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For Immediate Release
03/13/07
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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9/11 Commission Bill Passes Senate
Three Key Security Provisions Developed by Commerce Committee |
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate today fulfilled its promise to the American people by passing legislation set to enact the recommendations of the 9/11 Commission. The legislation includes three bills authored and unanimously approved by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, relating to surface and rail transportation security, aviation security, and interoperable emergency communications.
“The provisions included in the Commerce Committee title reflect the Committee's relentless efforts to tackle emerging security and safety issues, not only in the transportation sector but also in emergency communications,” said Chairman Daniel K. Inouye. “Providing vital communications equipment for our first responders that is interoperable in emergencies and establishing a strategic reserve to restore communications in the immediate aftermath of a disaster are essential to protecting the physical and economic welfare of the American people.”
“Since September 11, we have made many improvements to our nation’s transportation security infrastructure and ensured communications interoperability. With the passage of S. 4, we are taking another step forward,” said Vice Chairman Ted Stevens. “I am aware of the criticisms surrounding this bill, and will work to improve it in conference. Our job is far from over. We must not become complacent – as our enemies adapt, so must we.”
The Surface Transportation and Rail Security (STARS) Act of 2007, S. 184, is included in Title XIII of the 9/11 Bill. It 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 the 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, also is included in that title with two amendments. This provision 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. One amendment increases the size of the national explosives detection and canine teams and the other requires the TSA to report on progress in developing a passenger pre-screening program.
The Commerce Committee title of the 9/11 Bill also includes the Interoperable Emergency Communications Act, S. 385. This provision 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.
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22nd - |
Commerce Committee to Host Clean Coal Technology Hearing
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce Science, and Transportation announces a Science, Technology, and Innovation Subcommittee Hearing on Clean Coal Technology for Thursday, April 26, 2007, at 10:00 a.m., in room 253 of the Russell Senate Office Building.
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19th - |
Jessica Rosenworcel Joins Senate Commerce Committee
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WASHINGTON, D.C. – Jessica Rosenworcel joined today the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation as a senior legal counsel working on communications and media issues.
Rosenworcel most recently served as senior legal advisor at the Federal Communications Commission to Commissioner Michael Copps, where she worked on media and broadcast issues. Previously, she served as c...
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13th - |
current Press Release |
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13th - |
Congressional E9-1-1 Caucus Releases Legislative Agenda for the 110th Congress
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WASHINGTON, D.C.
– Senator Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.), Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Representative Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.), and Representative John Shimkus (R-Ill.), the co-chairs of the Congressional E9-1-1 Caucus, have released a legislative agenda for the 110th Congress.
The agenda includes ambitious efforts to provide federal funding for public safety access points (PSAPs), ensurin...
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13th - |
Commerce Announces Four Hearings: CPSC Oversight, FAA Modernization, Sports Programming, FTC Oversight
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following hearings:
Consumer Affairs, Insurance, and Automotive Safety Subcommittee Oversight Hearing on the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) for Wednesday, March 21, 2007, at 10:30 a.m., in room 253 of the Russell Senate Office Building;
Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security...
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12th - |
Promoting Travel to America, Coast Guard Dive Program Upcoming Commerce Hearings
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation announces the following subcommittee hearings:
Interstate Commerce, Trade, and Tourism Subcommittee Hearing on Promoting Travel to America: An Examination of Economic and Safety Concerns, Part II for Tuesday, March 20, 2007, at 10:00 a.m., in room 253 of the Russell Senate Office Building, and
Oceans, ...
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6th - |
Senator Daniel K. Inouye Statement on CAFE
- The Corporate Average Fuel Economy Program, or CAFE, has proven to be an effective tool to decrease the consumption of fuel in the passenger fleet. The National Academy of Sciences found in its 2002 CAFE study that the CAFE program has significantly contributed to increased fuel economy of the nation’s passenger fleet since its inception in 1975. From the time CAFE was implemen...
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5th - |
Senator Daniel K. Inouye Statement on the Introduction of the America COMPETES Act
- Innovation and economic competitiveness have emerged as top priorities for this country. A number of reports have detailed the nation’s need to address our investment in education and science. The Augustine Commission’s “Rising Above the Gathering Storm” is often citied as the clarion call to action.
As Chairman of the Senate Committee on Com...
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2nd - |
Commerce Announces Energy Innovation Hearing
- WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce Science and Transportation announces a Science, Technology, and Innovation Subcommittee Hearing on Energy Innovation for Tuesday, March 20, 2007, at 2:30 p.m., in room 253 of the Russell Senate Office Building.
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Audio Clip | Video Clip
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