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| Press Releases |
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Senate Approves 9/11 Commission Recommendations Bill
Commerce Committee Provisions Increase Rail, Maritime, Aviation Security, Improve First Responder Interoperability |
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Senate late last night approved the 9/11 Commission recommendations conference report by a vote of 85-8. The conference report for H.R. 1 enhances homeland security by implementing the unfinished recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. Increasing transportation and port security and improving interoperable communications – key provisions in the measure – originated from the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
“For first responders, the ability to quickly and effectively communicate saves lives,” said Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii). “By approving the 9/11 Commission recommendations, these hard working men and women are given the communication tools they need to get their job done right.”
Senator Inouye continued, “Together, our ports, and aviation, motor carrier, and rail systems make up the backbone that sustains our nation’s economy. This bill creates a comprehensive and coordinated approach to keep all of these vital systems safe and secure from coast to coast, and border to border.”
Commerce Committee provisions in H.R.1:
- Improve Interoperability of Public Safety Communications. The bill provides Congressional guidance for the $1 billion grant program run by the Department of Commerce to improve communications between first-responders. The grants support the planning, training, and design of emergency communications. The bill also improves the capability of states to restore communications following natural disasters by allowing states to use funds in support of strategic technology reserves.
- Intensify Cargo Security Screening. The bill requires the implementation of a system to screen all cargo loaded onto passenger aircraft within three years of the bill’s enactment. The bill also requires within five years the implementation of a system to scan all maritime cargo bound for the United States from foreign ports.
- Improve Airport Security. The bill ensures funding for critical aviation security programs, including $250 million to strengthen passenger checkpoint screening and $250 million annually for improved checked baggage screening. The bill also authorizes $450 million annually to maintain baggage screening systems and $50 million annually to advance aviation security research and development.
- Fund Increased Rail and Surface Transportation Security. The bill authorizes new security assessments, grant programs, and security measures for the nation’s major surface modes, including passenger and freight railroads, trucks, intercity buses, and pipelines. This bill also authorizes increased funding for the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) surface transportation and rail security efforts.
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| 31st - |
Statement of Senator Inouye on Revised FCC 700 MHz Band Plan
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation issued the following statement regarding the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) decision to revise its 700 MHz band plan:
“The Federal Communications Commission today took important steps to meet the broadband communications needs of first responders and to pr...
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| 27th - |
Senator Stevens Applauds FCC Commitment to Rate Integration
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today applauded the recent decision by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to reaffirm its commitment to rate integration and geographic averaging requirements. The decision is based on Section 254(g) in the Communications Act, which prohibits phone comp...
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| 27th - |
Senate Commerce Committee to Explore Telemarketing Practices, CROA
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces a full committee hearing on the Oversight of Telemarketing Practices and the Credit Repair Organizations Act (CROA).
The Committee will examine three major consumer protection and fraud prevention issues under the jurisdiction of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC): (1) the effectiveness of the nati...
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| 27th - |
current Press Release |
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| 27th - |
Congress Passes 9/11 Bill Conference Report with Commerce Provisions
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The United States Senate late yesterday adopted a conference report on legislation (H.R. 1) to implement security recommendations from the 9/11 Commission. The conference report was approved by a vote of 85 to 8 and includes provisions authored by Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) as standalone bills and unanimously approved by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and T...
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| 27th - |
Senate Commerce Committee Announces August 2 Markup Agenda
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announced today the agenda for the August 2, 2007 Executive Session.
Agenda items include:
1. S. 781, To extend the authority of the Federal Trade Commission to collect Do-Not- Call Registry fees to fiscal years after fiscal year 2007
2. S. 602, Child Safe Viewing Act of 2007
3. S. 1578, B...
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| 26th - |
Stevens and Inouye Introduce Coast Guard Authorization
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today joined Committee Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii), Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard Subcommittee Chair Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Oceans Subcommittee Ranking Member Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), Senator Trent Lott (R-Miss.) and Senator Frank Lauten...
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| 26th - |
Inouye Cosponsors Coast Guard Authorization
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) cosponsored a bill that authorizes the missions and programs of United States Coast Guard for fiscal year (FY) 2008. The measure, introduced earlier today, also authorizes new programs and includes new authorities that will enhance the Coast Guard’s critical homeland security, marine safety, fisheries, and envir...
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| 26th - |
Stevens Says DTV Transition Must Not be Delayed
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, released the following statement submitted today during a Senate Commerce Committee hearing on the digital television transition (DTV) scheduled for February 17, 2009.
“Thank you, Mr. Chairman, for holding this important hearing. One of the most importa...
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| 26th - |
Senator Inouye: We Need to Get the DTV Transition Right
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) made the following statement at a Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing on Preparing Consumers for the Digital Television Transition.
“Between 15 and 21 million households rely exclusively on over-the-air television. Many more have second and third over-the-air sets in their hom...
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| 25th - |
Witness Panel Announced for Hearing on Rail Safety Improvements
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation released today the witness list for a Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security Subcommittee hearing on the Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2007. The witnesses are listed below.
The Subcommittee will receive input from government agencies, industry groups, and labor o...
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| 25th - |
Commerce Committee Announces Witnesses for DTV Transition Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation released today a witness list for the full Committee hearing on Preparing Consumers for the Digital Television Transition.
The Committee will explore U.S. readiness for and the consumer impact of the nationwide transition from analog television broadcasting to digital television (DTV) broadcasting.
Prep...
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| 24th - |
Commerce Dept. Secretary Gutierrez to Testify Before Senate Panel
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Carlos M. Gutierrez will testify before the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee for a hearing titled Oversight of the U.S. Department of Commerce.
The U.S. Department of Commerce and its component bureaus are responsible for the stewardship, protection, and scientific understanding of our ocean environment and it...
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| 24th - |
Commerce Committee Announces Witness List for U.S.-China Trade Relations Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announced today the witnesses for an Interstate Commerce, Trade, and Tourism Subcommittee hearing on U.S. Trade Relations with China. The witnesses are listed below.
The Subcommittee will explore the U.S.-China trading relationship, with analysis of the current status of trade between the two nations. The Su...
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| 24th - |
Inouye Calls for Multi-Layered Strategy to Protect Children from Online Predators, Adult Content
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) issued the following statement today at a Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing titled Protecting Children on the Internet.
“Without question, the Internet provides extraordinary benefits to our nation’s children. In our schools, teachers use the Internet and computer techno...
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| 24th - |
Statement by Senator Stevens -- Protecting Children on the Internet Hearing
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Vice Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today submitted the following statement for the record during a hearing on protecting children on the Internet.
Senator Stevens submitted the following statement for the record:
The Internet is a dynamic space where Americans turn to get information, do re...
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| 23rd - |
Stevens Cosponsors Bill to Make Broadband Access More Affordable
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today cosponsored legislation to increase access to affordable broadband services for cities and towns across America. Stevens joined Senator Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), Senator Gordon Smith (R-Ore.), Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.), Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.), Se...
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| 20th - |
Witness Panel Announced for Protecting Children on the Internet Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation released today a witness list for a full Committee hearing on Protecting Children on the Internet. The witnesses are listed below.
At the hearing, the Committee will explore efforts to protect children from online predators.
Protecting Children on the Internet
Full Committee
Date: Tuesday, July 24, 2...
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| 19th - |
Commerce Committee Approves Inouye Broadband Data Collection Bill
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation unanimously approved a bill to improve the quality of federal and state broadband data collection and encourage initiatives that promote broadband deployment.
“Broadband communications are fast becoming the great economic engine of our time,” said Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-...
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| 19th - |
Hydrographic Data Bill Approved by Commerce Committee
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation unanimously approved today S. 1582, the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act Amendments of 2007 (HSIA). HSIA enhances the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) ability to generate surveys and mapping of our nation’s coasts and oceans.
“For safe, efficient, and environme...
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| 19th - |
Pool and Spa Safety Act Passes Commerce Committee
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today passed the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (S. 1771) to prevent drowning and entrapment deaths and injuries in swimming pools and spas. The bill is cosponsored by Committee Vice Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) and Senator Mark Pryor (D-Ark.). The legislation specifically requires all manufac...
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| 19th - |
Inouye and Stevens Bill to Improve Hydrographic Data Passes Commerce Committee
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today passed the Hydrographic Services Improvement Act (S. 1582), which is sponsored by Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) and Vice Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska). This bill would allow the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to circulate new standards for hydrographic data...
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| 19th - |
Committee Passes Indecency Legislation Cosponsored by Stevens
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today reported out the Protecting Children from Indecent Programming Act (S. 1780) cosponsored by Committee Vice Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) and Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii). The legislation introduced by Senators John D. Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) and Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) would require the Federal Communica...
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| 19th - |
Committee Approves Stevens/Inouye Bill to Expand Number Portability Rules
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today approved legislation to expand number portability rules sponsored by Committee Vice Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) and Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii). The Same Number Act of 2007 (S. 1769) would assist consumers who seek to keep the same phone number when switching between voice service providers. S....
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| 19th - |
Statement by Senator Stevens on Commerce Committee Executive Session
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Vice Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today submitted the following statement for the record during a business meeting held by the Senate Commerce Committee.
“Mr. Chairman, thank you for working on a bipartisan basis to develop the measures that are on today’s agenda. I am pleased that ...
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| 18th - |
Stevens Applauds Grant Program to Improve Interoperable Public Safety Communications
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Vice Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today applauded the announcement of nearly $1 billion in interoperable public safety communications grants by the Department of Commerce. The funds would be used to help state and local first responders communicate during a crisis or disaster. The $968 million in ...
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| 18th - |
Senator Stevens Introduces Bill to Improve ATV Safety
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, today introduced the All-Terrain Vehicle Standards and Compliance Act of 2007. The bill would require all foreign and domestic companies and manufacturers that market and sell all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) in the United States, to meet the same product safety stand...
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| 17th - |
Senator Stevens Calls for Continued Funding for Essential Air Service
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Vice Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today called for continued funding of the Essential Air Service (EAS) program during the Commerce Committee hearing on improving air service to small and rural communities. The EAS program is funded annually through appropriations derived from “overflights&rd...
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| 16th - |
Aviation Subcommittee Announces Witnesses for Rural Air Service Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security Subcommittee announced today the witnesses for its hearing on Improving Air Services to Small and Rural Communities. The witnesses are listed below.
The subcommittee will examine creative solutions to improve air service to small and rural communities, exploring the views of small and rural communities, airports, regional ...
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| 16th - |
Commerce Subcommittee to Explore U.S.-China Trade Relations
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces an Interstate Commerce, Trade, and Tourism Subcommittee hearing on U.S. Trade Relations with China.
The Subcommittee will explore the U.S.-China trading relationship, with analysis of the current status of trade between the two nations. The Subcommittee will also discuss the impact of U.S.-China t...
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| 16th - |
Witnesses Announced for Chinese Product Safety Oversight Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation released today the witness list for the full Committee hearing on the Safety of Chinese Imports: Oversight and Analysis of the Federal Response. The witness list is below.
The Committee will hold an oversight hearing on the safety of consumer products and food imported from China. The hearing will focus on ...
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| 13th - |
Stevens Cosponsors Indecency Legislation
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Vice Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, joined Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) yesterday to cosponsor the “Protecting Children from Indecent Programming Act” (S. 1780). The legislation was introduced by Senators John D. Rockefeller (D-W.Va.) and Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) and wo...
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| 13th - |
Stevens Calls for FCC to Revisit Number Portability Rules
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Vice Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, today called for an expedited number portability process during a Senate Commerce Committee hearing on the issue. The hearing focused on problems and delays that consumers face when taking their phone number to a new communications provider.
Senator Stevens ma...
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| 12th - |
Senate Panel to Hear Testimony on Rail Safety Improvements
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces a Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security Subcommittee hearing on the Railroad Safety Enhancement Act of 2007.
The Subcommittee will receive input from government agencies, industry groups, and labor organizations on rail safety legislation expected to be int...
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| 12th - |
Commerce Committee to Examine Consumer Preparation for DTV Transition
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces a full Committee hearing titled Preparing Consumers for the Digital Television Transition.
The Committee will explore U.S. readiness for and the consumer impact of the nationwide transition from analog television broadcasting to digital television (DTV) broadcasting.
No witnesses are scheduled...
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| 12th - |
Stevens and Inouye Introduce Bill to Expand Number Portability Rules
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Vice Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, and Committee Chairman Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii) yesterday introduced legislation to expand number portability rules. This legislation, the Same Number Act of 2007 (S. 1769), would assist consumers who seek to keep the same phone number when switching between wireles...
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| 12th - |
Pryor, Stevens, Dodd Lead Charge to Prevent Pool Accidents
- WASHINGTON D.C. — Senators Mark Pryor (D-AR), Ted Stevens (R-AK) and Chris Dodd (D-CT) today introduced legislation to help prevent children from drowning in pools, which is the second leading cause of accidental injury-related deaths to children under age of 14.
The Senators said some pool manufacturers are not following voluntary safety guidelines and many pools remain a hazard as a r...
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| 11th - |
DOT Deputy Secretary, NASA CFO, Asst. Secretary of Commerce Nominees to Testify Before Commerce Committee
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces a full Committee nominations hearing. Nominees include:
Vice Admiral Thomas J. Barrett, USCG (Ret.), to be Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Transportation
Mr. Ronald Spoehel, to be Chief Financial Officer, National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mr. William G. Sutton, Jr., to b...
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| 11th - |
Commerce Committee to Explore Protecting Children on the Internet
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces a full Committee hearing on Protecting Children on the Internet.
The Committee will explore efforts to protect children from online predators.
No witnesses are scheduled at this time.
Protecting Children on the Internet
Full Committee
Date: Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Loca...
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| 11th - |
Commerce Committee to Examine Federal Response to Unsafe Chinese Imports
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces a full Committee hearing on the Safety of Chinese Imports: Oversight and Analysis of the Federal Response.
The Committee will hold an oversight hearing on the safety of consumer products and food imported from China. The hearing will focus on the consumer impacts from and federal agency responses t...
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| 9th - |
Senate Commerce Committee Announces Witnesses for Number Portability Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation released a witness list today for a full Committee communications hearings on Number Portability.
The hearing will address issues related to the ability of consumers to port telephone numbers between competing voice service providers.
Number Portability
Full Committee
Date: Thursday, July 12, 2007
...
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| 9th - |
Aviation Subcommittee to Hold Rural Air Service Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces an Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security Subcommittee hearing on Improving Air Services to Small and Rural Communities.
The subcommittee will examine creative solutions to improve air service to small and rural communities, exploring the views of small and rural communities, airports, regional...
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| 6th - |
Commerce Committee to Examine U.S. Weather and Environmental Satellite Programs
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces a full Committee hearing titled U.S. Weather and Environmental Satellites: Ready for the 21st Century?
The hearing will examine the state of U.S. weather and environmental satellites, including QuikSCAT, which is used by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to aide in hurrica...
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| 6th - |
Senate Commerce Committee Announces Number Portability Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces a full Committee communications hearings on Number Portability.
The hearing will address issues related to the ability of consumers to port telephone numbers between competing voice service providers.
No witnesses are scheduled at this time.
Number Portability
Full Committee
Date: Thursd...
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