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For Immediate Release
07/19/07
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Jenilee Keefe w/Inouye 202-224-7824
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Commerce Committee Approves Inouye Broadband Data Collection Bill
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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-Hawaii). “The first step toward securing broadband for all Americans is getting better broadband data.”
The Broadband Data Improvement Act (S. 1492) was introduced by Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) and cosponsored by Senators Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.), Mark Pryor (D-Ark.), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), John F. Kerry (D-Mass.), Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), Thomas Carper (D-Del.), Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), and Barack Obama (D-Ill.). S. 1492 now awaits consideration by the full Senate.
The Broadband Data Improvement Act specifically would:
- Direct the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to decide whether the current 200 kilobit standard for broadband—which was adopted in 1999—should be revised. It also would require the FCC to revise its broadband reporting form to help identify which service tiers can be used by consumers to reliably receive high-definition video content.
- Direct the FCC to revise existing broadband reporting obligations to require providers to report the actual numbers of broadband connections either within a census tract, 9-digit postal zip code, or 5-digit postal zip code. Under the current system, if there is a single subscriber in a 5-digit zip code, it is assumed there is broadband availability to all within the 5-digit zip code.
- Direct the FCC to conduct inquiries into the deployment of advanced telecommunications services on an annual, rather than periodic, basis.
- Direct the Census Bureau to include a question in its American Community Survey that assesses levels of residential computer use and determines levels of dial-up versus broadband Internet subscribership.
- Direct the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to develop broadband measurements that may be used to provide consumers with broadband connection cost and capability information and improve the process of comparing the deployment and penetration of broadband in the United States with other countries.
- Direct the Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy to conduct a study evaluating the impact of broadband speed and price on small businesses.
- Authorize a 5-year, $40 million per year program that would provide matching grants to state non-profit, public-private partnerships in support of efforts to more accurately identify barriers to broadband adoption throughout the state.
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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 - |
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 - |
current Press Release |
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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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