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For Immediate Release
07/27/07
Contact: |
Joe Brenckle - Republican Press Office 202-224-3991
Brian Eaton w/Stevens 202-224-0445
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Congress Passes 9/11 Bill Conference Report with Commerce Provisions
Stevens Sponsored Measure Will Upgrade Emergency Communications Systems to Reflect New Technologies |
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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 Transportation. The measure was also approved today by the House of Representatives.
“America’s 9-1-1 system plays a vital role in the safety of our citizens and is critical for our first responders,” said Senator Stevens. “In many parts of the country, the public safety community does not have the technology it needs to receive location or other information. This 9-1-1 provision will accelerate these vital upgrades and help improve emergency services across the nation, especially in rural America.”
Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee provisions of H.R. 1 include:
The 9-1-1 Modernization Act of 2007, S. 93 -- Upgrades the 9-1-1 system used to reach operators in an emergency. This provision expedites the funding for new 9-1-1 technological upgrades using money that Congress has allocated and would fund the grant program established under the “Ensuring Needed Help Arrives Near Callers Employing 9-1-1 (ENHANCE) Act.” The Budget Reconciliation of 2005 made $43.5 million available from the auction of television spectrum. This provision will make those funds available immediately to public safety groups and will be replaced after the auction is held instead of being delayed.
The Surface Transportation and Rail Security (STARS) Act of 2007, S. 184 -- Authorizes new surface transportation and rail security assessments, grant programs, research and development initiatives, and security measures for the nation’s major surface transportation modes. The provision proposes new programs to address known risks and authorizes ongoing efforts already underway at the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). It also provides a statutory framework for TSA’s surface transportation and rail security efforts, for the first time, setting specific goals, tasks, and timelines for security improvements in these critical areas.
The Aviation Security Improvement Act, S. 509 -- Addresses the aviation security recommendations made by the 9/11 Commission in the areas of cargo and baggage screening, explosive detection at airport checkpoints, passenger pre-screening, and general aviation security. The measure also increases the size of the national explosives detection and canine teams and requires TSA to report on progress developing a passenger pre-screening program.
The Interoperable Emergency Communications Act, S. 385 -- Gives the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) greater direction regarding how to use the $1 billion interoperability fund created by the Commerce Committee in the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005. Additionally, the program authorizes a strategic technology reserve so emergency equipment can be prepositioned throughout the country prior to a disaster or emergency.
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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 - |
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 - |
Senate Approves 9/11 Commission Recommendations Bill
- 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 meas...
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27th - |
current Press Release |
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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 - |
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 - |
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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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 - |
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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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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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 - |
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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