:
Press Releases 07/29/2011
Pryor, Rockefeller Introduce Mariah's Act to Strengthen Highway Safety
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senators Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) and John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) today introduced legislation to improve the safety of drivers and their passengers who travel on our nation’s highways.
Press Releases 07/28/2011
Rockefeller, Cantwell Ask Airlines to Reveal Ticket Profits
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV and Aviation Subcommittee Chairwoman Maria Cantwell today wrote to the CEOs of the nation’s 12 largest airlines, including Delta Air Lines CEO Richard Anderson, questioning them on whether the airline companies are in fact generating nearly $30 million a day in additional profits by exploiting a passenger ticket tax holiday in the wake of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) shutdown.
Press Releases 07/28/2011
Key Quotes from Hearing on Alternative Aviation Fuels
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Senate Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security Subcommittee hearing today held a hearing on alternative aviation fuels. The hearing examined the impact of fuel prices on the industry, current efforts to develop alternative aviation fuels, and obstacles that must be overcome to facilitate their commercialization and adoption throughout the industry. Key issues that were addressed at the hearing included: research and development needs; infrastructure concerns; and actions the government should consider to minimize the impact of fuel costs on the aviation sector.
Press Releases 07/28/2011
Rockefeller Says Delta Airlines and House Republican Anti-Worker Provisions Keeping FAA Closed
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today took to the Senate floor again to reiterate the need to pass a clean FAA extension bill and move forward to negotiations on a comprehensive reauthorization of the agency.
Press Releases 07/28/2011
Rockefeller Remarks on Alternative Aviation Fuels
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The price of fuel is something nearly every American has grappled with. In a down economy with so many families just trying to make ends meet, the prices associated with everyday life matter. Fuel gets us where we need to go and every transportation sector depends on it.
Press Releases 07/27/2011
Rockefeller Floor Remarks on FAA Shutdown
WASHINGTON, D.C.—In a statement on the Senate floor today, Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV criticized Delta Airlines for pushing an anti-worker agenda and encouraged the House and Senate to pass a clean FAA bill extension.
Press Releases 07/27/2011
Rockefeller Remarks on Reauthorization of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
WASHINGTON, D.C.—I want to thank Senator Pryor for holding this hearing and for taking on the challenge of reauthorizing the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). NHTSA is a vitally important agency whose job it is to reduce deaths and injuries on roads. More than 30,000 people are killed on the road each year and approximately 2 million injured.
Press Releases 07/27/2011
Key Quotes from Hearing on Defending U.S. Economic Interests in the Arctic
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Senate Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard Subcommittee today convened a hearing on defending U.S. economic interests in the changing Arctic. The hearing examined how the United States can better position itself to take advantage of emerging economic opportunities in the Arctic region and assess whether federal agencies are proactively positioning themselves to promote U.S. Arctic interests, and whether they have adequate capacity to meet their goals in the region.
Press Releases 07/27/2011
Rockefeller, Cantwell, Senate Dems Propose Bill to Help Families of Furloughed FAA Workers
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV announced today that he is introducing a bill to provide back pay for nearly 4,000 FAA workers who have been furloughed and are not getting a pay check after the House refused to vote on a clean funding extension that would have kept the agency open. The bill would allow these employees to continue working with pay and benefits as Congress works to achieve a full FAA extension and would be paid for from the Aviation Trust Fund. Joining Rockefeller was Senator Maria Cantwell, Chairwoman of the Aviation Subcommittee.
Press Releases 07/27/2011
Rockefeller Remarks on Defending U.S. Economic Interests in the Changing Arctic
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Our oceans and coasts have always been a source of abundant natural resources and tremendous economic wealth for our nation. Our Exclusive Economic Zone is the largest in the world—measuring 3.4 million square nautical miles, it covers an area greater than that of the United States itself.
Press Releases 07/26/2011
Rockefeller, Cantwell Say Airlines Should Not Profit from Passenger Tax Holiday
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV and Aviation Operations, Safety and Security Subcommittee Chairwoman Maria Cantwell today asked the nation’s airlines to either stop profiting off of the temporary expiration of ticket taxes or agree to return airline ticket tax funds into the trust fund that pays for improvements to airports and next-generation air traffic control.
Press Releases 07/25/2011
Rockefeller Calls on Chairman Mica to Convene Conference on FAA Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement today as furlough notices began going out to more than 4,000 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) workers who are going without pay because of the House refusal to vote on a clean funding resolution last week:
Press Releases 07/22/2011
Rockefeller Disappointed By House Failure on FAA Extension
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement after Republicans failed to agree on a clean extension of funding for the FAA to stay in operation:
Press Releases 07/21/2011
Rockefeller Calls on FAA Negotiators to Pass Clean Extension and Work Toward Passage of Comprehensive Reauthorization
WASHINGTON, D.C.—In a statement on the Senate floor today, Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV called on his colleagues to pass a clean FAA bill extension to keep America’s aviation system in operation until Congress can negotiate a comprehensive FAA reauthorization bill.
Press Releases 07/21/2011
Key Quotes from Hearing on Reauthorization of Motor Carrier Safety Programs
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Senate Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security Subcommittee today held a hearing on reauthorization of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) programs.
Press Releases 07/21/2011
Rockefeller Remarks on Reauthorization of the Motor Carrier Safety Programs
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The commercial truck and bus industry is a vital part of our nation’s economic strength, allowing goods, services, and people to travel throughout the country. This is especially true in West Virginia, where people and businesses rely on a safe, efficient highway transportation network to support a rural economy.
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 07/20/2011
Key Quotes from Hearing on Lessons in Prevention, Response, and Restoration from the Gulf Oil Spill
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Senate Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries and Coast Guard Subcommittee today convened a hearing on lessons in prevention, response, and restoration from the Gulf oil spill. The hearing examined the ongoing response to and lessons learned from the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. In addition, the Subcommittee addressed the continuing challenges relevant agencies and stakeholders face in the wake of the spill, the state of progress of damage assessment and restoration activities, and recommendations for improving the nation’s oil spill prevention and response capacity, and ensuring the long term successful restoration in the Gulf.
Press Releases 07/20/2011
Boxer, Rockefeller Call for Answers from Dow Jones Editorial Oversight Committee
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today, U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, called on the members of the Dow Jones and Company Special Committee to ensure that no News Corporation senior executives at United States properties were aware of or complicit in any wrongdoing in the burgeoning hacking scandal and that no misconduct occurred in our country.
Press Releases 07/20/2011
Rockefeller Remarks on Lessons in Prevention, Response, and Restoration from the Gulf Oil Spill
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The goal of today’s hearing is to get an update on the Deepwater Horizon explosion and subsequent leak that covered 1,600 miles of the Gulf Coast with oil. It’s unacceptable to me that more than a year after the worst environmental disaster in the Gulf, the responsible parties have not yet been held fully accountable. The Gulf of Mexico—the people, the coast, and the wildlife, is still waiting to be fully restored—and may never be.
Press Releases 07/20/2011
Rockefeller, Gillibrand, Schumer, King Stand with 9/11 First Responders to Urge Passage of Public Safety Network Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C.—With first responders across the country operating on different radio frequencies and unable to share critical information in real time, U.S. Senators John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Congressman Peter King (R-N.Y.) today stood with John Feal and 9/11 first responders to make a bipartisan push for Congress to pass the Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act before the upcoming tenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
Press Releases 07/20/2011
Key Quotes from Hearing on Building American Transportation Infrastructure Through Innovative Funding
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The Senate Commerce Committee today held a full committee hearing on building American transportation infrastructure through innovative funding. This hearing examined the means by which federal funds can be used to leverage and partner with private sector capital to supplement existing transportation funding and increase overall investment into transportation projects. In addition, the hearing looked at the effects investing in infrastructure projects can have on job creation.
Press Releases 07/20/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Building Transportation Infrastructure Through Innovative Funding
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Americans rely on railways, highways, airways, and waterways to efficiently move goods safely to their destinations. States like West Virginia need sound infrastructure to boost economic development in rural communities. Yet, our transportation infrastructure is showing signs of wear and tear and, frankly, much of it is in disrepair.
Press Releases 07/19/2011
Rockefeller Decries Partisan Assault on America's Aviation System
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today said he is working to strip a provision in the House FAA extension that hurts small communities nationwide. Rockefeller reiterated that the House proposed extension cannot pass the Senate leaving open the possibility for a partial agency shutdown if House Republican leaders do not reconsider their position.
Press Releases 07/15/2011
Rockefeller Statement on House FAA Extension
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement after House Republicans filed an irresponsible FAA extension bill that would slash Essential Air Service Funding for communities nationwide:
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 07/14/2011
Sen. Hutchison to Administration: Let NASA Move Forward with Space Launch System
Press Releases 07/14/2011
Key Quotes from Hearing on Capturing Economic & Societal Potential on Nanotechnology Investment
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Senate Commerce Committee today convened a Science and Space Subcommittee hearing on capturing the economic and societal potential of nanotechnology investment. The hearing examined the potential of nanotechnology, federal initiatives to coordinate research investments, barriers to commercialization, possible environmental and health risks, and steps Congress can take to improve the return on federal nanotechnology investments.
Press Releases 07/14/2011
Rockefeller Remarks on National Nanotechnology Investment: Manufacturing, Commercialization, and Job Creation
WASHINGTON, D.C.—I want to thank you all for being here today to discuss what some have referred to as “the next industrial revolution.” We are at a place today where big advances on technology are happening at a very small level—everything from bio-technology tools to detect early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, to soon reducing your computer’s entire memory to the size of a single tiny chip.
Press Releases 07/13/2011
Boxer, Rockefeller Call for DOJ, SEC Investigation into Whether News Corporation Broke U.S. Laws in Phone Hacking Scandal
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senators Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, today called on Attorney General Eric Holder and Securities and Exchange Commission Chairman Mary Schapiro to investigate whether News Corporation, which is incorporated in the United States, violated United States law in allegedly bribing police officials to gain access to private telephone information and records.
Press Releases 07/13/2011
Senator Hutchison Calls for Immediate Action on NASA Space Launch System
Press Releases 07/13/2011
Key Quotes from Hearing on Unauthorized Charges Consumers' Telephone Bills
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today convened a full committee hearing on unauthorized charges on consumers’ telephone bills. The hearing examined reports of unauthorized mystery charges being placed on landline telephone bills, a practice commonly referred to as “cramming,” and comes after a yearlong Commerce Committee investigation into cramming and its impact on American consumers. The findings of the Committee’s investigation can be found here.
Press Releases 07/13/2011
Rockefeller Remarks on Unauthorized Charges on Telephone Bills: Why Crammers Win and Consumers Lose
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today’s hearing is about a scam that has cost telephone customers billions of dollars in unauthorized charges since the 1990s. It’s called “cramming.” It refers to the mysterious charges that appear on Americans’ phone bills for services they do not want or use.
Press Releases 07/12/2011
Rockefeller Releases Alarming Findings of Yearlong Committee Investigation Into Mystery Telephone Fees
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today revealed the findings of a yearlong Committee staff investigation into a nationwide epidemic involving mystery fees being placed on consumers’ landline telephone bills without their knowledge or consent.
Press Releases 07/12/2011
Rockefeller Statement on News Corp. Phone Tapping Allegations
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement regarding recent reports that News Corporation’s publication News of the World engaged in phone tapping and other illegal activity:
Press Releases 07/12/2011
Rockefeller Convenes Forum on Illegal Foreclosures Against U.S. Soldiers Deployed Overseas
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) today convened a forum with Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.), Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, to examine illegal foreclosures against U.S. service members and their families. At the forum, Chairman Rockefeller stressed the need to get banks and other creditors to follow the law and show U.S. services members the respect they deserve when fighting for America.
Press Releases 07/8/2011
Rockefeller Congratulates NASA on Successful Launch
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today issued the following statement commending NASA on the success of the final shuttle launch:
Press Releases 07/7/2011
Rockefeller Says Smart, Targeted Transportation Infrastructure Investment is the Path Forward
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today issued the following statement in response to a House Republican transportation proposal that makes wide-ranging cuts to critical infrastructure programs and projects across America:
Press Releases 06/29/2011
Kerry, Rockefeller, Franken, Colleagues Fight for Net Neutrality Protections
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senators John Kerry (D-Mass.), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet, and John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.), Chairman of the Commerce Committee, along with eight senior Committee members, today opposed efforts to cut funding to secure an open Internet.
Press Releases 06/29/2011
Key Quotes from Today's Hearing on Privacy and Data Security
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today convened a full committee hearing on privacy and data security. The hearing examined how entities collect, maintain, secure, and use personal information in today’s economy and whether consumers are adequately protected under current law. The Commerce Committee heard from representatives from relevant government agencies as well as business and consumer advocate stakeholders.
Press Releases 06/29/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Privacy and Data Security Hearing: Protecting Consumers in the Modern World
WASHINGTON, D.C.—This is the third hearing on consumer privacy that we have held in the 112th Congress. As I have repeatedly emphasized, Americans are often completely unaware of the vast amounts of information that is being collected and stored on them. I have focused on the need for companies to provide everyday consumers with a clear understanding of what information they are collecting, where the information goes and how it is being used. I have also asked companies to give consumers an easy way for them to stop those collection practices. I don’t think this is too much to ask of companies that are making millions, if not billions, of dollars off of consumers’ personal information.
Press Releases 06/27/2011
Key Quotes from Today's Field Hearing on Manufacturing Jobs and Export Opportunities
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today convened a full committee hearing in Charleston, West Virginia as part of his ongoing push to create jobs and improve manufacturing throughout the State and the country.
Press Releases 06/27/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Making It In America: Innovate Locally, Export Globally
WASHINGTON, D.C.—I’d like to thank everyone for joining us for this hearing and to welcome you to Charleston. I’d also like to extend my welcome to those joining us at each satellite location across West Virginia.
Press Releases 06/23/2011
Key Quotes from Today's Hearing the U.S. Coast Guard Budget and Oversight
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today held an Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard Subcommittee hearing on the U.S. Coast Guard budget and oversight.
Press Releases 06/23/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Today's U.S. Coast Guard Budget and Oversight Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C—Good morning. As one of our nation’s primary first responders, the Coast Guard is vital to our national security, economic security, public safety, and environment.
Press Releases 06/22/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Says It's Time to Update Rail Policies for the 21st Century & Correct Imbalances in the Industry
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller today testified before the Surface Transportation Board (STB) hearing on rail competition. At the hearing, Rockefeller urged the STB to take action in correcting imbalances in the rail industry.
Press Releases 06/21/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Today's Nominations Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C.—We have two distinguished nominees before us today. First is John Bryson of California. Mr. Bryson is nominated to be the next Secretary of Commerce. Our second nominee, Terry Garcia of Florida, is nominated to be the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Commerce.
Press Releases 06/21/2011
Hutchison Presses Commerce Department Nominee on Commitment to Jobs, Tax Reform
Press Releases 06/20/2011
Rockefeller Says New FTC Investigation into Gas Prices Will Help Consumers
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today announced that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has agreed to start an investigation into oil and gasoline markets and the impact on the amount Americans are paying for gas. Rockefeller pushed the FTC to probe this issue back in March.
Press Releases 06/16/2011
Rockefeller Continues Push to Protect Consumers from "Mystery Fees" on Phone Bills
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released the following statement today regarding the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) announcement proposing $11.7 million in penalties against companies involved in “cramming.”
Press Releases 06/16/2011
Rockefeller Joins White House for Public Safety Network Discussion
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Following a White House discussion today on the benefits of building a nationwide wireless broadband network for first responders, Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV is urging Senate colleagues to not delay on voting to approve S. 911, the Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act.
Press Releases 06/15/2011
Pryor, Rockefeller Introduce Legislation to Protect Consumers' Personal Information and Prevent Identity Theft
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senators Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) and John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) today reintroduced legislation to require businesses and nonprofit organizations that store consumers’ personal information to put in place strong security features to safeguard sensitive data, alert consumers when this data has been breached, and provide affected individuals with the tools they need to protect their credit and finances. Currently, there is no single federal standard for guarding many types of consumer information.
Press Releases 06/15/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Continues Push to Eliminate Waste, Fraud and Abuse in Government Programs
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV wrote the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Inspector General, Alison Lerner, on the importance of protecting taxpayer dollars from misuse. On Thursday, Inspector General Lerner is hosting a workshop to discuss preventing fraud in one of the federal government’s most important advanced technology initiatives, the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program.
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 06/14/2011
Key Quotes from Today's Hearing on Emerging Threats to Rail Security
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a full committee hearing today on emerging threats to rail security.
Press Releases 06/14/2011
Rockefeller Says White House Public Safety Meeting Will Advance Bipartisan Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV praised the Administration today on its plans to host a White House meeting on Thursday with national, state and local public safety representatives on the need to provide first responders with the first ever nationwide, interoperable communications network.
Press Releases 06/14/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Emerging Threats to Rail Security
WASHINGTON, D.C.—When we talk about terrorist attacks on the United States, airplanes are the first image that comes to mind. Why? Because the horrors that took place in New York, Pennsylvania and at the Pentagon on 9/11 all involved deadly attacks involving planes. What we don’t hear much about is maintaining the security of our surface transportation system—specifically, our rail networks. Too often, this gets lost when we talk about security.
Press Releases 06/9/2011
Rockefeller Bill Will Help Prevent Kids From Swallowing Hazardous Mini Batteries
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today introduced a bill to reduce the risk of injury or death to children from ingestion of button cell batteries. This common-sense bill would make it harder for children to access these tiny batteries by making battery compartments in consumer products more secure.
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 06/8/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Today's Executive Session
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Good morning, and welcome to today’s executive session. We have some very important bills on the agenda, and I know my colleagues will spend time speaking about them. I’m going to use my time to talk about one: S. 911, the Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act. As I’ve made clear, passing this bill is my top priority this year. This bill marries smart spectrum policy with good public policy. It is a bipartisan, commonsense bill that will give our first responders the tools they need to do their jobs.
Press Releases 05/31/2011
Rockefeller Says Bus Industry Not Doing Enough on Safety
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today urged swift passage of legislation to improve the safety of buses traveling on America’s roads. This comes in the wake of two fatal bus crashes over the holiday weekend.
Press Releases 05/31/2011
Rockefeller Praises Secretary of Commerce Nominee
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement on the nomination of John Bryson to be Secretary of Commerce:
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 05/26/2011
Rockefeller Says Children's Online Safety Should Be Top Priority
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement about Facebook:
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 05/24/2011
Key Quotes from Today's Hearing on Air Traffic Control Safety Oversight
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held an Aviation Operations, Safety and Security Subcommittee hearing today on oversight of air traffic control safety.
Press Releases 05/24/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Air Traffic Control Safety Oversight
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Good afternoon and thank you, Senator Cantwell. This is Senator Cantwell’s first hearing as Chairwoman of the Aviation Subcommittee. She’s picked a timely and important topic.
Press Releases 05/24/2011
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT - Rockefeller: First Responders Need High-Speed Network
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today authored an op-ed in Roll Call on the urgent need to provide America’s first responders with a nationwide wireless network to help them do their job. Rockefeller is currently championing legislation, the Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act, which would create a public safety communications network recommended by the 9/11 Commission.
Press Releases 05/24/2011
Rockefeller Report Concludes That Health Insurance Companies Could Owe Consumers as Much as $2 Billion This Year
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released a new report demonstrating that provisions in last year’s health reform law could save consumers across the country billions of dollars this year. This marks the first time that estimated savings from the medical loss ratio (MLR) provisions of the reform law have been quantified using the insurance companies own data.
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 05/23/2011
NYT: Congress Should Heed Warnings of 9/11 Commission and Improve Communications for First Responders
WASHINGTON, D.C.—As the tenth anniversary of 9/11 approaches, the New York Times today editorialized on the need for a dedicated, nationwide communications system for first responders.
Press Releases 05/19/2011
Key Quotes from Today's Hearing on Consumer Privacy and Protection in the Mobile Marketplace
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a Consumer Protection, Product Safety and Insurance Subcommittee hearing today on consumer privacy and protection in the mobile marketplace.
Press Releases 05/19/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Consumer Privacy and Protection in the Mobile Marketplace
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Thank you, Chairman Pryor, for holding this important hearing. There are 234 million mobile devices in use today. Seventy five percent of teenagers own a cell phone. And 72 percent of parents say they have slept with their cell phones.
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 05/18/2011
Rockefeller Questions Tech Companies on Compliance with Children's Online Privacy Law
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today announced that he is asking Apple, Google and Association for Competitive Technology (ACT) executives to show whether the applications running on their mobile platforms are in compliance with children’s online privacy law.
Press Releases 05/18/2011
Key Quotes from Today's Hearing on Contributions of Space to National Imperatives
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a Science and Space Subcommittee hearing today on contributions of space to national imperatives.
Press Releases 05/18/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Contributions of Space to National Imperatives
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Next week is the 50th anniversary of President John F. Kennedy’s historic address before a special joint session of Congress. In that address, the president famously challenged the nation to send a man to the moon.
Press Releases 05/17/2011
Rockefeller, Schumer, Boxer, Klobuchar, Gillibrand Call for Swift Passage of Public Safety Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Senators John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.), Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) today called on colleagues in the House and Senate to join them in passing legislation to provide America’s first responders with lifesaving communications tools before the tenth anniversary of 9/11.
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 05/12/2011
Rockefeller, Snowe Release Statements on White House Cyber Proposal
WASHINGTON, D.C.—U.S. Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Senator Olympia Snowe (R-Maine) today released the following statements after the White House released its cybersecurity proposal:
Press Releases 05/12/2011
Rockefeller Says Jobs & Highway Safety Should Come Before Mexican Border Trucking Plan
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today announced that he is asking the Obama Administration to be sure that new regulations on trucks carrying freight from Mexico into the United States do not jeopardize safety or existing jobs in the United States.
Press Releases 05/12/2011
Rockefeller Calls on SEC to Make Corporate Cyber Attacks Public
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) today called on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to clarify corporate disclosure requirements for cybersecurity breaches so that the American public can learn more about when hackers make efforts to penetrate companies’ computer systems.
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 05/11/2011
Key Quotes from Today's Hearing on Manufacturing Our Way to a Stronger Economy
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a full committee hearing today on manufacturing our way to a stronger economy.
Press Releases 05/11/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Manufacturing Our Way to a Stronger Economy
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Welcome to today’s hearing. Manufacturing has been and will continue to be a focus of this Committee for a simple reason—this country is most innovative and successful when its people are working and its production base is strong.
Press Releases 05/11/2011
Rockefeller & Lautenberg Introduce Bill to Spark Infrastructure Investment, Job-Creation
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.) and Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-N.J.) introduced legislation that would use federal investment in transportation infrastructure to create jobs and new opportunities for millions of Americans. The American Infrastructure Investment Fund Act of 2011 would start a $5 billion fund to drive private investment in transportation infrastructure by using a variety of tools, such as loans and loan guarantees, to provide eligible projects financial assistance, thereby incentivizing the private sector to do the same. Senator Lautenberg is Chairman of the Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security Subcommittee.
Press Releases 05/11/2011
Rockefeller Tells FTC That Bogus Billing on Consumer Landline Phones is a Major Problem
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV wrote Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman Jon Leibowitz that unauthorized third-party charges on telephone bills remain a major problem for American consumers and businesses and that further action is needed to put an end to it.
Press Releases 05/10/2011
Key Quotes from Today's Hearing on Are Our Ports Secure? Examining the Transportation Worker ID Credential Program
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a full committee hearing today titled Are Our Nation’s Ports Secure? Examining the Transportation Worker ID Credential (TWIC) Program.
Press Releases 05/10/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Are Our Nation's Ports Secure? Examining the Transportation Worker ID Credential Program
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Good afternoon. One of my top priorities as Chairman of this Committee is to make sure we’re doing everything in our power to protect our nation’s transportation systems and keep them safe from attack.
Press Releases 05/9/2011
Rockefeller Introduces Do-Not-Track Online Act
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today introduced the Do-Not-Track Online Act of 2011, a bill to give consumers the ability to opt out of having their online activities tracked by Internet companies.
Press Releases 05/6/2011
Rockefeller Announces Do-Not-Track Legislation to Protect Consumers When They Are Online
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV announced today that he will introduce legislation to provide consumers with the capability to better protect their personal information from being collected and used by online companies. The announcement comes as the Committee is also working on comprehensive legislation to increase cybersecurity following scores of high-profile hacking incidents against individuals, government and the private sector. Rockefeller said he would introduce his Do-Not-Track Online Act of 2011 next week.
Press Releases 05/5/2011
Executive Session Summary
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 and nominations:
Press Releases 05/5/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Today's Executive Session
WASHINGTON, D.C.—We have a full docket today, and some very important bills up for consideration: bills that will help save lives, protect property and preserve our oceans and fragile ecosystems. I want to briefly summarize the bills and accepted amendments. We have eight bills and several nominations to consider today.
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 05/3/2011
Key Quotes from Today's Hearing on America's Natural Disaster Preparedness: Are Federal Investments Paying Off?
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a full committee hearing today titled America's Natural Disaster Preparedness: Are Federal Investments Paying Off?
Press Releases 05/3/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on America's Natural Disaster Preparedness: Are Federal Investments Paying Off?
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Good afternoon. I want to welcome our distinguished panel of witnesses. Thank you for testifying before the Committee. And a special welcome to Bob Ryan, who so many in the Washington, D.C. region depend on for their weather news. Some may not know that his forecasts and alerts are critical to many in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle. Thank you for being here today.
Press Releases 05/2/2011
In Case You Missed It - NYPD: Osama Bin Laden Death Shows Need for Better Network
NYPD Deputy Chief Charles Dowd on Monday welcomed news that Osama Bin Laden “has received justice”—but stressed it only underscores the need for a new, nationwide data network for police officers and firefighters.
Press Releases 05/2/2011
Rockefeller Stresses Need to Make Good on 9/11 Commission Report, Improve Public Safety Communications
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today reiterated America’s need for a nationwide public safety communications network:
Press Releases 05/2/2011
Rockefeller Delivers Major Address on the Importance of Upgrading Our Transportation System
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today spoke at the International Transportation and Economic Development Conference (I-TED) in Charleston, West Virginia. At the conference, he discussed the importance of transportation to West Virginia and the country and the need to make tough choices to upgrade our transportation infrastructure.
Press Releases 04/28/2011
Rockefeller Announces Hearing on Mobile Consumer Protection and Privacy
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today announced the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation will hold a hearing on consumer protection and privacy in the mobile marketplace in May:
Press Releases 04/21/2011
Rockefeller Says Restoration Payment Must Be Accompanied By New Legislation to Help Prevent Future Spills
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement today after BP agreed to spend an additional $1 billion for the Gulf Coast region to repair damage caused by the spill. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which is under the jurisdiction of the Commerce Committee, will participate in the restoration by working on behalf of the public to fix the damage done to publicly owned resources.
Press Releases 04/20/2011
Rockefeller Presses for Legislative Action on the One-year Mark of the BP Oil Spill
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released this statement one year after the BP oil spill:
Press Releases 04/18/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Statement on the Confirmation of Ann D. Begeman to the Surface Transportation Board
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released this statement on the Senate confirmation of Ann D. Begeman to be a member of the Surface Transportation Board:
Press Releases 04/18/2011
Commerce Committee Investigation Reveals That Medical Companies Wrongly Deny Patients Critical Tests
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released a report with the findings of a year-long Commerce Committee staff investigation that found a pattern of inappropriate denials for medically necessary advanced imaging tests for Americans suffering from heart disease. Rockefeller started the investigation following news reports in March, 2010 suggesting that Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Delaware (BCBSD) were denying patients critical nuclear cardiac stress tests.
Press Releases 04/13/2011
Rockefeller Warns FAA on Sleeping Air Traffic Controllers
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement after an incident at Reno-Tahoe International Airport where another air traffic controller fell asleep while a medical flight carrying a patient was attempting to land:
Press Releases 04/13/2011
Key Quotes from Today's Hearing on NOAA's FY 2012 Budget Request and Oversight
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held an Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and the Coast Guard Subcommittee hearing today on NOAA’s FY 2012 budget request and oversight.
Press Releases 04/13/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Today's Hearing on NOAA's FY 2012 Budget Request and Oversight
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) touches the lives of every American every day. Businesses, families and communities turn to NOAA for weather forecasts, severe weather warnings, cutting-edge research, coastal management and ocean mapping to conduct business, protect property and save lives.
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 04/8/2011
Rockefeller Statement on House Net Neutrality Resolution
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released this statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution aimed at negating the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) recent network neutrality rules:
Press Releases 04/5/2011
Key Quotes from Today's Hearing on Closing the Digital Divide for Native Nations and Communities
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a full committee hearing today titled Closing the Digital Divide: Connecting Native Nations and Communities to the 21st Century.
Press Releases 04/5/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Closing the Digital Divide: Connecting Native Nations and Communities to the 21st Century
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Access to modern communications is not a luxury. It's a right. All people, no matter who they are or where they live, deserve access to basic telephone service, wireless service and broadband. Without access to these services, too many of our citizens will be left on the wrong side of the digital divide and denied the kind of job opportunities, educational development, health care options and personal safety that modern communications networks can provide.
Press Releases 04/5/2011
Key Quotes from Today's Hearing on Tourism in America: Removing Barriers and Promoting Growth
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation held a Competitiveness, Innovation, and Export Promotion Subcommittee hearing today titled Tourism in America: Removing Barriers and Promoting Growth.
Press Releases 04/5/2011
Rockefeller Cautions LaHood on Air Traffic Control at National Airport
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today sent a letter to Department of Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood expressing concern about air traffic controller staffing levels nationwide and the possible threat to passenger safety. This follows a recent incident at Washington National Airport (DCA) where two planes landed without clearance after they experienced radio silence from the DCA control tower.
Press Releases 04/5/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Tourism in America: Removing Barriers and Promoting Growth
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Good morning. I want to thank Senator Klobuchar for holding this important hearing today. Travel and tourism represent a significant part of America’s economy, supporting millions of jobs, and bringing in billions of dollars of revenue. But the U.S. travel industry has taken a hit in the last decade.
Press Releases 04/4/2011
Rockefeller Says FAA Bill Crucial to Airline Safety
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released the following statement regarding cracks found in the fuselages of three Southwest Airlines aircraft:
Press Releases 04/4/2011
Rockefeller, Lautenberg Press for Pipeline Safety Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV (D-W.Va.), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-N.J.), Chairman of the U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security, today urged their colleagues to support legislation to strengthen pipeline safety oversight. Their call for quick legislative action comes on the heels of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Ray LaHood’s launch of a national pipeline safety initiative. The launch of DOT’s pipeline safety action plan dovetails with legislation re-introduced earlier this year by Senators Rockefeller and Lautenberg to address long-standing safety issues in America’s pipeline network.
Press Releases 04/1/2011
Rockefeller Statement on House Passage of FAA Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released this statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed the FAA Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2011 (H.R. 658):