Press Releases

Press Releases 09/13/2012
Rockefeller, Boxer & Johnson Call on Speaker Boehner to Restore Cuts to Transportation Funding
In a letter sent today, Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV and Senators Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Chairman of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, and Tim Johnson (D-SD), Chairman of the Committee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, wrote to House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) to oppose cuts to funding for transportation programs included in the six-month continuing resolution and called on Speaker Boehner to restore the funding for these programs in FY 2013. The continuing resolution is expected to be voted on in the House of Representatives today.
Press Releases 09/12/2012
Senator Hutchison Statement at Hearing on Nation’s Path from LEO to Mars
Press Releases 09/12/2012
Rockefeller, Hutchison Hail Collaboration With Scientific Community
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today joined a forum with Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison as part of a new National Academies effort to elevate the role of science and technology in government.
Press Releases 09/12/2012
Rockefeller on Space Exploration
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Prepared Opening Remarks of Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV at the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing on "The Path From LEO to Mars":
Press Releases 09/12/2012
Mars Curiosity Rover
Press Releases 08/29/2012
Rockefeller, Lautenberg, Durbin Seek Safety Review of Rail System After Accidents
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Senators John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, Frank R. Lautenberg, D-NJ, Chair of the Commerce Subcommittee on Surface Transportation, and Dick Durbin, D-IL, requested a Government Accountability Office (GAO) review of rail safety and how the Federal Railroad Administration, state rail safety agencies, and other stakeholders cooperate to ensure the safety of people and goods. This request comes after multiple high-profile rail accidents in recent weeks.
Press Releases 08/20/2012
Rockefeller Applauds Appointments to FirstNet Board
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today applauded the appointments to the board of the First Responder Network Authority, or FirstNet. The first responder network was established by Rockefeller’s Public Safety Spectrum and Wireless Innovation Act.
Press Releases 08/16/2012
Rockefeller, Udall Applaud FTC Action to Protect Consumers From Unscientific Marketing Claims Related to Concussions
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV and Senator Tom Udall commended the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for taking action against a company for making marketing claims about its product’s ability to reduce the risk concussions that were not supported by scientific evidence.
Press Releases 08/13/2012
Rockefeller Urges President Obama to Protect Country From Cyber Threats
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today called on President Barack Obama to protect our nation’s economic and national security by issuing an Executive Order to create a voluntary public-private partnership that will address our country’s most pressing cyber vulnerabilities. Rockefeller’s letter comes after Senate Republicans blocked comprehensive cybersecurity legislation that our nation’s top military and national security officials say is necessary to protect against cyber attacks.
Press Releases 08/2/2012
Rockefeller Calls Blocking of Cyber Safety Reform Bill "Reckless"
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement after Republicans voted to block the Senate from moving ahead with a vote on his cybersecurity legislation:
Press Releases 08/1/2012
Rockefeller on Online Sales Tax
WASHINGTON, DC--Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today gave an opening statement at the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing titled "Marketplace Fairness: Leveling the Playing Field for Small Business."
Press Releases 07/30/2012
Rockefeller, Cosponsors Correct Chamber of Commerce Confusion on Cybersecurity
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Commerce Committee Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, D-W.Va., Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee (HSGAC) Chairman Joe Lieberman, ID-Conn., HSGAC Ranking Member Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Select Intelligence Committee Chairman Dianne Feinstein, D-Ca., sent a letter to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce responding to the Chamber’s mischaracterizations about the revised Cybersecurity Act of 2012.
Press Releases 07/25/2012
Sen. Hutchison Statement at Hearing Highlighting Research, Discovery aboard the International Space Station
Press Releases 07/24/2012
Rockefeller Remarks on Cable Act
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV gave the following prepared opening statement at the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing entitled "The Cable Act at 20" on July 24, 2012:
Press Releases 07/12/2012
Rockefeller on Performance Enhancing Drugs in Horse Racing
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued a prepared opening statement at the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing on "Medication and Performance Enhancing Drugs in Horse Racing."
Press Releases 07/12/2012
Rockefeller Bill Will Reform Forensics
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today introduced legislation to help prevent wrongful convictions by bringing reliable, science-based standards to forensic evidence.
Press Releases 07/6/2012
Rockefeller on Transportation Bill Signing
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement after President Obama signed a reauthorization of the nation’s surface transportation programs into law.
Press Releases 06/29/2012
Rockefeller Says Transportation Bill Will Make Nation's Roads Safer
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today issued the following statement on Senate passage of the surface transportation bill.
Press Releases 06/28/2012
Rockefeller Remarks on Industry Self-Regulation and Privacy Protections
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Two months ago, we held a hearing in this room on the need for Internet privacy protections. We discussed how Americans are tracked each time they visit a website, watch a video, or make a purchase. Both the Obama Administration and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) testified that Americans have very few rights to protect their information online.
Press Releases 06/28/2012
Rockefeller Says Transportation Bill Will Protect Motorists and Save Lives
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today issued the following statement on a reauthorization agreement of the nation’s federal surface transportation programs:
Press Releases 06/27/2012
Senators Renew Push to Strengthen Cybersecurity
Press Releases 06/26/2012
Rockefeller on Health Care Law Saving Consumers Over $1 Billion
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released a statement today following the release of a Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) report showing consumers will save more than $1 billion thanks to health insurance company rebates. The rebates are a result of the “80/20 rule" in the 2010 health care reform law, which requires health insurance companies to spend a larger portion of their customers’ premium dollars on medical care.
Press Releases 06/21/2012
Rockefeller on Supreme Court's Decision on Indecency Standards
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today issued the following statement regarding the Supreme Court’s 8-0 decision today on the Federal Communications Commission's enforcement of its "fleeting expletives" policy:
Press Releases 06/21/2012
Rockefeller on Commerce Secretary John Bryson's Resignation
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement on Commerce Secretary John Bryson resigning as the Secretary of the Department of Commerce:
Press Releases 06/21/2012
Rockefeller Remarks on FAA Administrator Nominee Michael Huerta
Washington, D.C.—I want to congratulate you, Mr. Huerta, on your nomination to be the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). If confirmed, you will be charged with leading the most complex aviation system in the world and an agency that faces several critical challenges.
Press Releases 06/21/2012
Rockefeller Introduces Bill to Protect Soldiers from Foreclosure Abuses
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today said he will fight for passage of legislation to protect service members from losing their homes to banks and other lenders while they are deployed to battlefields in Iraq, Afghanistan or elsewhere.
Press Releases 06/20/2012
Sen. Hutchison Stresses Importance of Continued Progress on both Commercial and Government Space Launch Vehicles
Press Releases 06/20/2012
Rockefeller Remarks on Future of Commercial Space
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The United States has long been a world leader in using space for societal and commercial benefits. Satellites, for example, provide us with instant communication, the indispensable Global Positioning System – or GPS – for navigation, and weather data to inform forecasts that prevent loss of life and property. While the original investment for each of these examples came from the federal government, the commercial sector went on to make them profitable industries.
Press Releases 06/18/2012
Rockefeller on Bipartisan Call for Cybersecurity Action
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today issued the following statement regarding Senators Olympia Snowe and Mark Warner’s support for full Senate debate on cybersecurity legislation in a letter to Leaders Harry Reid and Mitch McConnell:
Press Releases 06/14/2012
Rockefeller Introduces Telephone Bill Anti-Cramming Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV has introduced S.3291, the Fair Telephone Billing Act of 2012, a bill to protect consumers from unauthorized third-party charges being placed on their telephone bills. This practice, commonly referred to as “cramming,” was the subject of a year-long Senate Commerce Committee investigation which showed that cramming was a problem of epidemic proportions, costing millions of American consumers billions of dollars in unauthorized third-party charges over the past decade.
Press Releases 06/13/2012
Rockefeller on Commerce Secretary John Bryson's Medical Leave of Absence
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement on Commerce Secretary John Bryson taking a medical leave of absence:
Press Releases 06/13/2012
Rockefeller Asks Wireless Carriers for Information on Third-Party Charges
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV sent letters to four U.S. wireless telephone companies to better understand the magnitude of third-party charges on wireless telephone bills and what is being done to protect consumers from unauthorized charges. The practice, known as “cramming,” involves placing unauthorized third-party charges on consumers’ telephone bills.
Press Releases 06/12/2012
Rockefeller, Cummings Provide Summary of Gray Market Investigation
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV and Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, sent a letter about the so-called “gray market” distribution network for short-supply prescription drugs to the House-Senate negotiators on legislation to reauthorize programs within the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Press Releases 06/7/2012
Bipartisan National Security Experts Urge Passage of Senate Cybersecurity Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C.—A bipartisan group of national security experts sent a letter to Leaders Reid and McConnell urging swift action on cybersecurity legislation, writing that “protection of our critical infrastructure is essential in order to effectively protect our national and economic security from the growing cyber threat.”
Press Releases 06/6/2012
Rockefeller Remarks on the EU's Emissions Trading System
WASHINGTON, D.C.— The European Union’s Emissions Trading System (EU ETS) has elicited strong feelings from aviation stakeholders across the globe, which is why it is important that Congress examine its potential impact on international air travel. Secretary LaHood will provide us a much-needed perspective from the Administration. The United States has always led the world on aviation issues. Implementing policies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions should not be an exception to our legacy of leadership on aviation.
Press Releases 06/6/2012
Statement from Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison on Future of NASA
Press Releases 05/31/2012
Rockefeller Commends Bipartisan Safety Measures in Surface Transportation Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today applauded a group of parents, safety advocates, and pediatricians endorsing the Senate Commerce Committee's bi-partisan safety measures included in the Senate bill. Rockefeller also praised the strong work by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) today to go after unsafe bus operators.
Press Releases 05/24/2012
Rockefeller Asks American Gas Association for Cybersecurity Standards
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today sent a letter to the American Gas Association requesting information on cybersecurity standards that were developed in 2006 and designed to protect industrial control systems from cyber attacks. A recent press report suggested that, although the standards were tested and supported by both government agencies and private organizations, the measures were not implemented because of the costs.
Press Releases 05/22/2012
Rockefeller on Suspicious Security Incident
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released the following statement today after an incident on a U.S. Airways flight from Paris to Charlotte where a passenger was restrained after an on-flight threat that is currently being investigated:
Press Releases 05/22/2012
Sen. Hutchison Statement on Successful Launch of Commercial Spacecraft
Press Releases 05/18/2012
Rockefeller Asks Drug Distributor for Pricing Information
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Senator Tom Harkin, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, and Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, today sent a letter to the pharmaceutical drug distributor H. D. Smith, requesting information about certain sales of prescription drugs. These transactions came to the attention of the investigating committees during their review of the distribution of short-supply drugs through so-called “gray market” distribution networks.
Press Releases 05/17/2012
Rockefeller Remarks on Tsunami Generated Marine Debris
WASHINGTON, D.C.— More than a year has passed since Japan suffered the Tuhoku earthquake and tsunami—one of the worst natural disasters of all time. As the devastating tsunami waves hit Japan, they literally swept thousands of people and their belongings tragically out to sea. The remains of some 25 million pounds of debris entered the ocean. Japan’s losses were far reaching.
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 05/16/2012
Rockefeller Remarks on Oversight of the FCC
WASHINGTON, D.C.—It is a pleasure to welcome our witnesses today – all FIVE members of the Federal Communications Commission. I want to say a special word of welcome to the two newest members of the FCC – Commissioners Rosenworcel and Pai. You are both excellent additions to the Commission, and I know your colleagues share my enthusiasm for having you on board. Today’s hearing gives Committee members an opportunity to convey our priorities and to hear from you about your efforts to protect consumers and carry out the public interest.
Press Releases 05/10/2012
Conservative Legal Scholar Backs Security Standards for Critical Infrastructure
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Leading conservative legal scholar Jack Goldsmith Thursday advocated for security standards for the nation’s most critical infrastructure to protect it from probes or attacks by hostile nations, terrorists, and other bad actors. In an opinion piece published on his blog Lawfare, which explores the intersection of law and national security, Goldsmith said critical infrastructure “is central to the security of the nation,” and noted that the Lieberman, Collins, Rockefeller, Feinstein cybersecurity bill is the only one in Congress that addresses critical infrastructure.
Press Releases 05/9/2012
Rockefeller Remarks on the Need for Privacy Protections
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Every day, tens of millions of Americans go on-line to search for information, shop, pay their bills, or access a social networking site. To state the obvious, the Internet has fundamentally transformed every aspect of our lives. What is less obvious is the level of information that is collected about us each time we visit a website, watch a video, send an email, or make a purchase.
Press Releases 05/8/2012
Rockefeller Remarks at Surface Transportation Reauthorization Conference
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following prepared remarks at the opening meeting of the House-Senate Surface Transportation Reauthorization Conference:
Press Releases 05/8/2012
Rockefeller on FAA Whistleblower Claims
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator John D. (Jay) Rockefeller today released the following statement on the letter from the Office of Special Counsel about Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) whistleblower claims:
Press Releases 05/7/2012
Rockefeller Statement Following FCC Commissioners Vote
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement after the U.S. Senate voted to confirm key Federal Communications Commission (FCC) nominations:
Press Releases 05/2/2012
Rockefeller Asks British Panel for Phone Hacking Information
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Sen. Jay Rockefeller today sent a letter to Lord Justice Brian Leveson, who is currently leading a special judicial investigation into phone hacking and other alleged illegal activities by News International, a subsidiary of News Corporation. The letter asks Lord Leveson if his inquiry has uncovered any new information suggesting that News International’s conduct involved U.S. citizens or violated U.S. laws.
Press Releases 04/27/2012
Rockefeller Statement on Lifting of Hold on FCC Nominees
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement:
Press Releases 04/27/2012
House Cybersecurity Action Does Not Provide Comprehensive Protection
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The four Senate co-sponsors of bipartisan and comprehensive cybersecurity legislation – Senators Joe Lieberman, ID-Conn., Susan Collins, R-Maine, Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., and Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif. – issued the following reaction Friday to partial action in the House on cybersecurity.
Press Releases 04/27/2012
Rockefeller Supports Anti-Cramming FCC Vote
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to enact rules aimed at preventing phone companies from placing unauthorized third-party charges on their customers’ landline telephone bills.
Press Releases 04/27/2012
Rockefeller Statement on Youth Traffic Safety Month
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement of support for the designation of May 2012 as National Youth Traffic Safety Month.
Press Releases 04/26/2012
Rockefeller Statement on Consumer Savings from Insurance Company Rebates
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released the following statement today following release of a report showing consumers will save more than $1 billion from insurance company rebates.
Press Releases 04/26/2012
Rockefeller Statement on Surface Transportation Conference
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today released the following statement on the House-Senate conference on the Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill (S. 1813).
Press Releases 04/25/2012
House Cyber Bills Are Not Enough
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The four lead sponsors of Senate legislation to protect the nation’s most critical networks said Wednesday that cybersecurity legislation to be debated in the House provides inadequate protection against malicious cyber intrusions or attacks. Senators Joe Lieberman, ID-Conn., Susan Collins, R-Maine, Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., and Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., have introduced the Cybersecurity Act of 2012, to apply minimum security standards to the networks of the nation’s most critical infrastructure. They released the following joint statement:
Press Releases 04/24/2012
Rockefeller Remarks on the Emergence of Online Video
WASHINGTON, D.C.— This hearing is about the emergence of online video—and the power of broadband to change the way we watch. This is the start of an exciting and timely conversation.
Press Releases 04/18/2012
Rockefeller Statement Following Subcommittee Hearing
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV made this statement following today’s Surface Transportation, Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security Subcommittee hearing on “Protecting Commuters: Ensuring Accountability and Oversight in Tolling”
Press Releases 04/17/2012
Rockefeller Remarks on Promoting American Competitiveness
WASHINGTON, D.C.—I want to thank Senator Klobuchar for holding this important hearing today. The need for investment in the skills of the American worker is as great as ever.
Press Releases 04/11/2012
Rockefeller Remarks on Shale Gas Development
FAIRMONT, WEST VIRGINIA— Welcome everyone. Thank you for being here today, Representative Capito and Representative McKinley. Thanks also to the West Virginia High Tech Consortium -- Jim Estep and your staff. Welcome also the many familiar faces in the audience and all West Virginians.
Press Releases 03/29/2012
Rockefeller Says House Should Not Leave for Easter Without Passing Two-Year Surface Transportation Bill
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement after the Senate passed a 90-day extension of the nation’s surface transportation programs:
Press Releases 03/28/2012
Another Major Phone Company Agrees to End Third-Party Billing on Consumer Phone Bills
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement today after AT&T announced it would soon stop placing misleading third-party charges on its customers’ landline telephone bills. Verizon made a similar announcement last week.
Press Releases 03/28/2012
Rockefeller Remarks on the Science and Standards of Forensics
WASHINGTON, D.C.—I don’t often get the chance to say that a Commerce Committee hearing is about truth and justice. But that’s exactly what this hearing is about today. It’s about using more science in our criminal justice system. And it’s about creating standards that judges, prosecutors, defense lawyers, and juries all can trust.
Press Releases 03/27/2012
NSA Director Says Security Standards Are Necessary for Critical Cyber Networks, Information Sharing is Not Enough
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The head of the military’s Cyber Command said Tuesday that information-sharing among critical infrastructure owners and operators is not enough to protect their cyber networks against attacks from rival nations, criminals, terrorists, and pranksters. Information sharing combined with security standards are needed to confront the growing cyber threat, said General Keith Alexander.
Press Releases 03/26/2012
Rockefeller Statement on FTC Privacy Report
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement today after the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) unveiled its online privacy report with recommendations for the industry and policymakers:
Press Releases 03/21/2012
Rockefeller, Cummings, and Harkin Investigate "Fake Pharmacies" Buying and Selling Shortage Drugs in the Gray Market
WASHINTON, D.C.—Today, Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV, Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and Senator Tom Harkin, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, sent letters requesting documents from licensed pharmacies that are buying up drugs that are desperately needed to treat cancer and other illnesses and are in critically short supply, and are selling these drugs back into the gray market instead of providing them to patients who need them.
Press Releases 03/21/2012
Rockefeller Hails Verizon Decision to Shut Down Unwanted 3rd-Party Charges on Telephone Bills
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement today after Verizon notified him that it has agreed to stop placing third-party charges for enhanced services on its customers’ landline telephone bills:
Press Releases 03/20/2012
Rockefeller Remarks on Commercial Airline Safety Oversight
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Safety has always been the principal goal of the aviation community, and my primary focus since I joined the Commerce Committee more than 20 years ago. Every member of the aviation community begins their workday focused first and foremost on safety. For commercial airline and federal employees—from the pilots, flight attendants and the air traffic controllers, to the mechanics and the technicians, safety is paramount throughout their daily work. And this emphasis has paid off—the last U.S. fatal passenger accident was February 12, 2009. The past few years have been the safest in the history of the U.S. aviation industry. The reason we have been successful is that we are constantly striving to make even the smallest safety improvements. It is a continual effort, and that is why we are here today.
Press Releases 03/14/2012
Rockefeller Says Senate Surface Bill Provides Roadmap for Safer, More Efficient Transportation System
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement today after the Senate passed a two-year, bipartisan reauthorization of the nation’s federal surface transportation programs. These programs promote job growth, strengthen the economy, and make America’s passenger vehicles and surface transportation infrastructure safer and more efficient.
Press Releases 03/9/2012
Push for Cybersecurity Bill Continues
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Key industry stakeholders and top administration officials continue to weigh in on the need for cybersecurity legislation. In a letter to sponsors of the Cybersecurity Act of 2012, defense contractor Northrop Grumman yesterday urged action to protect critical infrastructure from cyber threats. And today, Commerce Secretary John Bryson penned an op-ed in POLITICO on the need for immediate action on cybersecurity legislation.
Press Releases 03/7/2012
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on the President's FY 2013 Budget Proposals for the Coast Guard and NOAA
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The importance of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in helping Americans and West Virginians prepare for and respond to dangerous weather was on display during last week’s weather events. News reports indicate that agencies had nearly perfect predictions and issued timely warnings about the path of storms.
Press Releases 03/6/2012
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Keeping America Competitive Through Investments in R&D
Press Releases 03/6/2012
More Praise for Bipartisan Cybersecurity Bill from IT Organization
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA) is saluting the Cybersecurity Act of 2012 and the collaborative process that occurred during the bill’s drafting.
Press Releases 03/5/2012
Kean, Hamilton Stress Need for Cyber Protection for Critical Infrastructure
Press Releases 03/2/2012
Cyber Legislation Must Address Insecurity of Our Critical Infrastructure
WASHINGTON – The four original cosponsors of the Cybersecurity Act of 2012, S. 2105 – Senators Joe Lieberman, ID-Conn., Susan Collins, R-Maine, Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., and Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif. - issued the following statement Friday about an alternative bill introduced by eight Republicans Thursday:
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 03/1/2012
Bipartisan Committee Leaders React to Introduction of New Cybersecurity Bill
WASHINGTON – The four original co-sponsors of bipartisan legislation designed to protect the nation’s most vital critical infrastructure - Senators Jay Rockefeller, D-W.Va., Joe Lieberman, ID-Conn., Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif. - issued the following statement Thursday on new cybersecurity legislation introduced by a group of seven Republican Senators:
Press Releases 02/27/2012
Global Internet Service Provider Endorses Cybersecurity Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Support for The Cybersecurity Act of 2012, S. 2105, continues to accumulate with a new endorsement from a global internet service provider that could be covered critical infrastructure under the bill.
Press Releases 02/23/2012
Rockefeller Supports Administration's Online Privacy Proposal
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV made the following statement in support of the White House online privacy proposals announced today and reiterated his commitment to making sure consumers’ personal information is protected:
Press Releases 02/17/2012
Rockefeller Statement on Reports That Google Tracks Online Users
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement concerning reports that Google and other advertising companies have been tracking online users who surf the Internet with Apple’s Safari Internet browser:
Press Releases 02/16/2012
Senate Dems Say Spectrum Agreement Will Improve Safety of First Responders and the Americans They Serve
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV and Senators Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), Frank R. Lautenberg (D-N.J.), and Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) today hailed a historic win for America’s first responders and the economy as an agreement in the payroll tax deal will provide them a nationwide, wireless, broadband network and raise billions to pay down the nation’s deficit.
Press Releases 02/16/2012
Rockefeller Delivers Remarks on Urgent Need for Cybersecurity Legislation Before Senate Homeland Security Committee
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV appeared today before the U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee to speak about the urgent need for cybersecurity legislation to be enacted.
Press Releases 02/15/2012
IT Industry, National & Homeland Defense Leaders Lend Support to Cybersecurity Act
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Support for The Cybersecurity Act of 2012, S. 2105 is growing now that the bill has been introduced in the Senate.
Press Releases 02/15/2012
Senator Hutchison Remarks at NASA Reception Honoring International Space Station Crew
Press Releases 02/15/2012
Rockefeller Hails Progress on First Responder Network
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement today:
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 02/14/2012
Rockefeller Speaks on Need to Shore Up America's Cyber Defenses
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Mr. President, when most Americans think of cyber security, they conjure up an image of someone having a credit card number stolen, a prankster using their Twitter account or someone downloading a movie without paying. And that’s all true. The Internet is central to our lives, our economy and our society. Any insecurity is a worry.
Press Releases 02/13/2012
Rockefeller Supports Commitment to Reviving American Manufacturing in President's Budget Proposal
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement supporting the President’s manufacturing commitment in his budget proposal released today:
Press Releases 02/6/2012
Senator Hutchison Lauds Passage of Milestone Long-term FAA Funding Bill
Press Releases 02/6/2012
Rockefeller Hails Passage of Four-Year FAA Reauthorization
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement today after the Senate passed a four-year FAA reauthorization bill that will improve flight safety, modernize the U.S. aviation system, and create thousands of American jobs. The bill now heads to the President’s desk to be signed into law.
Press Releases 01/31/2012
Rockefeller Says Congress Needs to Act on Cybersecurity Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV spoke at a Senate Intelligence Committee hearing today on the urgent need to pass cybersecurity legislation, which he is writing with Homeland Security Committee Chairman Joe Lieberman, Ranking Member Susan Collins, and other Senate colleagues. The Rockefeller-Lieberman-Collins proposal would improve the security standards for critical private sector networks, support public-private information sharing, and streamline existing government authorities to protect from cyber-attack.
Press Releases 01/31/2012
Senator Hutchison Applauds Senate, House Agreement on Long-term FAA Reauthorization
Press Releases 01/31/2012
Rockefeller Statement on FAA Conference Meeting
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued a statement after today’s FAA conference meeting:
Press Releases 01/26/2012
Senator Hutchison Honors Service and Memory of NASA Heroes
Press Releases 01/25/2012
Rockefeller Statement on President's State of the Union Address
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement praising President Obama’s priorities outlined in the State of the Union address:
Press Releases 01/23/2012
Rockefeller Applauds New Airline Passenger Protections
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement in support of new airline passenger protections that took effect today. As part of the final provisions of a rulemaking the Department of Transportation (DOT) made last year, airlines and ticket agents are required to publish all additional taxes and fees for airfares as well as disclose baggage fees to consumers buying tickets.
Press Releases 01/13/2012
Sen. Hutchison Applauds Texas’ Leadership in Innovation & Science at 9th Annual TAMEST Conference
Press Releases 01/13/2012
Rockefeller Statement on Executive Initiative to Streamline Government Agencies
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement regarding President Obama’s proposed initiative to consolidate several commerce- and trade-related agencies:
Press Releases 01/6/2012
Rockefeller Says Federal Investment in Science & Technology Will Spark Job & Innovation Growth
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV released the following statement today after Commerce Secretary John Bryson unveiled the findings of the Department’s COMPETES report. The report was mandated as part of the America COMPETES Reauthorization Act of 2010, which was introduced by Chairman Rockefeller and signed into law last year.
Press Releases 12/28/2011
Rockefeller Says Internet Domain Expansion Will Hurt Consumers, Businesses, and Non-Profits - Urges Delay
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV today asked that federal authorities find ways to protect consumers and businesses from any negative impacts associated with a broad new expansion in the number of Internet domain names.
Press Releases 12/21/2011
Rockefeller, Cantwell Support New Pilot Fatigue Rules
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Commerce Committee Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV and Aviation Subcommittee Chairwoman Maria Cantwell today came out in support of the Department of Transportation’s new rule to prevent airline pilots from flying while fatigued.
Press Releases 12/19/2011
Rockefeller Encourages Speaker Boehner to Remember FAA Conference Request
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement after House leaders insisted they hold a House-Senate conference committee meeting on the payroll tax:
Press Releases 12/19/2011
Rockefeller Investigates Consumer Complaints of Moving Companies Holding Furniture & Possessions Hostage
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV announced today that the Committee is conducting an investigation into the practice of moving companies holding household goods “hostage” to extract additional money from individuals and families mid-way through their moves.
Press Releases 12/17/2011
Rockefeller Disappointed Public Safety Measures Not Included in Payroll Tax Agreement
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement regarding ongoing efforts to create a nationwide public safety communications network:
Press Releases 12/15/2011
Rockefeller Says Defense Bill Protects Taxpayers, Promotes U.S. Technological Innovation
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The 2012 National Defense Authorization Act (H.R. 1540) adopted by the Senate today included tough new measures to fight waste, fraud, and abuse in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs. Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV authored these measures after a Commerce Committee investigation found evidence that funds awarded through these two technology innovation programs were being misused.
Press Releases 12/15/2011
Senate Chairmen Join Cummings' Investigation of "Gray Market" Drug Companies
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV and Senator Tom Harkin, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions, joined Rep. Elijah E. Cummings, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, in his investigation of “gray market” companies that trade in drugs in critically short supply.
Press Releases 12/15/2011
Chairman Rockefeller Remarks on Environmental Risk of Genetically Engineered Fish
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Good morning. We’re holding this hearing today to discuss the potential environmental risks of genetically engineered fish. The hearing could not be timelier: as I speak, the FDA may be finalizing approval of the first genetically engineered animal for human consumption in the U.S. This is truly ground breaking and for many, this is concerning. The “AquaAdvantage” salmon has been engineered to grow faster and heartier than its natural counterpart by mixing genes from three different fish species, so its filets can quickly get from the fish pen to your dinner table.
Press Releases 12/14/2011
Rockefeller Statement on Public Safety Network
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement today:
Press Releases 12/14/2011
Commerce Committee Approves Surface Transportation Safety Bills
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today approved several surface transportation safety bills at a Committee markup. The bills now await consideration by the full Senate.
Press Releases 12/14/2011
Senate Approves Pipeline Safety Legislation
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Senate unanimously approved the Pipeline Safety, Regulatory Certainty, and Job Creation Act of 2011, which will strengthen pipeline safety oversight by the federal government and address long-standing safety issues.
Press Releases 12/14/2011
Rockefeller Remarks on Today's Surface Transportation Markup
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Last week, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced that highway deaths fell to 32,885 for the year, the lowest level since 1949. The record-breaking decline in traffic fatalities occurred even as American drivers traveled nearly 46 billion more miles during the year. Importantly, our decade-long effort to reduce drunk driving is making a real impact. Deaths in crashes involving drunk drivers dropped almost 5% in 2010. Despite generally positive trends, all the news was not good. DOT noted that fatalities rose among pedestrians, motorcycle riders, and large truck occupants.
Press Releases 12/13/2011
Hutchison, Rockefeller, Burr Win Passage of Bill Giving Expedited Airport Screening to Armed Forces Members
Press Releases 12/8/2011
Rockefeller Statement on Committee Approval of FTC, FCC Nominations
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Chairman John D. (Jay) Rockefeller IV issued the following statement today after the Commerce Committee voted in favor of sending key Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) nominations to the full Senate for its consideration:
Press Releases 12/8/2011
Rockefeller Remarks on ICANN's Expansion of Top Level Domains
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Today’s hearing is about the future of the Internet. Starting in January, the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers, commonly referred to as ICANN, is planning to allow organizations and companies to apply for any generic or brand-specific top level domain name they wish. This means that hundreds—if not thousands—of new names are going to join the familiar world of “dot com,” “dot net,” and “dot org.” Get used to “dot hotels” or “dot auto” or “dot movie,” a surge of new names and addresses that create opportunities but could also create a lot of confusion.
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
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
Hutchison: Commend FCC on USF Reform but More Work is Needed
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
VIDEO: Sen. Hutchison Opening Statement at Commerce Hearing: NASA’s Human Space Exploration: Direction, Strategy, and Progress
Press Releases 11/22/2011
VIDEO: Sen. Hutchison: Internet Regulation Will Hurt the Economy and Innovation
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.