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| Press Releases |
For Immediate Release
06/24/08
| Contact: |
Rob Blumenthal w/Inouye 202-224-8374
Joe Brenckle - Republican Press Office 202-224-3991
Brian Eaton w/Stevens 202-224-0445
Jenilee Keefe w/Inouye 202-224-7824
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Commerce Committee Approves Sea Grant Reauthorization
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today unanimously approved a bill to reauthorize the National Sea Grant College Program (Sea Grant), which provides education, training, and technical assistance programs that promote the understanding and utilization of ocean, coastal, and Great Lakes resources. The National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2008 (S. 3160), reauthorizes Sea Grant for Fiscal Year (FY) 2009 through FY 2014.
Senators Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii), Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), and John Kerry (D-Mass.) co-sponsored the bill. Modeled after the Land Grant College System, the National Sea Grant College Program Act of 1966 created Sea Grant. The Program is a partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), university based programs, coastal and Great Lakes states, industry, and 300 partner institutions that addresses national, regional, and local coastal, ocean, and Great Lakes issues.
This bill would reauthorize Sea Grant for the tenth time since its inception.
“I am pleased that the Commerce Committee has moved so quickly to reauthorize this important program,” said Senator Inouye, Chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. “Sea Grant fellows have provided expertise and leadership on any number of issues relating to our ocean and coastal resources. The Sea Grant program has been invaluable to the cause of ensuring that these resources and ecosystems will be protected for future generations.”
“The National Sea Grant College Program has been valuable in providing research and outreach to Alaska’s fishing community and has helped Alaska maintain its status as a leader in sustainable fisheries,” said Senator Stevens, Vice Chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. “I am glad that the Commerce Committee has approved this bill which is vital to keeping America’s oceans and coasts healthy.”
The Act would authorize $675 million for FY 2009 through FY 2014. The bill also would invest in services that integrate scientific research and extension services, and encourage increased collaboration among state Sea Grant programs.
The major provisions of the National Sea Grant College Program Amendments Act of 2008 would:
- Authorize appropriations of $100 million for FY 2009, $105 million for FY 2010, $110 million for FY 2011, $115 million for FY 2012, $120 million for FY 2013, and $125 million for FY 2014, which will be used to implement regional coordination and allow for the program as a whole to sustain ongoing research, education, and outreach efforts;
- Direct Sea Grant to provide integrated research and extension services;
- Place an increased emphasis on collaboration among state Sea Grant programs, specifically at the regional level;
- Replace the current cumbersome rating system that required ranking individual programs with one that is based on metrics related to their strategic plans that incorporate local, regional, and national priorities;
- Exempt five percent of grants, rather than one percent, from requiring a 33 and 1/3 percent match from external funds, which would allow for the funding of special grants, increased cooperative efforts with other federal agencies and organizations, and exempt Knauss Fellowships from this requirement;
- Redesignate the National Sea Grant Review Panel as the National Sea Grant Advisory Board to better reflect its current role, including advising the Sea Grant Director regarding national priorities and designating Sea Grant Colleges and Institutes, and increase the terms of office of Advisory Board members from three to four years;
- Require the National Sea Grant Advisory Board to provide a biennial report to the Congress evaluating the National Sea Grant College Program;
- Allow for the formation of National Sea Grant Advisory Board subcommittees, which could include individuals who are not Board members; and repeal the requirement for a joint report by the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and the Director of the National Science Foundation.
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| 27th - |
Senate Passes Maritime Pollution Prevention Act
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate approved H.R. 802, the Maritime Pollution Prevention Act (MARPOL Annex VI) by unanimous consent late yesterday. Reported by the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation with an amendment sponsored by Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) and Vice Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), H.R. 802 would require the Coast Guard and the Envi...
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| 27th - |
Stevens Praises DOT’s “When Kids Fly Alone” Booklet
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Vice Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today praised the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) release of “When Kids Fly Alone,” an informational and instructional booklet that educates parents about the carrier rules regarding air travel by minors. Currently there are no DOT regulation...
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| 27th - |
Oceans Subcommittee Announces Hearing on Fishing Safety
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces an Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard Subcommittee hearing on Fishing Safety: The Policy Implications of Cooperatives and Vessel Improvements scheduled for Wednesday, July 9, 2008, at 2:30 p.m.
The hearing will address fishing safety issues in the context of cooperatives and vessel improv...
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| 26th - |
Commerce Committee Reschedules Hearing to Explore Privacy Implications of Online Advertising
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces that the Full Committee hearing on Privacy Implications of Online Advertising, originally scheduled for June 18, has been rescheduled for July 9, 2008, at 10 a.m.
Individuals and businesses are becoming increasingly dependent upon the Internet for social, entertainment, research and business activit...
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| 25th - |
CPSC Conferees Agree to 21 Provisions
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii), Representative John Dingell (D-Mich.), Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), and Representative Joe Barton (R-Texas) announce that at today’s Conference Committee Meeting for H.R. 4040, the Reauthorization of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, the following items were approved by unanimous consent pending final adoption of the comp...
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| 25th - |
Commerce Committee POSTPONES Hearing on Summer Air Travel Outlook
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces that the Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security Subcommittee hearing on The Outlook for Summer Air Travel: Addressing Congestion and Delay, scheduled for Thursday, June 26, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. has been postponed.
A new time and date will be announced as soon as one becomes available.
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| 24th - |
Commerce Committee Announces Witnesses for Summer Air Travel Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the witnesses for an Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security Subcommittee hearing on The Outlook for Summer Air Travel: Addressing Congestion and Delay. The full witness list is below.
The combination of high demand and poor weather, in addition to an air traffic control system that lacks the neces...
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| 24th - |
current Press Release |
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| 24th - |
Stevens Calls for Improvements to Transportation Systems During Climate Change Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Vice Chairman of the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, today called for improvements to the planning, design, construction, and operation of transportation systems in response to climate change impacts. Senator Stevens pushed to explore the potential for increased energy efficiency and reduced greenhouse gas emissions ...
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| 24th - |
Commerce Committee Approves National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today unanimously approved a bill to reauthorize the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008 is an original Commerce Committee bill.
The bill would provide a $19.2 billion baseline authorization of appropriations for f...
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| 24th - |
CPSC Conference Committee Meeting Scheduled for June 25
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces a Conference Committee Meeting for H.R. 4040, the Reauthorization of the Consumer Product Safety Commission, scheduled for Wednesday, June 25, 2008, at 3:30 p.m., in Room 106 of the Dirksen Senate Office Building.
The Conference Committee Meeting is open to the public. Please note that photography...
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| 20th - |
Commerce Committee Announces Witnesses for Hearing on Climate Change Impacts on Transportation
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the witnesses for a Full Committee hearing on Climate Change Impacts on the Transportation Sector. The full witness list is below.
The hearing will examine climate change research, mitigation, and adaptation efforts in the transportation sector, including both surface transportation and aviation. Wit...
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| 20th - |
Senate Passes Bill to Help Educate Consumers on DTV Transition and Converter Box Program
- WASHINGTON D.C. – The United States Senate last night approved legislation, cosponsored by Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Vice Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), to assist education efforts surrounding the digital television transition (DTV) scheduled to occur on February 17, 2009. The DTV Transition Assistance Act (S. 2607), enables the National Telecommunications and...
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| 19th - |
Inouye, Stevens, Cantwell, Snowe, Kerry Introduce Bill Connecting Colleges and NOAA for Research Initiatives
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senators Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii), Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.), Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), and John Kerry (D-Mass.) joined today to introduce a bill to reauthorize the National Sea Grant College Program (Sea Grant), which provides education, training, and technical assistance programs that promote the understanding and utilization of ocean, coastal, a...
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| 19th - |
Commerce Committee Announces Hearing on Summer Air Travel Outlook
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces an Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security Subcommittee hearing on The Outlook for Summer Air Travel: Addressing Congestion and Delay, scheduled for June 26, 2008, at 10:00 a.m.
The combination of high demand and poor weather, in addition to an air traffic control system that lacks the necessary ...
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| 18th - |
Stevens Pleased to See FCC Transform “Do-Not-Call” List to “Never Call” List
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee Vice Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) today said he was pleased to see the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) amend its rules to require telemarketers to make registrations with the nation’s Do-Not-Call list permanent. The change was required by legislation sponsored by Vice Chairman Stevens and Senator Byro...
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| 17th - |
Senate Commerce Committee Announces June 24 Markup Agenda
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the agenda for its Executive Session scheduled for Tuesday, June 24, at 2:30 p.m. Committee members will consider:
1. S. 2907, the International Fisheries Stewardship and Enforcement Act
2. S. ____, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2008
3. S...
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| 17th - |
Commerce Committee Announces Witnesses for Cruise Ship Safety Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the witnesses for a Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Subcommittee hearing on Cruise Ship Safety: Examining Potential Steps for Keeping Americans Safe at Sea. The full witness list is below.
This hearing will examine issues involving the safety and security on board cruise ships calling at ...
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| 16th - |
Inouye Supports Bill Expanding 911 Capabilities
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) issued the following statement in support of the substitute to H.R. 3403, the New and Emerging Technologies 911 Improvement Act of 2008, which provides 911 service for Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) subscribers. The bill passed the Senate by unanimous consent earlier today.
“I rise today in suppor...
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| 12th - |
Commerce Committee to Explore Privacy Implications of Online Advertising
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces a Full Committee hearing on Privacy Implications of Online Advertising scheduled for June 18, 2008, at 10 a.m.
Individuals and businesses are becoming increasingly dependent upon the Internet for social, entertainment, research and business activities. This has created the incentive and opportunity ...
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| 11th - |
Inouye Announces Additions to Commerce Committee Staff
- WASHINGTON, DC – Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) announces the following additions to his Committee staff:
Jana Fong-Swamidoss joins the Committee staff as Democratic Counsel, working on consumer affairs and interstate commerce issues. Prior to joining the Committee, Ms. Fong-Swamidoss served as a Legislative Assistant in Senator Inouye’s personal office, wher...
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| 9th - |
Commerce Committee Announces Witnesses for Supply Chain Security Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the witnesses for a Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Subcommittee hearing on Supply Chain Security: Secure Freight Initiative and the Implementation of 100 Percent Scanning. The full witness list is below.
The hearing will focus on the SFI ICS (Secure Freight Initiative International Contai...
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| 6th - |
Commerce Committee Announces Witnesses for Spyware Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the witnesses for a Full Committee Hearing on the Impact and Policy Implications of Spyware on Consumers and Businesses. The witnesses are listed below.
The hearing will examine the impact of spyware on computer performance and privacy and security risks associated with this software. The Committe...
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| 6th - |
Commerce Committee Announces Witnesses for Hearing on Improving Efficiency of Freight Movement
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the witnesses for a Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Subcommittee hearing on Keeping America Moving: Hearing to Review National Strategies for Efficient Freight Movement. The full witness list is below.
The hearing will focus on current and future challenges facing the efficient movement of...
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| 6th - |
Commerce Committee Postpones U.S.-Korea Automobile Trade Imbalance Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces that the Interstate Commerce, Trade, and Tourism Subcommittee hearing on The Imbalance in U.S.-Korea Automobile Trade, scheduled for June 11, 2008, at 9:30 a.m. has been postponed.
A new time and date will be announced as soon as it is available.
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| 5th - |
Senate Confirms DOC General Counsel, Assistant Secretary Nominees
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate unanimously approved nominees reported from the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation late last night for positions within the U.S. Department of Commerce
The Senate confirmed nominees include:
Ms. Lily Fu Claffee, General Counsel of the U.S. Department of Commerce (PN 1494)
Dr. William J. Brennan, Assistant Secretary for Oc...
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| 4th - |
Commerce Committee to Examine Impact of Spyware on Consumers and Businesses
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces a Full Committee Hearing on the Impact and Policy Implications of Spyware on Consumers and Businesses, scheduled for Wednesday, June 11, 2008, at 2:30 p.m.
The hearing will examine the impact of spyware on computer performance and privacy and security risks associated with this software. The Commit...
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| 4th - |
Commerce Subcommittee to Examine Supply Chain Security
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces a Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Subcommittee hearing on Supply Chain Security: Secure Freight Initiative and the Implementation of 100 Percent Scanning, scheduled for June 12, 2008 at 10:00 a.m.
The hearing will focus on the SFI ICS (Secure Freight Initiative International Container Secu...
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| 4th - |
NTSB Reauthorization Hearing Postponed
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces that the Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security Subcommittee NTSB Reauthorization Hearing scheduled for June 5, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. has been postponed.
A new date and time for the hearing will be announced as soon as it is available.
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| 3rd - |
Commerce Committee to Examine U.S.-Korea Automobile Trade Imbalance
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces an Interstate Commerce, Trade, and Tourism Subcommittee hearing on The Imbalance in U.S.-Korea Automobile Trade, scheduled for June 11, 2008, at 9:30 a.m.
The hearing will examine the reasons for the imbalance in U.S.-Korea bilateral automobile trade; its impact on the United States’ automake...
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| 3rd - |
Commerce Committee to Examine Cruise Ship Safety
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces a Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Subcommittee hearing on Cruise Ship Safety: Examining Potential Steps for Keeping Americans Safe at Sea, scheduled for June 19, 2008 at 10:00 a.m.
This hearing will examine issues involving the safety and security on board cruise ships calling at U.S. port...
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| 2nd - |
Commerce Committee Announces Hearing on Improving Efficiency of Freight Movement
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces a Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Subcommittee hearing on Keeping America Moving: Hearing to Review National Strategies for Efficient Freight Movement, scheduled for June 10, 2008 at 2:30 p.m.
The hearing will focus on current and future challenges facing the efficient movement of freight...
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| 2nd - |
Auto Safety Subcommittee Announces Witnesses for Hearing on Passenger Vehicle Roof Strength
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the witnesses for a Consumer Affairs, Insurance, and Automotive Safety Subcommittee Oversight Hearing on Passenger Vehicle Roof Strength. The witnesses are listed below.
The hearing will consider the biomechanics of what occurs during a rollover, the relationship between vehicle roof strength and...
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| 2nd - |
Commerce Committee Announces Hearing to Examine Climate Change Impacts on Transportation
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces a Full Committee hearing on Climate Change Impacts on the Transportation Sector, scheduled for June 24, 2008, at 10:30 a.m.
The hearing will examine climate change research, mitigation, and adaptation efforts in the transportation sector, including both surface transportation and aviation. Witnesses ...
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| 2nd - |
NTSB, GAO to Testify at NTSB Reauthorization Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the witnesses for an Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security Subcommittee NTSB Reauthorization Hearing. The witnesses are listed below.
The hearing will focus on the activities of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and its legislative reauthorization proposal. The NTSB’s curren...
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