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For Immediate Release
06/27/07
Contact: |
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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Senate Commerce Committee Reports Bills Promoting Travel to U.S., Protecting Consumers From Caller ID “Spoofing”
Reported Measures Also Increase Access to Information Technology, Establish Ocean Observation System |
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation reported four bills today, including the Travel Promotion Act of 2007, which promotes international travel to the United States through a non-profit Corporation for Travel Promotion, and the Truth in Caller ID Act of 2007, which makes it unlawful to knowingly transmit misleading caller ID information with the intent to defraud.
The Committee also reported the Max Cleland Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act, which enhances minority serving institutions’ ability to provide students with access to information technologies, and the Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act, which establishes a sustained national integrated coastal and ocean observing system. The Committee also approved two nominations for promotion in the U.S. Coast Guard.
“The travel and tourism industry is a driving force for our nation’s economy,” said Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii). “The Travel Promotion Act will attract visitors to America and improve our nation’s image abroad, all while bettering our nation’s economy.”
“This legislation will help increase the number of foreign tourists who visit the United States by creating a robust travel promotion campaign,” said Commerce Committee Vice Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska). “This bill is particularly important to my home State of Alaska, where the travel and tourism industry is the second largest private sector employer. More than 24,000 Alaskans hold tourism-related jobs, and the industry contributes more than $2 billion to our State’s economy each year.”
S. 1661, Travel Promotion Act of 2007
Introduced by Senator Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.), with the original cosponsorship of Chairman Inouye and Vice Chairman Stevens, the Travel Promotion Act of 2007 would establish a non-profit Corporation for Travel Promotion (Corporation) and establish the Office of Travel Promotion within the Department of Commerce headed by the Under Secretary for Travel Promotion, to promote international travel to the United States.
The Corporation would be comprised of a 15-member board consisting of representatives of states, the federal government, higher education, and the travel industry, who would use advertising, among other means, to encourage travel to all regions within the United States, and correct misperceptions overseas regarding U.S. travel policies. The bill would authorize the Corporation to borrow $10 million from the Treasury in 2008 to cover its initial expenses but require the Corporation to pay the funds back by 2012. Starting in 2009, the Corporation would be required to raise non-federal funds, including in-kind contributions. Based on the amount raised by the Corporation, up to $100 million in federal matching funds would be made available annually from the Travel Promotion Fund established in the Treasury. The Travel Promotion Fund would be financed by a $10 user fee, which would be imposed on international travelers to the U.S. under the visa waiver program. United States taxpayers will not bear the cost of supporting the Corporation.
The Under Secretary would serve as liaison to the Corporation, work with the Secretaries of Homeland Security and State Department to improve the entry and departure experience for international visitors, and promote travel into and within the country.
As amended, the bill also would direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a model port of entry program at the 20 airports with the highest number of foreign travelers arriving annually. The Secretary is further directed to hire 200 additional Customs and Border Protection officers to address staffing shortages at the 20 airports, subject to appropriations.
S. 704, Truth in Caller ID Act of 2007
Sponsored by Senator Bill Nelson (D-Fla.) and cosponsored by Vice Chairman Stevens and Senators Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Senator Claire McCaskill (D-Mo.), the Truth in Caller ID Act would make it unlawful for any person in the United States to knowingly transmit misleading or inaccurate caller ID information with the intent to defraud, cause harm, or wrongfully obtain anything of value. Law enforcement and judicial agencies would be exempt, along with instances deemed appropriate by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Violators would be assessed civil and criminal penalties of up to $10,000 per violation or $30,000 for a continuing violation, with a cap of $1 million for any single act or failure to act.
S. 1650, Max Cleland Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act
Sponsored by Senator John Kerry (D-Mass.) and cosponsored by Commerce Committee members including Senators Mark Pryor (D-Ark.) and Gordon Smith (R-Ore.), the Max Cleland Minority Serving Institution Digital and Wireless Technology Opportunity Act would enhance minority serving institutions’ ability to provide students with access to the technologies vital to learning in the digital economy.
The bill also would establish an Interagency Ocean Observing Committee (IOOC) to coordinate the program’s planning and implementation, and would provide the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) a leadership role in administering a merit-based funding process for participants in the program. Additionally, it would authorize NOAA to provide opportunities for competitive contracts and grants to design, develop, integrate, deploy, and support ocean observation system elements.
The bill would authorize a total of $150 million annually for NOAA for fiscal years 2008 through 2010, and $175 million for each of fiscal years 2011 and 2012, of which at least 50 percent will be allocated to the regional associations certified under the Act.
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27th - |
current Press Release |
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22nd - |
Vice Admiral Lautenbacher to Testify at NOAA Budget and Oversight Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard Subcommittee announced today that Vice Admiral Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Jr., U.S. Navy (Ret.), Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, will testify at the Oversight Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 Budget for the National Oceanic and Atmo...
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20th - |
Inouye, Stevens, and Dorgan Introduce Travel Promotion Act
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) joined Committee Vice Chairman Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) to cosponsor the Travel Promotion Act of 2007, introduced by Interstate Commerce, Trade, and Tourism Subcommittee Chairman Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.). The measure would create an independent body to manage and coordinate a nationwide travel promotions campaign, ...
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20th - |
Senate Commerce Committee Announces June 27 Markup
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces an Executive Session for Wednesday, June 27, 2007, at 2:30 p.m., in room 253 of the Russell Senate Office Building.
During the Executive Session, Committee members will markup the following agenda items:
1. S. 950, Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2007
2. S....
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19th - |
Witnesses Announced for Hearing on Energy Efficiency Technologies
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Science, Technology, and Innovation Subcommittee released today a witness list for the Energy Efficiency Technologies and Programs hearing. The witnesses are listed below.
Witnesses will discuss currently available technologies, and both state-sponsored and corporate programs that reduce total energy use and decrease greenhouse gas emissions.
Energy Efficiency ...
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19th - |
Commerce Committee Releases Witness List for Caller ID Spoofing Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation released today the witness list for the full Committee hearing on Caller ID Spoofing. The witnesses are listed below.
The hearing will examine legislation introduced by Senator Bill Nelson (D-Fla.), S. 704, the Truth in Caller ID Act of 2007. The Act seeks to protect consumers from deceptive practices invol...
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18th - |
Aviation Subcommittee Announces Witnesses for Foreign Repair Stations Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security Subcommittee released today a witnesses list for the hearing on Oversight of Foreign Aviation Repair Stations.
The Subcommittee will examine the growing aviation industry practice of outsourcing maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) work. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is responsible for and provides oversight...
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18th - |
Senate Commerce Committee Announces Caller ID Spoofing, Media Violence Hearings
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces two full Committee communications hearings on Caller ID Spoofing and Number Porting and the Impact of Media Violence on Children.
The Caller ID Spoofing and Number Porting hearing will focus on legislation introduced by Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL), S. 704, the Truth in Caller ID Act of 2007. The Act...
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13th - |
Inouye Introduces by Request Administration’s Offshore Aquaculture Act
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) and Vice Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) introduced today, by request of the Administration, the National Offshore Aquaculture Act. Chairman Inouye simultaneously introduced three amendments, and cosponsored a fourth amendment introduced by Vice Chairman Stevens, that bolster environmental safeguards and protect nativ...
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12th - |
Lautenberg Introduces Maritime Hazardous Cargo Security Act
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) joined Surface Transportation and Merchant Marine Infrastructure, Safety, and Security Subcommittee Chairman Frank R. Lautenberg (D-N.J.) to introduce today the Maritime Hazardous Cargo Security Act of 2007, which would improve the safety and security for shipping facilities and vessels handling hazardous materials.
&ldqu...
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12th - |
Aviation Subcommittee to Hold Oversight Hearing on Foreign Repair Stations
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces an Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security Subcommittee hearing on the Oversight of Foreign Aviation Repair Stations.
The Subcommittee will examine the growing aviation industry practice of outsourcing maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) work. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is r...
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12th - |
Oceans Subcommittee to Hold NOAA Budget and Oversight Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces an Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and Coast Guard Subcommittee Oversight Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2008 Budget for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a federal agency within the Department of Commerce, provides vital s...
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12th - |
Innovation Subcommittee to Explore Energy Technology Programs
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces a Science, Technology, and Innovation Subcommittee hearing on Energy Efficiency Technologies and Programs.
Members of the Subcommittee will consider currently available technologies, and both state-sponsored and corporate programs that reduce total energy use and decrease greenhouse gas emissions....
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11th - |
Commerce Committee Announces Witnesses for Hearing on 700 MHz Auction
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) released today a witness list for the full committee hearing on The 700 MHz Auction: Public Safety and Competition Issues.
Scheduled for Thursday, June, 14, 2007, at 10:00 a.m., in room 253 of the Russell Senate Office Building, the hearing will examine a variety of issues related to the auction of spectrum at the...
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8th - |
Commerce Committee Announces USF Hearing Witness List
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) released today a witness list for the full committee hearing on The Universal Service Fund: Assessing the Recommendations of the Federal-State Joint Board.
Scheduled for Tuesday, June, 12, 2007, at 10:00 a.m., in room 253 of the Russell Senate Office Building, the hearing will examine the Federal-State Joint Boar...
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7th - |
Senate Commerce Committee Works to Protect Nation’s Oceans, Coastline
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – In honor of Capitol Hill Ocean Week 2007, the Chairman, Vice Chairman, and several other members of Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation joined to introduce a group of bills today that provides for sustainable use and protection of our nation’s ocean and coastal areas. The bills include:
Hydrographic Services Improvement Act Amend...
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7th - |
Inouye and Stevens Sponsor Oceans Legislation
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) and Vice Chairman Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) today introduced several oceans bills that would strengthen hydrographic surveys, improve management of invasive species in ballast water, and protect coral reefs. Today marks the last day of the 2007 Capitol Hill Ocean Week.
“...
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6th - |
NASA IG Investigation Oversight Hearing Witnesses List Revised
- WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Space, Aeronautics, and Related Sciences and the House Committee on Science and Technology Subcommittee on Investigations and Oversight revised the witness list for the Joint Hearing on the Oversight Review of the Investigation of the NASA Inspector General scheduled for Thursday, June 7, 2007, at 2:00...
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4th - |
Inouye: Disappointed with Second Circuit Decision
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Commerce Committee Chairman Daniel K. Inouye (D-Hawaii) released the following statement today in response to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit decision overruling the Federal Communications Commission policy of prohibiting the use of expletives on broadcast television.
"It is disappointing that a divided Second Circuit panel chose to invalidate the...
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4th - |
Senate Commerce Committee Schedules USF, 700 MHz Action Hearings
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces two Full Committee communications hearings - Universal Service Fund: Assessing the Recommendations of the Federal-State Joint Board and The 700 MHz Auction: Public Safety and Competition Issues.
The Universal Service Fund: Assessing the Recommendations of the Federal-State Joint Board hearing is sc...
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4th - |
Commerce Committee Postpones U.S. Trade Relations with China Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation has postponed the Interstate Commerce, Trade, and Tourism Subcommittee hearing on U.S. Trade Relations with China originally scheduled for Thursday, June 12, 2007, at 2:30 p.m.
A rescheduled date and time will be forthcoming.
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